Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Day #1: Size Difference

“Italics” – Spoken Speech
“Italics” – Sign Language/Signed Speech

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There were some things that Link, even months after he’d retrieved most, if not all, of his lost memories, couldn’t quite grasp. There were the common things, such as all of the different titles that those who made their way into Zelda’s reestablished court insisted that he use. He was the wielder of the Sword of Evil’s Bane, the one who had reclaimed Hyrule from Calamity Ganon 100 years after the Malice-infused demon took over the realm, and those mere mortals insisted that he used titles to address them?

No, nope, no way was he doing that.

Zelda agreed with him, but unfortunately the majority of those who made up her court insisted on the reinstatement of such titles. Zelda confided in him that she much preferred the egalitarian way that the Goron governed their people, and was in the middle of drafting paperwork that would change the rules of governance.

Until then, Link decided that he would travel the land once more with his beloved horses in an effort to bring fresh blood to Zelda’s court, people who did not insist on being called by some ridiculous title.

One of his first stops was, of course, Zora’s Domain.

Upon leading his horse Epona down the curving mountainside guarding one of the main entryways to the Domain, Link noticed a red blur quickly making its way towards him. Bracing himself, Link threw Epona’s reins over her head and planted his feet firmly into the ground.

“Link! My friend! I am so happy to see you here once more!” The booming voice of the Domain’s prince heralded his arrival long before the red blur solidified itself into the large Zoran. Wrapping his arms around the lithe warrior (and completely rendering Link’s attempt at bracing himself useless), the large aquatic dweller swung the Hylian around a few times, prattering on about how glad he was Link had decided to visit.

After a moment, Link tapped Sidon’s bicep to get his attention and signed, “Can you put me down please? Otherwise, I can’t greet you properly.”

Grimacing at his lack of decorum, Sidon immediately did as Link requested and placed Link back on his feet. He then took a few steps backwards to give the warrior some room. “I am so sorry about that, my friend. It’s just been so long since you’ve visited m- er, us that I forgot my manners.”

Link shook his head and signed, “No worry. I am fine with your greeting.” He grinned and added another gesture that had the Zoran blushing lightly, “Besides, I like feeling small sometimes.”

“Link! You can’t say things like that! It’s not proper!”

Link shrugged and said, “Tough.” He grabbed Epona’s reins and turned back to Sidon, cocking an eyebrow and adding, “Now, will you walk with me?”

Sidon nodded, stepping beside Link and accompanying his friend across the bridge. They talked of inconsequential things, such as how Link’s travels were, how recovering his memories was going, how with Kodah and Kayden’s help Sidon had constructed a small, but dry, stable for Link to put his horses when he visited (as well as those of other Hylian visitors, but Link got the sense that Sidon wanted Link to use the stable more than other Hylians). Link briefly mentioned the disgust he felt at having to address people with titles when they had not earned them nor had helped end the Calamity but then swiftly changed the subject, taking great pleasure at teasing Sidon.

“How much bigger will you get?” Link signed after putting Epona’s saddle on the door to her stall, which was much, much larger than he had been expecting. Apparently, Sidon had had the stable constructed in case Link brought all five of his horses to visit at once, meaning that for one horse the building was quite massive.

Sidon blushed and, looking around quickly whispered, “Link, I am serious. That is not something that we Zora talk about in public.”

“So, if we talked alone, I could ask you?”

“That’s not what I meant!” Sidon crossed his arms, huffing petulantly. “Honestly, it’s like you’re choosing not to listen.” At Link’s arched eyebrow the prince groaned. “You are choosing not to listen, aren’t you?”

Link shrugged slinging Epona’s saddlebags over his shoulders and opening the stall door, causing Sidon to step backwards to let him out. “Meh.”

“Link, that’s not an answer.”

Link put the saddlebags on the ground to free his hands. Straightening up, he began signing, his face adding context to the words he spoke, “So what is so wrong about my question? Is it manners? Forbidden? Taboo? Or,” here Link paused and got an expression on his face that Sidon feared would lead to more embarrassment, “is it because you think I’m referring to something else besides height?” Link broke out into a fit of guffaws as Sidon’s cheeks flushed bright blue, eyes darting around him to ensure that no one else was around.

“Link, please stop laughing. What you are asking is something that is not talked about at all, much less in public!” Sidon’s pleading finally reached Link through his guffaws and the Hylian glanced up, his grin splitting his face almost in half.

“Ok.” Link’s answer had Sidon breathing more easily. Getting to his feet, Link continued, “Can we go get something to eat?”

“Ah yes! Of course, forgive me for not offering you refreshment first! I’m sure that the chefs have some leftovers from lunch they can spare to tide you over until dinner.” Sidon gave Link a thumbs up and scooped up the saddlebags Link had placed down moments before. “In light of your past visits, my father and I decided to make up a small wing of rooms for visitors who require more land than water. Suites have been set aside for both you and Queen Zelda for when you visit. Please follow me.”

As Sidon left the stable, Link pat Epona on the nose before jogging after his friend, having to move quickly to keep up with Sidon’s long stride. “So… since I’ll have an entire suite to myself, can I ask about your size again there?”

“Link!”

Chapter Text

Day #2: Cultural Mishaps

“Italics” – Spoken Speech
“Italics” – Sign Language/Signed Speech

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Later that day, Link found himself in the Domain’s Library, located on the basement level of the Domain and just above where the lower floors began. Though reading was not his forte, Link knew that if he and Zelda wished to have a more equal governing style, then some more information was necessary… even if that meant that Link had to spend time in a library.

“Link! There you are! Father wishes to speak to you- oh, what are you reading about?” Sidon’s voice interrupted Link’s thought process (he was totally ok with this, by the by), and the Hylian’s head snapped up and over to the entranceway where the crimson Zora stood.

Link beckoned the prince over, putting the tome he had been perusing on the table and grabbing some paper and a pen began to scribble the basis of what he was doing. As Sidon took a seat next to the lithe warrior, Link slid the paper over to the prince, watching as the prince read what had been written.

“Really? Queen Zelda wishes to switch to a different government?” At Link’s nod, Sidon looked askance at him. “Truly? She does not wish to continue as things were?”

“Things are… different, since she took the throne, and neither she or I like how things have become.” Link paused, trying to figure out how to express his feelings. “Things are not as they were, and we both feel that there are better ways of doing things.”

“That’s a very interesting viewpoint to have, my friend,” Sidon remarked crossing his arms and glancing at the ceiling. “If you both feel so strongly on this issue, then why the delay?”

“Zelda insists on research.” Link pouted and glared at the table. “Hate research.”

Sidon laughed, gaining the attention of the librarian who, upon seeing that the prince was the one making noise wasted no time in coming over to politely ask him to lower his voice. Sidon, abashed, lowered his head in silent agreement and shot a glare at Link who quickly lost the smirk he’d had on his face at the librarian’s words.

“I think you should take a break,” Sidon said a few moments later. “Let’s take the books you were reading back to your room before heading to the throne room.” At Link’s nod, the prince stood up and took the books that Link had gathered to take from him. Ignoring the affronted look, Sidon strode towards the librarian, who had returned to her desk at the front of the room.

