Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Link had always gone to schools that were majority Hylian population. even for a Hylian, he was on the smaller side, so the concept of a high school where 4/5ths of the students would tower over him filled him with anxiety. but he didn't really have a choice, his family was moving a couple cities over and the only high school in the district with good academics was Hyrule High School.
on the bright side, now he would be able to see his best friend more often. Link and Zelda had been friends since they could remember, but during middle school she moved away with her mom when her parents divorced. they still kept in touch, but it was hard when they lived 4 hours apart. by 9th grade, they only saw each other in person on their birthdays and spoke digitally barely twice a week. Zelda was busy with 10th grade work (she skipped 9th grade) and Link was busy adjusting to high school. there wasn't any resentment between them, though, and they appreciated the little time that they did make for each other.
now, Link was going into 10th grade while Zelda would be in 11th. which meant he wouldn't have any classes with the only person he'd know in the school. Link had always struggled with making new friends, and the experience always stressed him out. but he didn't really care, he didn't see a purpose in having a friend in classes. he'd have lunch with Zelda, that was really the only time he wanted to be with someone he knew.

Chapter Text

Link was already burnt out from the move, so he kept his noise cancelling headphones on during the noisy bus ride. he was supposed to be driven to school on his first day, but both his parents were called to work early out of nowhere, so he got stuck with the bus.

he could've walked to school, it wasn't that far, but he decided to try something new. he regretted that decision. though, maybe he was kidding himself by thinking he'd be able to navigate the unfamiliar streets.

finally, the bus pulled up to the school and Link waited for most of the kids to awkwardly shuffle out before making his own way out.
the school building was a lot bigger than his previous high school, and suddenly he was overwhelmed all over again. luckily, his panicked thoughts were interrupted by a familiar, sweet voice.

“Link!”

Link turned towards the voice to see Zelda walking towards him through the trickle of students, smiling at him.

now, Link would be lying if he denied that at some time, years ago, he might've had feelings for his friend. who wouldn't? she was smart, driven, beautiful. but now, in the present, he could only see her as a sister, and he didn't mind that one bit.

she caught up to Link, and he was able to get a good look at her. they hadn't seen each other face to face since april. they talked about doing stuff over summer break, but Zelda ended up going to a summer camp. her hair that used to come down almost to her waist was now cut just beneath her chin, and Link could have sworn she'd gotten taller and he'd gotten shorter.

“can i give you a hug?”

Link nodded and in a second her arms were wrapped around him. when she stepped back from him, she was smiling widely and bouncing on her heels happily. Link couldn't help but compare her to an excitable golden retriever in his head.

“what's your first class?”

Link pulled his schedule out of his pocket. ‘AP literature,’ he signed.

“oh, cool, i hear that class is pretty laid back! it might get a little loud though, AP classes usually do since the teachers aren’t as strict with hand-raising and whatnot. by the way, have you found your locker yet?” Zelda never failed to impress Link with how fast she could talk.

he shook his head no and before he could say anything else, Zelda was off towards the front doors with his schedule in hand. he trailed after her.

------

Link’s first couple classes were fairly uneventful, standard first day stuff. he was on his way to 3rd period when the noise of the hallway reminded him about his headphones. he'd left them in his last class.

he turned back and weaved his way through the stream of students, he didn't want to be late to any of his classes on his first day but he needed his headphones. the noise of students chattering, shoes shuffling on the floor, lockers opening and closing, it was overbearing. he covered his ears with both hands to block out the sound as much as he could, but he still couldn't help his eyes from watering. he rounded the last corner to his classroom, before -

Link landed on the ground with a thud. he looked up to see what he ran into - or rather, who he ran into.

Link met eyes with a large, red Zora staring right back at him. he had to be at least 9 feet tall. it felt like minutes passed as he looked into the Zora’s brilliant, aureate eyes, when really it was no more than a few moments.

