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Twilight loathed wearing a suit.
He looked damn fine in a suit, but wearing one, even as well-tailored as the one he was currently wearing, was about as comfortable as squeezing into a too-small box. Suits meant expectations, like proper etiquette and a certain confidence… not that he was lacking in manners, and he knew he looked good, but it was still not the same as his flannel, jeans, and well-worn cowboy boots.
But when you’re invited to Hyrule Castle, thanks to your Appointed Knight uncle and redeemed ex-Royal Guard roommates, you put on the damn suit that Sheikah lady had you measured for because she looked like she could kill you six different ways before your body hit the ground. Seriously, Impa was terrifying.
Despite his discomfort, he was glad he could be there for his friends as they were officially recognized as not being traitors and targets for elimination.
There’s a sentence he’d never thought he’d have to say.
Once the whole mess had sorted itself out, Sky had been reinstated to the airborne unit and was back flying with the Loftwings. He hadn’t planned on it, but Link had insisted. Sky belonged, well, in the sky. Plus it allowed him to see Sun a lot more often, which made both of them stupidly happy.
Warriors had no intention of returning to the combat reserve, saying it was far too dull after everything they’d been through. However, when Time had suggested he could use a strategic mind like Wars’ in his corner, he unofficially became part of the old man’s people.
That just left Wil—no, Champion—wait, it’s just Link now, apparently. He was in his Royal Guard uniform, for the most part. He’d ditched the beret and was now sporting extra medals—the Heart of Farore for courage and valour in the line of duty, and the Order of Hyrule to mark him as honourably discharged.
Better than being a wanted traitor to the crown with kill-on-sight orders.
After the ceremony in which he’d received them, Link offered to sell the medals to Legend for his creepy online store—who couldn’t decide between gleefully accepting or vehemently declining under the glare from Time.
The event itself felt ostentatious—after the disaster that was the gala, exposing all the traitors within the castle, and stopping the plot to overthrow the queen, the crown needed a win. Something positive to try and lift the spirits of those that remain. Virtually everyone in Time’s stack of targets for elimination was welcomed back to their positions should they wish it, with high praise for their loyalty and service.
Twilight had spent the entire ceremony watching Link, the square of his shoulders as he stepped forward to accept the recognition—and apology—of the queen, the rigid posture as he stood with his fellow redeemed guards, and the moment the strings were cut and he could finally let go of the tension he’d been carrying.
He’d wanted to check in with Link, see how he was feeling, but in such a crowded ballroom, with what seemed like hordes of people wanting to speak with him, Twilight hadn’t had the opportunity. So he stuck to the edge of the ballroom, chatting with his housemates as they came and went, and oh lord, here comes Warriors and another of his guard buddies.
As he was pulled into conversation, Twilight took another glance around the room. He could see Link standing at one of the tall tables with Princess Zelda Flora Tactia Hyrule, or just Flora as she’d introduced herself, and a young Gerardo girl that Twilight hadn’t been introduced to. By the looks of things, they were teasing him mercilessly. Twilight smiled, it was nice to see him reconnecting with the people that had been important to him before he’d been removed from service.
Twilight just hoped there was still room for the people that had come along after.
***
“Ask him to dance.”
The stern voice of the tiny Gerudo girl before him could not be ignored, for she would only get louder until everyone in the room was aware of the conversation.
Link rubbed the back of his neck and grumbled.
“Awww, he’s blushing!” Flora giggled as she rested her head in her hands. “You do like him!”
“Please stop talking,” Link muttered as covered his eyes with one hand.
“No, not until you ask that handsome man to dance,” Riju quipped as she sipped on the virgin Noble Pursuit in her hands, gesturing with her eyes towards Twilight across the room.
“Isn’t it past your bedtime?” Link retorted, giving Riju the side-eye.
“Don’t pull that big brother shit on me, you know I’m right.”
“Riju is wise beyond her years, Link,” said Flora, adopting her regal I’m-a-princess voice. “You should listen to her.”
“Isn’t Riju like 10 years old?” Link said with a smirk, knowing exactly how Riju would react.
“Fuck you, I’m 16 and you know it!” There it was.
Flora put a hand on Riju’s shoulder in an effort to calm the girl. “Hmmm, deflection. Very sneaky there, ‘Champion.’”
“Stop calling me that,” Link groaned.
“Why? That’s your nickname, call sign, secret identity, or whatever,” Flora looked endlessly amused at her friend’s discomfort.
“Because it’s pretentious. Why didn’t you ever tell me how pretentious it was?”
“As if you would have listened.” Flora absently stirred her drink with the straw.
“I have always listened to you.”
“And I have always appreciated that, despite the fact that you seem to be doing the exact opposite right now.”
“I just… I don’t know where we stand right now.” Link – the man formerly known as Champion, formerly known as Wild, and formerly known as Champion again – looked down at his white gloved hands, wanting nothing more than to rip them off and leave the whole dress uniform on the floor while he paraded around in his shorts.