“Deidra, the Champion and I will be taking these books out for the time being. Please make sure that anyone who comes looking for these titles knows this.” The librarian squinted at Link (who uncrossed his arms and waved cheerfully at the older Zora) and then at Sidon before nodding slowly in agreement.

“Very well, my Prince. Will that be all for you and your friend this afternoon?” Sidon’s eyes narrowed at the emphasis the librarian placed on the word “friend” but before he could say anything, Link pushed his way in front of Sidon and nodded.

“Yes, that is all.” Link quickly signed the papers shoved his way and nodded farewell to Deidra, who responded in kind before turning her attention to the prince, who had yet to move.

“Prince Sidon? Is there anything else?”

Sidon looked as if he was going to respond, but Link’s tapping on his arm took his attention instead. At Link’s gestures towards the library’s door, Sidon stiffly nodded and turned to follow the Hylian, but not before shooting a narrow-eyed look at the librarian.

After the two had deposited the stack of books in Link’s rooms, Sidon made as if to leave but Link stepped in front of him and crossed his arms.

“Stay.” Link’s eyes dared Sidon to move Link and leave the room, but the Zora merely blinked before sighing.

“What is it?”

“Why did you not let me carry my books out of the library? What was up with the librarian? Why were you glaring at her?”

“It was nothing, Link. I just wanted to help you, that’s all.” Sidon stared at Link a moment before turning his attention to one of the floor-to-ceiling windows that covered the eastern wall of Link’s room.

“Bullshit.” Link’s eyes glared at Sidon and his ire grew as the Zoran prince refused to look his friend in the eye. “Sidon.”

Sidon turned to look at Link and recoiled at the look in his friend’s eyes. “Link?”

“I may not remember as much from the past as I wish, but I do remember that in some cultures the dominant in a relationship will willingly take any and all burdens off a possible mate or submissive to show interest. Mipha herself told me that the Zora used to do things like you did to express interest in possible mates.” Sidon blanched at his friend’s words, and then flushed at the implications.

“Link, you misunderstand, I only wanted to help you!”

“Sidon, I am more than capable enough to carry a few books to my room.” Link saw Sidon open his mouth to refute Link’s words but the warrior put a hand up, silencing Sidon without verbalization.

“I agree that the librarian had no right to imply what she did, but she had every reason to believe that what she was seeing was what she was seeing. She’s probably Muzu’s age or older, right?” Sidon didn’t reply; Link continued, “If you wanted to help me carry the damn books, you should have asked or, hell, waited until we were walking towards my room. Instead, you took them from me without asking and now the entire Domain is going to think that there’s something going on that isn’t true!”

Link’s hands moved so quickly that even Sidon had trouble keeping up; what he did understand, however, caused an unusual feeling to bubble up inside of his chest.

“I cannot apologize enough for this misunderstanding, my precious friend,” Sidon began and upon seeing Link’s hands begin to form words moved quickly, grasping them with his own clawed limbs. “Please, let me finish.”

“I did not mean to imply to the librarian, or anyone else, that you were my lover or significant other or anything of the sort.” He paused, trying to gather his thoughts before continuing, “If I was interested in something with you, my darling Link, then I would have come right out and said it.”

“If?” Link asked interrupting Sidon as the latter looked as if he was going to start speaking again. “If?”

Sidon paused, tilting his head sideways as he looked at Link. “You chose to focus on if I considered you a possible mate? That is your focus?”

Link shrugged. Pulling his hands from Sidon’s, Link continued, “I focused on it because that is what drew my interest. You… you have considered me that way before?”

Sidon blinked rapidly, eyes widening as he deciphered Link’s words. Was he saying what Sidon thought he was saying?

“Link… are you saying that you have thought of me in a, er, more than friendly manner before?” This time, the slight dusting of pink on Link’s face gave away his feelings rather than his hands; Sidon felt that strange feeling again, only this time it was… happier?

“…Maybe.” Link’s whispered response had Sidon’s headtail start to wag slowly back and forth. The Hylian had his head bowed, bangs covering his eyes and hands fisted at his sides.

Was this really happening? How could this be happening? Now? Wait, what was he nervous about?! This was Link, his best friend outside the Domain, his precious friend, his confidant, his, er, his…

When neither said anything for a few moments, both began to think that perhaps they had each misunderstood what the other had said. They were interrupted by a series of knocks on Link’s door, and a muffled voice asking that they hurry to the throne room as the King wished to speak to them.

Sidon glanced at Link once more before deciding that he could do what he had to do, he wanted to do it, for Nayru’s sake! Moving quickly, Sidon took one of Link’s fists in his hands and carefully unfolded the fingers until they were flat. Then, lifting the hand to his face, Sidon pressed his forehead to the top of Link’s hand and sighed softly.

“Link, my most precious friend and confidant. I want there to be no misunderstandings when I ask you this: would you do the honor of allowing me to take you on an outing? To get to know one another better outside of the Domain and its cultural boundaries?” Sidon didn’t dare look up, not wanting to see the look of rejection he was sure Link was going to have because there was no way that the Hylian would want to do this, the fact that he had admitted to possibly having feelings for his friend notwithstanding.

Link cleared his suddenly dry-as-the-Gerudo-Desert throat and placed his free hand on Sidon’s face, drawing the prince’s attention upwards. Link studied the crimson Zoran for a moment, looking for something that would help him make his decision. Finally, after what seemed an eternity Link made his decision.

“Yes.”

Chapter Text

Day #3: Scars

“Italics” – Spoken Speech
“Italics” – Sign Language/Signed Speech

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Realistically, Sidon knew that his beloved Champion Link had scars. How could he not? After all, the man had survived a Guardian’s beam of destruction at almost point-blank range over 100 years before, rushed into battle with and somehow defeated the most powerful monsters that roamed Hyrule (aka Lynels, with the one on Ploymus Mountain holding the prize of being Link’s most killed one), scaled mountains as if he was a cloven-hooved goat, and got himself into so many other situations that Sidon had stopped bothering trying to keep track.

Of course, the first time Sidon had seen Link without his Champion’s Tunic or Zora Armor was an occasion to remember…

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After Link and Sidon had calmed the Divine Beast Vah Ruta and the Zora threw a celebration the likes of which hadn’t been seen in decades, the Hylian had retreated to the now empty Eastern Reservoir. Sidon, having spotted his new best friend sneaking out had quietly let Bazz know where he was going and followed.

Sidon had reached the reservoir after Link, having stopped by the kitchen briefly to grab some rice balls and a small jar of Courser Bee Honey. As he’d reached the top of the staircase connecting the reservoir and the Domain, Sidon had opened his mouth to call out a greeting to Link but no sound came. Sidon’s eyes had widened in horror and he’d dropped the jar of honey, the sound of breaking glass causing Link to spin around quickly, a battered Zora Sword clutched in his left hand.

“Sidon?” the one-worded question came a few moments after Link had realized that there was no danger, that the person whom he’d allowed (stupidly at that) to sneak up on him was just the Zoran Prince.