“oh no, let me help.” Link then realized that upon falling, his backpack had spilt its contents onto the ground. frantically, he picked up whatever he could reach and when he looked back up, the Zora was holding out the rest of his books with a toothy smile. Link felt blood rush to his face. he took the books from large red hands and stuffed them into his backpack. he gave him a quick smile to say thanks and took back off towards his classroom.

with dread rising in his chest, Link realized that the hallways were quiet and empty. shit.

Chapter Text

Link sat in the spot that Zelda told him to meet her for lunch. she knew the main lunch area would be too loud for him (it was overwhelming for her sometimes, and she didn't even have sensory issues), so she told him about the different tables scattered around the school campus.

the table they agreed on was a small area for vending machines that went off a hallway. there was only distant noises, no one really wandered the hallways during lunch, so it was nice for Link to take a break from his headphones. they definitely helped him a lot, but wearing them for hours straight was starting to make his ears a bit sore.

“Link!”

Link turned to look at Zelda, and behind her -

“this is my friend Sidon, i was thinking he could eat with us.”

the red Zora. Link’s face flushed.

“oh, it's you! i was hoping i'd see you again, i never apologized for knocking you down.”

'it's alright.’ Link assumed Sidon didn't know sign as he looked over to Zelda for a translation. Link made a mental note to use his AAC app with Sidon.

“he said it's alright. so you two have already met?”

Sidon let out a low chuckle that was more out of embarrassment than humor, “sort of, he ran into me earlier and spilled his stuff all over the floor.”

Link’s face got a bit warmer, and Zelda seemed to notice.

‘sorry, should i have asked before bringing him?’ she signed, it came in handy for having conversations right in front of people.

‘no, i don't mind.’

Zelda grinned, ‘why is your face red then?’

Link death glared right back at her, ‘shut up.’

Link spent that lunch period smiling, he was glad Zelda had brought Sidon. he was really nice, and probably the definition of a gentle giant.

Chapter Text

a month into the school year, and things were already getting obnoxious.

Link didn't really mind any of his classes, they were easy enough when he stayed on top of the work (though his grades definitely weren't something he'd hang on the fridge). but he could do without the social aspects of it. he somehow already attracted people who liked to pick on him, usually for either his height, his masculinity (or lack thereof), or his absence of verbal speech. the teachers didn't seem to care all that much either.

Link was holding out for two things; sports tryouts and Sidon.

right, tryouts.

it was the day of and Link was a ball of nerves. he'd decided to stick with soccer, something he knew he was good at. Zelda had tried to convince him to try tennis, which she'd been playing since 8th grade, but Link didn't think learning a new sport would help him while he was adjusting to a new school. she didn't push him.

he left the locker room in gym clothes and as he approached the field, he spotted Sidon in the bleachers. his heart lightened a bit and he walked over to him.

Sidon smiled his usual grin as Link approached, “Link! Zelda told me you were trying out today, i figured i'd come and watch. how're you feeling?”

Link tensed, he wasn't sure if knowing that Sidon was watching him would help him be more confident.

he pulled his phone out and opened his AAC app, ‘nervous,’ the phone read out loud.

“don’t be, my friend! i hear you're quite the athlete.” Link flushed and made a mental note to curse Zelda, “i believe in you, i have zero doubts that you'll do great.”

the whistle signaling the start of tryouts blew.

‘thanks. wish me luck.’ he made his way onto the field and hoped the heat could explain his red face.

tryouts didn't go so bad, Link slowly forgot about his nerves once he started playing. he made his way off the field and towards where he'd left his bag by the bleachers when he heard the voice that never failed to make his heart rate speed.

“hey, that went well, right? i don't know much about soccer but it looked like you were doing good out there.”

Link smiled a bit and nodded his head.

“i can see what Zelda was talking about when she told me how great you are.”

Link once again found his face heating at something Sidon said.

“oh, don't you also play other sports as well?”
Link nodded, ‘i mainly do soccer and archery but i've also done swim.’

“impressive! i don't know how you manage to do multiple sports, i think i'd get bored.”

‘it’s pretty easy not to get bored by something if you really care about it.’
Sidon smiled, not his usual wide grin, but a soft and thoughtful smile. it seemed like he understood.