Wild would have done it. Champion would have just suffered through. Link had compromised by tossing the beret at Wind once the ceremony was over. The younger man was currently wearing it backwards on the dance floor with Tetra. It was a small act of rebellion, but it felt good. The first step to reclaiming his identity.
But Twilight had met Wild first. Had liked Wild enough to fight for him to stay in the townhouse. Had started to fall for Wild before the wreck that brought Champion back with a vengeance. Had followed after Champion because of those feelings for Wild.
But did he–could he–feel the same about Link, who was both and also neither?
Link was terrified the answer would be ‘no.’
“He’s been watching you all forlornly since the gala started,” Riju sipped the last of her drink, making slurping sounds to get every last drop. “He’s like a puppy, just utterly adorable.”
Link glanced over his shoulder at Twilight, who was semi-engaged in a conversation Warriors had clearly dragged him into. He really did look incredible in that suit.
“You really think I should?” He asked, already knowing what their answer would be.
“Yes!!” they exclaimed as one cohesive make-Link-suffer unit.
Link took a deep breath. “Okay.”
Flora let out a tiny squeal and clapped her hands. It was the same reaction she had when she found a new specimen.
“Also, you should kiss him!” Riju said with stars in her eyes.
“I’m leaving now.”
As he walked away from the table, Link straightened his collar and tugged his gloves on a bit better. He’d been among the top ranked soldiers in the Royal Guard. He could ask someone to dance.
***
Twilight had long stopped listening to Warriors and whoever this other person was—he’d forgotten the name already—and glanced over his shoulder. Link was no longer across the room. Twilight sighed and went to take a seat at an empty table. Was it rude to just walk away like that? Probably, but he doubted Wars even noticed.
He should be happy. They all had come out of the whole mess reasonably unscathed—no permanent damage, anyway. They were all going to go home tonight and wake up tomorrow, bantering and bickering like they always do.
So why wouldn’t this anxious feeling go away?
His rumination was interrupted when a white glove appeared in his peripheral vision.
“May I have this dance?”
Twi looked up to see Link, bowed slightly before him and holding out a hand for him to take, like he was someone important.
“W-wha?” Smooth, Twi, real smooth.
“Dance with me, Twi. Please?” Link’s bright blue eyes were soft as he gazed into Twilight’s.
“Why?” Stop questioning it, dummy!
“Because I’d really like to,” he said, still holding his hand out.
“I-I don’t know the steps,” Twilight stumbled over his words. Link smiled.
“Court dances are usually saved for weddings within the Royal family, events like this are just plain old regular dancing,” he said, thumbing over his shoulder for Twilight to see that, yes, people were just dancing together however they managed to interpret the beat.
Twilight took a deep breath and accepted Link’s proffered hand and followed him to the middle of the floor.
Link took Twilight’s hand and placed it on his waist before draping his arm on Twilight’s shoulder. Twi automatically took Link’s other hand in his own.
“Now what?”
Link answered by swaying slightly, just enough to say he was moving, allowing Twilight to pick up on the motion and start moving with him.
“Look at that, you’re dancing,” Link gently teased. Twilight felt the heat rise in his face a little, summerwings giving a little flutter in his stomach. “You look really nice tonight.”
Twilight blushed ever harder. “Th-thanks. You look…distinctly uncomfortable.”
Link let out a breathy laugh. “You’re not wrong. I hate this uniform, I feel like a dancing monkey.”
“I think I saw a banana pudding on the dessert table, if you’re interested,” Twilight said before he could stop himself. “I—oh shit, I didn’t mean—“
Link let out a proper laugh this time. “Knew there was a little gremlin in there somewhere.”
Twilight ducked his head, a smile tugging at his lips. It was okay, they could still tease each other like they used to before all the messed up stuff happened. Maybe everything would work out…
The song came to an end, much to Twilight's disappointment. But Link didn’t remove himself from Twilight’s person, much to his delight.
“Another?” Link asked.
Twilight felt his heart flutter and nodded and they started to move again, taking small steps this time and occasionally turning in a small circle.
On a whim, Twilight raised their joined hands to lead Link into a spin, who upon returning to Twilight’s arms had the brightest smile on his face.
He hadn’t seen that genuine smile in so long.
As the song wound down, Twilight could practically see the light bulb go off over Link’s head.
“Hey, can I show you something?” Link asked.
“Yeah, of course,” Twilight said as Link tugged at his hand to lead him off the dance floor. “Where are we going?”
“Away from people,” Link said. Somewhere they would be alone? Twilight felt those summerwings start fluttering again.
“Wait,” Link said as they passed the dessert table. He grabbed a banana pudding and handed it to Twilight before grabbing another for himself. Link took Twilight’s free hand, and led him out of the ballroom.
***
“Wow,” the awe was palpable in Twilight’s voice.
Link grinned. The view of Castle Town from the upper rampart was spectacular.