“What happened to you?” Sidon breathed in horror, eyes taking in the numerous, upraised scars criss-crossing the Hylian’s body. Many of them were faded enough that they were almost unnoticeable, but Zoras’ eyes were much more powerful than those of the Hylian race. To Sidon, each scar on Link’s body was clearly visible and pronounced, though not all of them were as faded as others.

To Sidon, however, the most concerning scar hadn’t been any of the ones Link must have earned in recent battles. No, the scar that had had Sidon the most worried was what appeared to be a large starburst-shaped one that spread from the middle of his left pectoral over his shoulder. The scar was most definitely faded, and more recent scars slithered across Link’s body, but all Sidon had focused on was that specific one.

Link had blinked a few times then glanced down at his body, taking in what Sidon had possibly seen. He obviously didn’t see what Sidon had seen because he had looked up and cocked his head sideways, silently asking for clarification.

“Your, your body,” Sidon had begun, taking a deep breath to try to calm himself. “You have so many scars, my precious friend. What happened?”

Link shrugged, placing the Zora Sword onto the ground and sitting down next to it, bringing his hands up to answer. “Not sure about all of them. Lots of them were there when I woke up, some are from battling monsters, some from battling in Vah Ruta.”

“You mean, you got hurt defending the Domain from Vah Ruta? And you didn’t think to tell us?”

“It all turned out fine, Sidon. I’m ok.”

“Not when you’re covered in so many scars that it looks like that’s all your body is made up of!”

“While I am happy that you care,” Link had begun, eyebrow furrowed, “I am perfectly fine.”

“Link. My friend. Why didn’t you come to me after you exited Vah Ruta? I could have taken you to the Healers for a check-up, to get you looked at, to make sure that nothing terrible had happened!”

“Sidon. Enough. Healers wouldn’t have been able to help me, plus I had potions and elixirs that I brought with me to help.” Link’s eyes had narrowed at Sidon daring him to say anything that implied that Link himself hadn’t done enough to keep himself healthy.

“Link,” Sidon had sighed moving until he had knelt in front of the warrior. “I know that you are a fierce warrior who can take care of himself, but I can’t stand the thought of you having been hurt enough to have earned all of these scars, enough that even typical healing methods or pastes can do nothing to remove them.”

“I don’t know where they all came from!” Link had protested eyes looking at Sidon. “If you’re implying that I hurt myself-”

“No! No, Goddess no, Link! I would never think that of you!” Sidon’s eyes had communicated his distress; Link had eventually relaxed.

“I just,” Sidon had paused, “I just don’t like knowing that you have been so hurt before that it left you with numerous reminders.”

“It’s not like I can remember what caused all of these things.” Link had shrugged looking very insouciant. “Besides. I see them differently. They’re like… medals, I guess. They are reminders that even though I don’t know where they’re from, I survived. I’m here.”

Sidon had pondered Link’s words for a few moments before nodding. “I see what you mean, my friend." He paused then continued. "This may sound a bit…forward, but since you view the scars as medals or remembrances of sorts, would you mind me telling me more about the ones that you know?”

“Sure!”

Chapter Text

Day #4: Dreams
"Italics" – Spoken Speech
"Italics" – Sign Language/Signed Speech

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Dreams were usually a pleasant effect of being able to reach deep REM sleep. Or, at least that was what Link had learned from Zelda after many, many different experiments with the now-Queen.

He also learned that dreams were desires or experiences that someone wanted to have happen to them; or, in his own personal case, remember what exactly had happened to him in the past that led to him pulling the Master Sword from its pedestal and becoming Zelda's Knight and Champion.
Link had come to learn that dreams meant many different things to many different people, and that he could respect everyone's dream (except that one person who dreamed of running across Hyrule from one corner to the other in a day; that was a stupid dream).

Then, there was Sidon.

It had taken Link some time to figure out that, as calm and content as he seemed, Sidon did have dreams of his own. Dreams that involved his family being reunited (damn, there goes that guilt he has over not saving Mipha all those years ago), of the Calamity never happening (…damn guilt again…), of wanting to see the Zora thrive again and travel outside the Domain as they had before, and even traveling further away from the Domain than Lurelin Village or Lake Hylia.

The one dream that Link never knew Sidon dreamt of remained unknown to the Hylian until after he had gathered new, more humble candidates for Zelda's court and information on how exactly the Goron governed their society from Yunobo. This dream that Sidon had, it was one that threw Link for a loop, one that had his mouth hanging open in shock, one that had him internally panicking and hyperventilating about it to Zelda the next time he returned to the rebuilt Hyrule Castle and could talk alone.

Sidon wanted to have a family. With him. Him. HIM. The Champion of Hyrule (read: the only Champion from 100 years ago to survive against Calamity Ganon and come back for more), the one who wielded the Sword of Evil's Bane against the monstrous evil that had driven Hyrule into an almost withdrawn state, so different from what little Link remembered of the time before Ganon emerged. The man who took great pleasure in jumping into danger without thinking to save others in danger. The man who had scars covering his body, the man who still suffered from PTSD, the man who could not verbally talk for more than 1 to 3 minutes at a time (and even then, that was extremely rare and happened almost entirely with Sidon and Zelda).

The man who could (and had) hunted his own dinner night after night rather than impose on the kitchens of whomever he was staying with, despite being told that he had no need to collect his own meals. The man who was unable to stay in one place for longer than a few months at any time, the man who vowed to rid all of Hyrule of monsters and remnants of Malice.
Sidon wanted to have a family with him.

"Zelda, I can't do it. I mean, I'm barely holding on to myself right now, and it's only a relationship between the two of us!" Link's protests had fallen on sympathetic ears, as Zelda knew all too well Link's fears about the future, how what had happened in the past would affect the future.

"Link, I'm sure if you explained all this to Sidon he'd understand." Zelda's measured response had calmed Link down. A little. "He's not going to brush off your concerns, you know. He worries more about you than you do!"

"Not funny." Link had glared at Zelda before turning his attention to his hands, both of which began to fidget. "I, I don't think I can do it."

"Link. I think you're assuming too much." Zelda had reached out and taken Link's hands, stopping their fidgeting and directing Link's attention to her. "I want you to talk this over with Sidon. Before you make any decisions, you have to talk to him. You two are a couple, a couple who needs to communicate with each other and not withhold things from the other. Please, Link. Please promise me that you'll talk to Sidon."

Link had looked away for a moment before looking back at Zelda and nodding.
That had been 3 weeks ago. Now, Link found himself standing outside of Sidon's and his room in the Family Wing of the palace. A few months after Sidon and Link had gotten together, Sidon had bashfully asked the warrior if he'd move into his room with him, so that they could spend more time together. Link hadn't taken long to think about his answer and agreed.

Now he was.

Link raised his hand to knock then lowered it. Why was he hesitating? What was he afraid of, exactly? Link knew what he was afraid of: if he spoke his true feelings on the matter, Sidon would decide he wasn't worth it and leave. Or make Link leave. Or something.

Link wasn't sure he could handle Sidon deciding he wasn't worth anything and leaving. He wasn't sure he could handle it.