Link lay face up on his bed later that night, trying to distract himself. no matter what he thought about, his mind always found its way back to that red shark. he was about to give up and go to sleep when his phone dinged. he picked it up and opened his texts with Zelda.

Z: [1 image attached]

the image showed a blurry, zoomed in photo of Sidon in the school library, reading a book. Link was confused as to why Zelda would send him this until he realized what book he was reading; ‘ASL for beginners’.

Link’s heart skipped a beat. the only person who'd ever learned sign for him was Zelda (and his family, obviously.) sure, putting effort into being able to communicate with someone effectively should be bare minimum stuff, but when he was used to receiving less than that, the minimum felt like the world.

Link was trying to think of how to respond when he got two more texts from her.

Z: hes been asking me to practice with him
Z: just make out with him already
L: stfu
L: when did u take that
Z: :P i’m only making observations
Z: like four weeks ago
L: idek if he likes boys
Z: SERUOUSLT HAVRNG YOU SEEN THE WAY HR LOOKS AT UOY DO YOU HAVF EYES

Link smiled to himself, Zelda always dropped her grammatical texting style when she got excited.

L: he looks @ evry1 that way he's just nice
Z: Hylia, Link.
L: wooaa dont pull out the full stop ur literlly assuming things
Z: next time you’re with him just look for what i see
L: idk what u c but sure
Z: attaboy ;p
Z: also i gave him your number mkay bye
L: WHAT
L: ZELDA
L: WTF
L: im disowning u
Z: you love me <3
L: die

Link turned his phone off and was about to get prepared for bed when another ding rang through the room. he picked his phone back up, expecting Zelda to be saying something obnoxious, but instead he found an unknown number. he might've almost sucked his lungs up through his throat.

?: hello Link, it's Sidon! Zelda gave me your number. :)

Link smiled to himself as he looked at Sidon’s cheery texting style. it seemed pretty in-character for him to leave smileys on his messages.

L: oh hey, srry if she said anything weird to u
S: you're awake! that’s good, i was worried you'd be asleep by now.
S: what would Zelda have said to me?
L: nothing nvm
S: alright, well i actually had a reason for messaging you at this hour!
L: whats up?
S: i was wondering if you wanted to study together tomorrow, since it's a saturday. Zelda told me you might need some extra help with math. plus it could be fun to see each other outside of school! :)
L: rly? i mean id appreciate the help but arent u busy?
S: not at all, i could never be too busy for you! and i have to admit that i also need your help with something.
L: oh ok then sure
L: when & where?
S: i was thinking we could go to that coffee shop down the street from school, around 5?
L: c u there
S: i look forward to it!! ^^

Link shut off his phone and whisper-screamed into his pillow. no, Link, get a grip on yourself. he's just being considerate, he probably helps all his friends with schoolwork.

Link’s dreams that night were warm and soft.

Chapter Text

“I TOLD YOU SO!” Zelda threw her arms up in triumph.

Link had facetimed her for outfit advice but instead was getting an earful about her ‘intuition’.

‘calm down, it's just studying.’

“are you dense?! study session is a classic excuse to just spend time with someone you like.”

‘you’re reading too much into it, he's just a thoughtful guy.’

“oh really? he's never offered to help me with school.”

‘because you don't need it, dimwit.’

“touché. but still, not even the nicest person spends time doing extra work on a saturday if it isn't for someone they like.”

'would you just drop it and help me pick an outfit?’

“fiiine, but only if you tell me everything afterwards.”

‘sure, creepy lady.’

“hey! i'm simply a good friend. you should be grateful you have someone so concerned with your life.”

Link rolled his eyes and turned to his wardrobe, pulling out the first of options.

a few outfits later, Link decided on a light blue short-sleeved hoodie with a white long-sleeved t-shirt and some tan pants. he braided the back of his hair down the middle and picked out some earrings.

after he hung up with Zelda, he packed up his bag and headed out of his house. Link felt confident enough now with his ability to navigate the streets, so he decided to walk to the coffee shop.