Finally, Link knocked on the door and waited a moment before hearing Sidon call for whomever was at the door to enter. Taking a deep breath, Link opened the door and entered, seeing his crimson Zora at his rather large desk, head bowed over a large stack of documents.

"Sidon?" The Zora's head snapped up and his amber eyes flashed over to the door.

"Link! Beloved! You have returned!" Sidon, moving quite quickly for someone of his height scooped up Link and hugged him tightly, resting his crest against Link's forehead in the equivalent of a welcoming kiss. Link closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around Sidon's neck, returning the greeting and burying his head into Sidon's neck, inhaling the smell that was distinctly Sidon.

"Link? Is everything ok?"

Link nods, then shakes his head. Sidon gently put Link down on the floor and knelt in front of him so that he was closer to Link's height. "Link? Please talk to me."

Link inhaled deeply before bringing his hands up. "I, uh, thought about what we talked about the last time I was here."

Sidon tilted his head, thinking for a moment before remembering. "Yes! Oh, I am so happy that you've been able to find time to think about what we talked of, Beloved! It makes my heart soar!"

Sidon's overly dramatic words put a small smile on Link's face before the Hylian refocused on talking to Sidon. "Sidon."

"Yes?"

"Sidon, I thought about what you proposed and, and well, I'm, I'm not sure-"

"Not sure? Not sure of what?" Sidon's eyes reflected the worry that Link felt bubbling inside of him.

"Not sure of, of fulfilling your dream."

"My dream?" Sidon's eyes narrowed and he tilted his head once more, trying to figure out what Link was saying. His eyes widened a moment later. "Link, you don't mean-"

"I'm not sure I can fulfill your dream of being a family." He paused then continued, "I mean, look at me! I'm a mess, I'm a person who can't stay still forever, I can't help but get into fights with whatever monsters are out there, I'm not someone who loves easily, and-"

"Link, slow down Love," Sidon soothed pressing a hand to Link's cheek, breathing out a sigh of relief as Link paused and tilted his head into Sidon's large palm, eyes closing. "Link, calm down. You are in danger of a panic attack."

"Yet another reason," Link muttered eyes still closed. "Sidon. I don't think I can do it."

"Link. I understand you might be scared-"

"Sidon. I am scared. Worried." Link's voice broke at the last word and he bit his lip. Sidon's face faltered at the sight of faint tears making their way down his lover's face.

"Link…" Sidon placed his other hand onto Link's face, surrounding the Hylian with his large, crimson palms. "Love, please open your eyes." It took a few moments, but Sidon was patient. Once Link opened his eyes, Sidon drew the Hylian closer and hugged him gently, running his claws through Link's hair, deftly pulling out the hero's hairband at the same time.

"Link, it's ok to feel this way," Sidon crooned lowering his voice. "I'm scared too. I love you, and I want to be with you, but as heir to the Domain I need my own heir at some point."

"But, but I can't have kids." Link's whispered words had Sidon tightening his hold.

"Link, there are other ways for us to be a family than what you are thinking." Sidon pulled away and looked at Link's face, now a bit blotchy from the Hylian's tears. "When you are ready – and yes, it will be when you are ready, not just me because you are part of my family, you are mine and whatever happens to me happens to you as well – then we will talk about how we can expand our family."

Link looked at Sidon, searching the Zoran's eyes to see if he was telling the truth, if everything that Sidon said was genuine and not just words to make him feel better (Link had had enough of hearing words like those, thank you very much).

"Sidon, thank you," Link breathed before taking a step back to bring his hands up. "You are an amazing person; someone I am glad to call mine. All I can do is promise you this: if I want to talk about this dream again, if I change my mind about something with it, I will talk to you about it."

Sidon grinned showing off his teeth and Link returned the smile, albeit his was a bit watery. "That's all I want, Link."

Chapter Text

Day #5: Winter in the Domain

“Italics” – Spoken Speech
“Italics” – Sign Language/Signed Speech

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Months passed, and Link splits his time as evenly as he can between his duties as Zelda’s (now firmly on her way to changing the Hyrulian government from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one where she’ll be mostly a figurehead and a collection of people from all over the kingdom will be in charge of the governing) Protector, Champion Prime (aka the oldest Champion and therefore in charge of training the New Champions) and the boyfriend of the Prince of the Zora.

Link still kept his house in Hateno, though he found himself visiting the village less and less as he spent more of his free time in Zora’s Domain with Sidon, helping the Zora with minor tasks, talking with Dorephan and occasionally Muzu about events from the past, learning more about his childhood, a third of which had been, oddly enough, spent in the Domain learning alongside Mipha and a very young Sidon. Link’s memories were still fuzzy, but the more time that Link spent in the Domain and the more interactions he had with people he’d known before the Calamity’s reemergence, the more he felt as if his past self was merging with his current self.

He wasn’t sure he liked this all that much, especially considering that it seemed like his past self didn’t have a very high tolerance for cold, which translated to his usually higher-than-normal body temperature lowering itself to what Zelda had reassured him was the normal temperature for Hylians.

Link didn’t agree.

“It’s freezing here.” Link’s voice whispered, so soft that his boyfriend had to learn closer to hear him. “Too cold.”

“Beloved, if you’re cold, why aren’t you wearing some of your heavier clothes? Such as that outfit from Rito Village I’ve seen you wear on occasion?” Sidon’s head was tilted at an angle, eyes narrowed in thought. Link loved seeing Sidon in what he had come to term as his “pensive pose”.

Link shrugged signing something with his hands quickly before moving to tuck them back underneath his arms to try to warm them up.

Sidon sighed in reply, turning his attention to the gathering of Zora in front of him. His father was holding his weekly court session where Zora could come and talk to the King about their concerns, suggestions, lodge complaints or ask for official rulings on matters that were unable to be decided in any other manner. Sidon had been sitting in on the sessions for many years now, considering that he was heir to the Domain and Dorephan and Mipha’s legacies, but this was one of the few times that Link was present in the Domain to attend one alongside him.

Sidon had attempted to get his lover to remain in their chambers where it was bound to be warmer (and considering that the throne room was more open to the elements than Sidon and Link’s room that warmth was practically guaranteed), but Link had been bound and determined to attend the session with Sidon.

“If I’m sticking around for the long haul,” Link had begun and oh how Sidon had loved hearing the confidence that rang through Link’s words, the fact that he was considering their relationship in terms of years rather than months, “then I have to get used to this. Even if that means having to sit next to you and do nothing for a few hours.”

Shaking his head to bring himself back to the present, Sidon shot a look at his father and, to his surprise, saw Dorephan staring back at him. Dorephan glanced at Link (who was still shivering and refusing to say or do anything, if the thin line where a smile or smirk usually rested was any sign) then at Sidon, the look quite clear to the younger Zora: ‘Take Link out of here and get him warmed up. I’ll handle things here.’

Sidon nodded and prepared himself to try to slip out of the throne room when Dorephan raised his hand, silencing Cleff who had been reporting on the Marot Mart’s sales for the month.

“Let us pause to take a quick lunch before we continue this session. I find myself a tad famished.” As murmurs of agreement sounded throughout the throne room, Dorephan sent a wink Sidon’s way and the prince grinned in return. Turning to Link Sidon offered him his hand.

“Come, let us find something to eat.” Link took the proffered hand and held his lover’s hand as the duo slipped out one of the back entranceways behind Dorephan’s massive throne, heading towards their chambers. After a few minutes of walking, they reached the arched doorway to their room and Sidon opened the door, letting Link in first before he himself entered and shut the door behind them.

Link sighed as he closed his eyes and felt the warmth and saw the steam emanating from a small-ish pool of water nestled a few feet away from Sidon’s own sleeping pool. Moving towards the pool, Link quickly took off his boots and dipped his feet into the water, sighing at the heat slowly making its way into his body.

“Better love?” Sidon asked grinning at the look Link shot him. Apparently, Link was thankful for the warm water but didn’t want to say anything. If he did, Sidon knew that to Link it would be akin to admitting that he’d been wrong in trying to stay for the whole session while remaining cold.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” Link’s sarcasm was quite active and Sidon grinned further. “How do you remain warm here in the winter? I mean, I’d have thought that with you guys being so close to the water and, well, kinda fish-like that extreme cold like now would affect you.”

Sidon sat down beside Link, making sure not to put his body close enough to the water to get his body wet. The hot water in the pool was most definitely not to his liking; it was too damn hot.

“Well, Link, it is hard to explain, exactly.” Sidon began reaching out to run a hand through the end of Link’s ponytail, which had grown in length to reach just below his shoulders. “In our long history, there have been times where we Zora have not been able to survive cold seasons and have had to move closer to natural hot springs or volcanic areas. Those times have been few and far between, luckily, for us Zora are not well-adapted to surviving in areas that are hot year-round.”

Link nodded to show that he was following along and Sidon grinned.

“And?” Link prompted, wanting to know more.

“Well, those times where we did move to warmer areas only occurred when the water temperature approached freezing, or when the chances of the Domain freezing over entirely are too high to risk. If any Zora was to become frozen in water, and remain that way for too long, the risk of that individual passing away reaches almost 80%. One time, many years before we Zora had moved into an area more publicly accessible to the other races, a small group refused to migrate with the majority of the Zora to warmer climates for the winter season. When we returned a few months later, we found that same group of Zora frozen solid in large blocks of ice, faces frozen into a facsimile of horror, as if they realized too late what they had done to themselves.”

Sidon’s voice broke. “That story is one that every tadpole and youngling is taught as soon as they are able to spend time on land. It is a fate that we Zora do not wish on anyone.”

“And?” Link asked moving closer to his boyfriend, wanting to provide Sidon comfort. He looked up and tilted his head, continuing, “How are you not cold?”

Sidon smiled some of the sadness fading from his eyes as Link reminded him of the original line of questioning that he had been attempting to answer.

“We Zora are very close to fish, this is true, but we also hold ties to reptiles who have been known to adapt to changing weather patterns without much issue. Therefore, when it comes to colder weather, we Zora are better able to adapt to the environmental changes around us versus other races. However,” and here Sidon appeared sheepish, “although we are better able to survive in the cold, hotter weather is much harder for us to live with versus colder weather.”

“So,” Link mused after a moment eyes lighting up, “you are a fish.”

“Yes…” Sidon began eyes narrowing in thought. What was Link getting at, exactly?

“A giant fish, you are,” Link repeated this time signing to better talk, “A giant fish like the Hyrule Bass I catch and eat on my travels. Since you are a giant fish, does that mean that I’m dating a giant fish?”

Sidon groaned putting his head into his hands and shooting a glare at Link, who looked completely unapologetic. “Link. Why must you tease me so?”

“It’s amusing,” Link answered shrugging. He grinned again before adding, “Besides, I don’t mind getting teased in return, especially if we are going to remain here for quite some time.” Link lifted an eyebrow and grinned as Sidon’s eyes narrowed, his black pupils expanding slightly as his mind began to… wander.

Sidon shook his head to clear it before smirking at his lover, eyes roving up and down Link’s body. “Are you still cold then, Link?”

Link stretched his arms up above his head, moving to loosen knots he had gotten in his shoulders from attempting not to shiver during the session that morning. He winked at Sidon and lowered his arms, placing them demurely in his lap.

“I am,” Link answered glancing from underneath half-closed eyes at Sidon, who grinned before swooping in and grabbing Link around his waist, bringing the Hylian into his arms.

“Then let me show you one way to remain warm here in the Domain during winter,” Sidon whispered, voice almost a growl at the sight of Link, looking so small and fragile in his arms. At Link’s eager nod, Sidon grinned canines sharp and proceeded to warm his partner up for the rest of the day.

Chapter Text

Day #6: Duty/Expectations

“Italics” – Spoken Speech
“Italics” – Sign Language/Signed Speech

_______________________
5 years have now passed since Link had defeated Calamity Ganon, and Hyrule was well on its way to regaining its glory from the past. Hyrule Castle had been rebuilt, as had Castle Town, and with excellent relations between all races, residents from each corner of Hyrule had migrated to sharing space with each other quite easily. Of course, no men could live in Gerudo Town still, and many Sheikah preferred not to leave Kakariko Village, but those were all personal or cultural preferences. For the most part, denizens had easily mingled, creating mixed towns and villages throughout the land.

For Link, this meant having to come to the realization that his place in the world was, once again, changing and he wasn’t sure he liked it.

“Link, I know that you aren’t comfortable with this-” Zelda began but stopped at Link’s motion, rolling her eyes as he began signing. “Honestly, I’m quite fine. You’ve trained me as much as you’ve been able to in just about every weapon you can think of or that I’m able to lift, as well as helping me enchant every piece of clothing I have to the max to provide me with optimum protection.”

“But what if-”

“No, Link. It’s my turn to speak,” Zelda interrupted. Link crossed his arms and huffed, not happy.

“Link. You are my dearest friend, and you have no idea how much your support and help has meant to me over the years, then and now. You’ve trained my personal guard, even personally interviewed them, and practically trained the entire Hyrulian army! You’ve done more than enough for me. It’s time for you to do something for yourself.”

“Zelda, it’s my duty! Your father-” Link tried again, huffing as he was once again interrupted.

“I don’t really care what my father thought about the matter, Link. He’s been dead and gone.” She paused, and Link knows it’s because although she’s come to terms with how he’d treated her, she still loved him as a daughter would a father to some extent.

“Whatever he said is null and void, especially in today’s Hyrule. I am not the sole ruler of Hyrule anymore. With your help, we were able to change an absolute monarchy into a constitutional one, a type of government that the majority of the people seem to prefer. As long as they are happy, I am happy. And for me to be happy, I need you to be happy, Link.”

“But I am,” Link responded softly, ducking his head.

“Are you really, though? You forget, Link, that I’ve known you many years, and when you were battling Calamity Ganon and his forces, I had access to your thoughts. I saw how unhappy you became the more you recovered your memories and believed that once the battle was won, you’d be forever a knight under me.” Zelda’s tone wavered, growing slightly softer as she continued.

“I just want you to have the happiness you’ve been denied many times before.” She looked up at her best friend, adding, “Is that too much to ask?”