------

when Link stepped into the shop, it wasn't hard to spot his big red shark friend sitting at an otherwise empty table. Sidon looked up and saw Link, immediately smiling and waving him over.

the two spent about an hour and a half going through a chapter of Link’s math textbook that he was especially having trouble with before they decided it was enough for the day.

Link suddenly remembered what Sidon had said the night before and typed into his phone, ‘what was that thing you needed my help with?’

Sidon stared blankly for a moment before realizing what he was referring to, “oh, right!” he turned to his bag and started rummaging for something as he continued to speak, “i actually wanted to keep this as a little surprise for when i'm a bit better, but Zelda proved to be a… difficult teacher, so i was hoping you could help me out. if you're willing, of course!”

he finally seemed to find what he had been looking for and pulled out a book titled “ASL for Beginners”, the same one from the picture Zelda had sent.
there it was again. that fluttery, warm feeling in his chest.

Chapter Text

the rest of his sophomore year flew by for Link, and he and Sidon had gotten much closer over the school year. now Link was going into 11th grade while Sidon was becoming a senior.

a few weeks into school, it started to hit Link that Sidon would be leaving once he graduates. which was why he started distancing himself from Sidon just a bit, he had to get used to not being around him all the time or that change might hit him harder than he can handle. he started cancelling plans with him more often, and while he knew Sidon didn't hold it against him, he sensed things were getting a little tense between them.

they still talked, but notably less so.

but when Link felt he couldn't cancel plans without worrying his friend, the pair still had their scheduled study sessions, and Link and Sidon had spent most of their friday afternoon at the coffee shop.

they approached Link’s porch (Sidon had insisted on walking him home, much to Link's protest) and as Sidon turned to start his own route home, he looked back at Link with his usual grin,
“see you tomorrow, little Minnow.”

Minnow was a nickname Sidon started using for Link somewhere along the line. usually, Link would be annoyed at slights at his height but for some reason, it was different with Sidon. he boiled it down to him just knowing the Zora didn't say it with intention to hurt Link.

Link couldn't help but give a small smile as Sidon walked away. the next day, he had a big game against their rival school. he was pretty anxious about winning after they lost badly last game and Link had asked him not to come, but knowing Sidon cared enough to be at his game on a saturday filled him with an extra bit of confidence. and an extra bit of dread.

the next morning, Link quickly got dressed and tied the front of his hair out of his face. he made sure he had everything in his bag and went to grab his phone before noticing a text.

S: good luck today my friend!

Link’s stomach, once again, was filled with butterflies. he didn't respond though, he was still trying to spend *less* time thinking about that shark.

Link always found locker rooms especially unpleasant. along with the etiquette he didn't understand, he was also aware that most of the team didn't like him very much. he was rarely invited to hangouts after games and practices, but that didn't really bother him, he didn't really want to go to a social event with people he barely knew anyways. it would be nice to have a friend on the team, though. that isn't to say they were outright rude to Link, but right now, his team didn't exactly feel like his allies.

walking out onto the field, the bleachers were just as packed as they were at last year’s rival game. he scanned the crowds, trying to spot a big red Zora, but there was really no point. trying to find his friend among so many unfamiliar faces was an impossible ‘wheres waldo?’

Link looked over at their opponents and guessed that the team hadn't changed much since last year. Hyrule’s team had a pretty big shift, the previous year they had a disproportionate amount of seniors (and a lack of juniors) so when they graduated, a new batch of mostly freshmen filled their spots. which meant that Link and the other juniors started carrying the team a bit.

comparing the teams, Link wasn’t optimistic. he silently cursed the coach for letting so many newbies in at once.

------

unsurprisingly, the game wasn't going well. the other team was, for lack of a better phrase, destroying them. but Link wasn’t too upset about it, he didn't really see the game going any other way when he saw their team versus Hyrule’s.

that didn't mean he wasn't going to give it his all though.

he was playing as the goalie when he dove for the ball. however, the ball lost its momentum and rolled to a stop on its own right next to Link. he was about to get back on his feet to kick the ball back to the other players, but he was interrupted by a firm impact to the side of his head. it only took a few moments for his vision to go blurry and then fade to black as he lost consciousness.