“No,” Link began slowly before switching over to his preferred method of communication. “But I have a duty to you, one that the people will expect me to continue. How can they be happy if I am not performing my job?”

“Link!” Zelda, exasperated, looked to be on the verge of smacking Link, if the slightly crazed look in her eyes was any indication. “I am serious. Your duty to me is done. You have gone above and beyond anything anyone could have expected of you, and you continued in your duties long past the time when you should have been allowed to go your own way.” She held up a hand to prevent Link from interjecting; she continued instead.

“Link. I want you to think, very carefully, about what you want now. Take some time then tell me.”

“But-”

“Do I have to make it an order?” Link shook his head and moved to take a seat in front of Zelda’s desk in her personal library, much expanded from its previous incarnation and more comfortable (as well as not being wedged up in a small turret). He put his hands over his face and thought.

He was happy here in his job. He protected Zelda from any dangers coming their way; he had for as long as he remembered, past and present. He had fought to save her from Calamity Ganon for Faore’s sake! Even as a semi-amnesiac warrior, he had known his duty was to save someone, to save her.

Now that he’d done that, Link had expected that he’d spend the rest of his life with Zelda, protecting her from any dangers, just as his ancestors had done (or, well, tried to do. Apparently, many of them had died quite young or had failed in their tasks at some point). He trained the army, interviewed potential staff and protective detail for Zelda and the other high government officials, ran patrol schedules, taught newer monster hunters the tricks he’d picked up while roaming the land… all of what he’d done had been what had been expected of him as a Knight, a Champion of Hyrule.

Now, now Zelda wanted to know what he wanted to do. Did he have any duties to himself? To others?

Unbidden, the image of flashing gold eyes, crimson scales and a broad, pointed smile swam to the front of his mind. The feel of strong hands helping him learn how to use the Zora Armor to its full potential, the droves of compliments sent his way for helping his people accomplish their goals, the numerous times he’d warped to the Ne’ez Yohma shrine just to see his face light up at his appearance…

Ok, so maybe there was something he wanted.

Link knew Zelda was watching him; he wasn’t oblivious enough not to feel her sharp green eyes on him. He was also pretty sure that she knew what he was going to say. Or something close to it anyway.

Link exhaled once before looking up at his best friend, bringing his hands up to speak to her. “Fine. You win. There is something else I want to do, but if I do it, then I’m afraid I’m abandoning you.”

“Link, we’ve been over this. You’re more than fulfilled your duties to me and Hyrule.” Zelda moved to lean on her desk, taking one of Link’s hands in hers. “You need to be free to find your own personal duty. Besides,” here Zelda’s eyes twinkled and Link held back a grimace because Faore damn it he knew she knew what he was thinking about… or rather whom.

“Besides, I hear that a certain Prince is expecting you to return soon.” Link felt his face flush and hoped that his entire face wasn’t bright red. “After all, as the soon-to-be-betrothed of the Zora Prince, you are expected to be in the Domain more often than not.”

“Rumor.” Link’s quick denial of Zelda’s last statement had the laughing. “Not true.”

“Which part? The part where Sidon’s expecting you any day now? Or the fact that you two are practically engaged already, but are just missing the traditional jewelry?”

“Zelda, enough!” Even while signing, Link still managed to sound like he was whining, which sent Zelda into another, smaller, laughing fit.

After a few moments, during which Zelda finally calmed down, Link hesitatingly began to speak. “If I agree to leave, you will be safe? And if you need help you will get me as soon as possible?”

Zelda’s face became serious, sensing how much rested on her answer, how much of Link’s future rested on her answer. She nodded, now taking both of Link’s hands into hers.

“I promise in the name of the three Goddesses Nayru, Din and Faore that if something happens where the protective detail and guard you’ve trained are not enough, I will get ahold of you as soon as possible. I will be safe.”

Link didn’t answer for a moment before nodding slowly, looking at Zelda solemnly. “Ok.”

_______________________
A few days later, Link finished stabling Epona in the stable near the Inn and grabbed the saddlebags, a well-worn knapsack and his Sheikah Slate, attaching the latter to his belt. Petting Epona’s velvet-soft nose, Link took a deep breath and walked out of the Inn, making his way towards the Throne Room, where he was sure Dorephan and Sidon were presiding over court.

Why was he nervous? He knew that he was welcomed here, knew that he was the boyfriend of the Prince, the ex-fiancé of the former Princess Mipha (and hadn’t that been awkward when he’d remembered that detail when he and Sidon had just begun dating/serious courting/whatever the Zoran elders chose to call it) and a favorite of the Zora people. For Din’s sake the Zora younglings repeatedly begged him to play with him or hunt for frogs with them or even just play hide-and-seek!

Despite knowing all of this, Link could still feel nervous, could feel his anxiety rising. Stopping in front of Mipha’s statue Link looked up at the serene statue of the female Zora, taking a moment to admire the perfect – though silent – imitation of the original Zora Champion.

“I’ll fulfill any duties Sidon needs me to do,” Link whispered quietly eyes taking in the form in front of him. “To the best of my abilities.”

“Master Link!” came a call and Link turned his attention to the top of a nearby stairwell, spotting one of his best friends (past and present) Bazz. “We’ve been hoping you’d return soon! Prince Sidon has been missing you horribly, as have we all!”

Link felt his cheeks begin to burn. This always happened: every time he returned to Zora’s Domain, he was greeted enthusiastically by whomever he saw. Each and every Zora (with some exceptions, but those were the same no matter where he traveled) had almost entirely positive things to say about him, always offering to help him with something to repay his kindness to them over the years.

“Hey Bazz,” Link motioned rearranging his bags and moving to climb the staircase. As he made his way towards the top, he noticed that Bazz’s Silverscale Spear seemed fancier than normal. Had he been promoted since Link had been away?

“I can have someone take your bags if you want to go on into the Throne Room; they’re just about to finish for the day,” Bazz offered then he smiled. “Or, I’m sure that you have something else in mind?”

Link shook his head, smiling. “The latter, I suppose. Never could get anything past you, could I Bazz?”

“Not at all Master Link!” Bazz then saluted and waved Link off towards the Family Wing of the palace. Link waved back and trotted down the hallway, much preferring this method of seeing Sidon again rather than doing it in the Throne Room in front of so many other people.

“Bazz is a genius,” Link muttered wondering why in Hyrule he’d not thought of waiting for Sidon in their room before Bazz’d suggested it? It was a brilliant plan, and most definitely one he preferred… and one he was sure Sidon would appreciate too.

Link quickly made his way to Sidon’s and his room, entering and shutting the door behind him. After placing his bags near a set of shelves that Sidon had declared to be Link’s a year or so earlier, Link went and sat on the large bed that Sidon had had commissioned for the room.

“Home.” Link’s eyes fluttered shut as his body sank into the mattress, enjoying the softness and comfort afforded him by the bed. Before he knew it, Link fell asleep.

What seemed hours later, Link awoke to the door opening (the creaks needed oiling; he’d get to that as soon as possible) and his eyes snapped open. Sitting up, Link directed his attention to the door and grinned as he saw the back of his boyfriend, who seemed to be struggling with a rather large armful of papers and scrolls.

“Need help?” Link asked sitting up and crossing his legs so as to be in a more comfortable position. Sidon’s full body jump and muttered Zoran swear have Link chuckling, loud enough that the crimson Zora spun around and stopped, eyes widening.

“Link?” At Link’s nod, Sidon’s smile widened until it practically overtook his face. Dropping the papers and scrolls, Sidon strode over and cupped Link’s face, pressing his forehead against Link’s, staying there for a few minutes. Link breathed in deeply, inhaling the smell that was purely Sidon and moved to press a close-mouthed kiss to his boyfriend’s mouth.

After some time, Sidon moved his head back some so that he and Link could examine each other. Sidon’s palms didn’t leave their spots on either side of Link’s head, but the Hylian could feel the twitching in them, signaling their owner’s desire to run clawed fingers through dark blond hair, to trace symbols onto a bare chest, to trace a spot where a mating bite could go…

And all of a sudden, Link realized that what Zelda had all but physically pounded into his head was absolutely true. He had done his duty, had fulfilled his expectations; had done all of that years, even ages ago. Despite the lingering feelings that he had more to do, more duties to fulfill in Hyrule as Zelda’s Champion, Link didn’t want that anymore.

Link wanted the chance to do what he wanted, accomplish goals he himself set, take care of what duties he assigned himself in his own time and in his own way without feeling watched all the time.

“How long are you here for this time, Beloved?” Sidon breathed, eyes looking at Link carefully, looking for any signs as to the length of the Hylian’s visit. To Link, however, all he saw in Sidon’s eyes were adoration, love, hope for a future that involved Link in whatever form he could have him, even if that meant sharing him with everyone else.

Link had never quite realized just how much Sidon was willing to give up to ensure that Link fulfilled the expectations placed upon him in his role as Champion. If there was one thing Sidon was not, it was selfish, and for him to be willing to give Link up whenever needed to serve the greater goal of Hyrule, well, it made Link’s heart jump in his chest and the love he felt for this beautiful, crimson giant of a Zora swell even more.

Link placed his own hands on Sidon’s face, drawing the Zora closer until he was close enough for Link to press another kiss to Sidon’s mouth. This time, however, Link prodded gently at Sidon’s closed mouth, wanting to taste the man in front of him. Sidon’s mouth remained in a tight line at first, not budging, but after a few more minutes of prodding finally gave in. Twining his tongue with Link’s, Sidon’s deep moan had Link’s eyes fluttering closed as his grip on Sidon tightened even more. Link moved backwards on the bed as best he was able while drawing a giant Zora with him; getting the message, Sidon moved with his lover until the two men lay facing each other.

Breaking apart to breathe, Link grinned softly and nuzzled Sidon with his nose, the equivalent of a peck on the cheek for 2 Hylians. Pulling back, Link looked at Sidon and answered, “Forever, if you’ll have me.”

Sidon blinked, not understanding at first. “What do you mean?” There was no way that Link was telling the truth; he was too important to be let go.

Link’s grin turned soft as he moved closer and repeated, “I don’t have to go back to Zelda unless I am the only person left to do a job, the only defender left for the kingdom. I am free of those expectations I’ve been under for years. I need to be happy, Sidon, and I feel happiest here, with you and your people.” He took a breath, steadying himself for what else he was going to say.

“I’m ready to be here for longer than a few weeks, a few months. I am ready to be yours, forever, to help you fulfill your duties as Prince of the Zora. But if you don’t want me-” Sidon interrupted by bringing Link into a tight hug, resting his head on Link’s and letting his tears drip down his face unabashed.

“You mean it? You want to be here, with me, as my lover, my husband, my partner, my everything?”

Link nodded pressing a kiss to the underside of Sidon’s chin. “Yes.”

Chapter Text

Day #7: Voice

“Italics” – Spoken Speech
“Italics” – Sign Language/Signed Speech

_______________________
For as long as Link could remember (and at times he felt like that wasn’t much at all), he hadn’t liked speaking out loud. Sure, he did it more when he first pulled the Master Sword from its Pedestal, when he was first appointed Champion and Protector of Princess Zelda (or, he thought he’d spoken more before he’d been put to sleep for so damn long), but he also did a fair bit of signing.

He felt more comfortable talking with his hands, then and now. Although he didn’t remember why he’d begun signing more than speaking vocally, he had some ideas.

Perhaps he signed more in order to play dumb when people asked him a question and he didn’t respond verbally. Link could see himself having done that in the past, especially if he felt as bored at political meetings then as he did now.

Maybe there was some kind of trauma still buried in his past, something to do with his parents? His upbringing? It wasn’t like he really remembered anything about his biological family, not really. Impa and Purah had no clue about his life before he’d met them in the service of Zelda and her father, and asking Robbie was out of the question. Anything concerning Cherry or Ancient Technology was of no importance to the Sheikah scientist/inventor.

Even asking some of the older citizens of Hyrule and her races hadn’t yielded many answers as to why Link primarily spoke with his hands. Kaneli of the Rito had told Link that he was only 90-some years old, and hadn’t been around when Link and Zelda had first visited the village. Riju and her fellow Gerudo warriors were unaware of the reasons as to Link’s preference for signed speak either, and that came down to Link not having a way to sneak into Gerudo Town 100 years previous. Urbosa and Zelda had always been the ones to enter Gerudo Town; Link had been relegated to the Bazaar or to wait outside the city walls.

Link had attempted to ask Bludo, but the elder Goron had mumbled about his back, how the mines hadn’t been producing enough ore or food, or how Yunobo wasn’t progressing fast enough in his training. Then Bludo had suddenly fallen asleep; Link had put away an empty bottle quickly to avoid being identified as the one to put the crochety Goron to sleep. Deciding to ask Yunobo if he’d heard anything, Link had tracked down Daruk’s descendent. Regrettably, Yunobo hadn’t known anything, and a search of Daruk’s journal slabs (kept by Yunobo hidden in a chest in his home) yielded no answer.

Finally, Dorephan and the Zora elders had presented some information upon his questioning them. Some of what Link learned matched up with what he had learned from Zelda and Impa’s recollections of 100 years before, but much was new information.

Apparently, Link had been the son of the Hylian Ambassador to the Gorons, but his father had been transferred to the East Necluda region when Link had been five. Spending most of his childhood growing up in and around Zora’s Domain had meant that Link had had plenty of chances to learn from the amphibious-like Zora how to battle with their weapons, and Link himself had taught Bazz and Rivan the beginnings of the art of the blade. He’d also taught Rivan how to swim… which Link had found funny because he himself had had to relearn how to swim once he’d woken up from his 100-year nap.

Link had picked up the Zoran signs used when they swam underwater and were unable to use their voices to talk. Apparently, Link had been such a natural at this that Mipha had learned from him how to use signs in the water and she, in turn, had taught Link many other things, such as Zoran customs. That had been one reason why the two were so close.

Link had taken all of the information in stride then retreated to his room, where he had proceeded to write down everything he’d learned. In his travels, Link had discovered that if he kept notes of what he experienced, what he learned, it often helped him make more sense of what was going on around him. There was also the upside that if something was to happen to him that led to, again, a loss of memory, Link would have a set of written records to refer back to so that he wasn’t completely lost.

It was in the midst of this writing frenzy that Link’s now-fiancé Sidon entered, balancing a tray with a large platter of something on it. When Sidon looked up and saw Link perched on one of the large windowsills, Sheikah slate in hand with a pile of paper and a few discarded pens nearby, Sidon tilted his head, wondering what was going on.

“Link?” When Link lifted his head and glanced over, Sidon saw his fiancé’s eyes light up at the sight of him. Grinning, Sidon placed the tray on the bed and opened his arms for a hug, but watched as Link made for the platter of food instead. Shaking his head, Sidon chuckled, moving to examine Link’s writings.

“I should have known that you’d be more interested in food rather than greeting me, Beloved.” Link didn’t reply, but Sidon caught sight of a rude hand gesture thrown his way out of the corner of his eye. “Now, now, no need to be nasty. It’s not my fault that you forwent breakfast and lunch today.”

“Busy training with Bazz and Rivan most of day, then talking with Dorephan and Muzu.” Link pat his stomach, satisfied that he was full. Getting up, Link placed the tray near the door for later clean up then looked over at Sidon.

“Sidon,” Link began, gaining the Prince’s attention. “Why the interest in my notes?”

“I wish to see what is so important to you that you must record it in 2 different forms,” Sidon responded absently, eyes moving quickly over the papers. “I know that you’ve been worried about something recently, but I was unaware that it was related to how you communicate.” Sidon turned and looked at Link, taking in the slight defensive stance the Hylian took.

“So what?” Link’s terse tone did more to communicate his defensive attitude than more words could ever have done.

“Nothing at all, my Beloved,” Sidon replied setting the papers down on the floor, placing a pen on top to try to keep them all in one spot. “I was just unaware that it bothered you this much.”

Link looked away for a moment before looking back at Sidon. “It doesn’t bug you that I don’t use my voice?”

After a moment to interpret Link’s words, Sidon shook his head negatively. “Link, you are using your voice. No matter how you choose to communicate I understand you perfectly fine.”

“Does it not bother you, though, that I don’t speak with sound? Shouldn’t the fiancé of the future King of the Zora use sound to communicate?” Link’s gestures ran closer together the more upset he got, and Sidon got the feeling that this issue had been bothering the lithe warrior for some time.

“Link,” Sidon began moving to sit on their bed, patting the space next to him. Link hesitated before moving to sit next to Sidon, turning to sit crisscross on the mattress and facing his large Zoran lover.

“Does this really bother you that much?” Sidon asked softly, reaching out to place a clawed hand on Link’s knee. Link nodded, gesturing something that Sidon tilted his head at, obviously not understanding. “Can you repeat that?”

“Some of the Elders suggested that I use my voice more rather than use sign,” Link said, slowing down his movements so that Sidon read every word. Looking up at Sidon, Link’s eyebrow rose as he saw Sidon’s eyes narrow. “Sidon?”

“Which of the Elders dared to disrespect you? Which one dared to suggest that their future King’s spouse was not worthy of being here? Not worthy of being allowed to communicate in a comfortable manner? Tell me, dearest. Tell me and I shall go set the record straight.” Sidon’s eyes had narrowed so much that only a slit of black remained, blazing gold surrounding it and doing nothing to hide Sidon’s anger.

Link looked at his fiancé, taken aback at the ferocity in which Sidon defended him. Though, should he really be surprised? From the very moment they had met at Inogo Bridge, Sidon had been nothing if not defensive of Link, going so far as to stand up to his father and race to help Link with Vah Ruta, despite Dorephan’s having strictly ordered Sidon not to do so.

“Sidon,” Link began, drawing Sidon’s attention to him. Link placed a palm on Sidon’s face, drawing him closer to him. Sidon’s eyes slowly began to return to their normal state, and Link smiled at realizing the effect he had on Sidon.

Sidon breathed slowly, regaining a more peaceful state of mind before opening his eyes.

“I apologize for ‘losing my cool’, as it were,” Sidon began, placing a hand over Link’s own, smaller limb. “The fact that there are still some of the Elder Council who believe you not worthy of being my fiancé, my future husband and father of any children we will have angers me very much.”

“I saw,” Link responded, smirking. He pressed a close-mouthed kiss to Sidon’s crest, communicating his love to the larger male.

“Link,” Sidon began, pulling Link onto his lap without warning and wrapping him in his arms. “I want you to know something, something that I feel you do not understand.” At Link’s tilted head and narrowed eyes, Sidon chuckled. “It’s nothing against you or your might as a warrior, I can assure you.”

Link wrapped his own arms around Sidon’s chest and waited patiently, looking at Sidon’s eyes as he did so. “Ok.”

“Verbally speaking is not the only form of communication the Zora use, as you know and now remember.” Link nodded; Sidon continued. “The fact that the Elders refuse to afford you this infuriates me. They shall be dealt with tomorrow. However,” and here Sidon paused to lean his forehead down so that it rested on Link’s, “please remember that you are free to communicate however you wish, here, and I will support you one hundred percent. If this means you speak using your hands, then that is fine. And if you choose to use your voice and speak verbally, then that is acceptable as well. You have the freedom to be who you are and use whichever voice you feel comfortable with, alright?”

Link looked down a moment, away from Sidon’s expressive eyes but kept their foreheads pressed together. After a few minutes, Link looked back up and nodded, smiling a small smile. Sidon returned it with a toothy grin.

Sure enough, Sidon cornered the Elder Council the next day (with Muzu’s help, who at this point in time had come around to supporting Sidon and Link’s marriage one hundred percent with the caveat that he be allowed to officiate the coronation following their upcoming wedding) and laid into them in a manner that the gathered council hadn’t yet seen. Dorephan, observing from his seat in the Throne Room, nodded in agreement and bared his own teeth in a predatorial manner, reminding the Council that though he may be a peace-loving ruler in all other matters, when it came to his family Dorephan was as ruthless as ruthless could be. Link watched all this from Dorephan’s uplifted palm with a sense of wonder, still getting used to the fact that he had a family, friends, willing to defend him no matter the situation, and the fact that that circle included multiple royalty (he knew that Zelda would more than likely lay into the Elder Zora Council once she heard tell of their actions) and heroes still amazed him.

Link communicated in whichever voice he chose, though he preferred to use his spoken voice on rare occasions, usually in the presence of Sidon or Dorephan in the Domain, and Zelda and the other New Champions on other occasions. Yet, months later when Link stood in front of the all of the gathered Zora of the Domain, Zelda and her personal guard, small coalitions from the Rito, Goron, Gerudo and Tarrey Town, as well as Impa, Paya and the Sheikah and other, small, groupings of Hylians at his wedding to Sidon, Link made a decision that he knew, that he felt was right to do.

When Kapson asked Link if he took Sidon as his husband, Link took a breath and spoke, loud and clear (though a bit raspy sounding), “I do.”