If he had to pick a favourite spot in the castle, this would be it. It was where he’d sit with Flora when she needed a break from the constant barrage of questions on her research, and where she’d often patch him up after a particularly violent test session.
It was quiet, the sounds within the castle contained by the stone walls and the sounds of the city below nothing more than a background hum.
Link climbed onto the parapet and let his legs dangle over the edge. He patted the spot next to him and waited while Twilight followed suit.
Once he was settled, Link raised his cup of banana pudding. “To moving forward.”
Twilight held up his dessert. “To no longer being a dancing monkey.”
“That too,” Link said as they clinked the dessert cups together. They ate in amicable silence, watching the glittering lights of the city below them, the sky awash in pink and orange fading to indigo. A few of the brightest stars were just starting to shine.
Link turned slightly to glance at Twilight, who was gazing out at the view with a look of wonder at the world that laid before him. He was worried Twi had lost that recently, but he got a warm feeling in his chest seeing it back.
Link took a deep breath. “I really don’t know how to thank you,”
Twilight turned to look at him. “Thank me? For what?
“Lots of things,” Link paused for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts and put them in a way that made sense. He brought one leg up onto the parapet and turned to face the man beside him. “For being supportive of all the weirdness, and looking out for me. For not giving up on me after I…changed. For helping me and Wars and Sky with this whole mess. Just…thank you.
“I don’t think I’d be here right now if it weren’t for you.”
Twilight’s face softened, and Link saw more than felt as the other man placed his hand over Link’s. He could feel the weight of the hand, but nothing else.
Link sighed. “You know what the worst thing about this uniform is?”
“What’s that?” Twilight asked as he curled his fingers around Link’s.
“I can’t feel your hand on mine right now, or your hand on my back when we danced,” he sighed again. “It’s like a buffer to all sensation.”
He looked up at Twilight’s face and saw the blush creeping up his face again. “Did you want to feel my hands on you?”
Oh. Oh.
Link felt the heat rise in his own face. “Trying to get me out of my uniform?” He asked in a near whisper.
“Maybe,” was all Twilight would say.
In that moment, Link desperately wanted to touch Twilight with his bare hands.
Link reached for the buttons that held the gloves in place, but the thick material of the fingers made unfastening difficult. He nearly swore out loud when he saw Twilight’s hand cover his.
“Let me?”
Link swallowed and felt himself nodding. It took a couple tries, but Twilight managed to get the long gloves unfastened. Watching Twilight gently pull the offending garments off his hands did something to his heart, and finally feeling Twilight’s warm hand against his sent frissons up his spine.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d want anything to do with me,” Link breathed, letting the fear that had been lingering in the back of his mind all night out.
Twilight tilted his head in confusion. “Why wouldn’t I?”
Link shrugged. “Because I’m different than I was before. And that maybe you only liked me when I was…like that.” The unspoken Wild hung heavy in the air.
“It’s funny,” Twilight mused. “I kinda thought you’d move on for the same reason.”
Link looked at Twilight, as Twilight looked back.
Goddess, they were idiots.
Twilight must have come to the same conclusion as he leaned in close to Link’s ear. “I’d really like to kiss you, if that’s okay?”
Link held up a hand. “One second.” He went to unbutton the dress jacket, taking no care for the accolades attached to the garment. He shrugged it off his shoulders, letting drop onto the rampart behind him.
Now only clad in a long sleeved undershirt, he reached for Twilight’s hands. “Okay, now you can.”
Twilight let out a breathy little laugh and slid his hands around Link’s waist and pulled him closer. The heat of Twilight’s strong hands on him made Link want to just collapse into his arms.
Link reached up to lightly run his fingers along Twilight's jawline, while his other hand grasped the hair at the nape of his neck. The first brush of Twilight’s lips made his stomach drop and his heart soar.
One kiss turned into another, and another, as Twilight pulled him closer. Link wrapped his arms around Twilight’s neck, allowing one last coherent thought to pass through his already smitten mind.
He tasted like banana pudding.
***Bonus!
Flora practically dragged Riju down the hall to the staircase that led to the upper rampart. The stars would surely be out by now and she wanted a few minutes away from the crowd.
As she approached the door, she came to a dead stop–-the space was clearly…occupied.
She spun around and bumped into Riju.
“Hey, why’d you stop?” Riju asked.
“We can’t go out there.”
“Why not? You dragged me all the way up here, the least we can do is see—oh my," Riju stepped around the princess before her. “You were right, that is a spectacular view.”
“Shhhhhhh!” Flora clapped a hand over Riju’s mouth. “We have to go—what are you doing?!
Riju held up her phone and pinched her fingers on the screen to zoom in a bit. The image of Link with the handsome man–Twilight, that was his name–engaged in a passionate lip lock, filled the screen. She pressed the button and the image was captured in perfect clarity.
“Riju!” Flora hissed as she dragged the younger girl away and led her back down the stairs. “Delete that right now!”
“Oh relax, I’m not going to do anything with it, I’m just going to save it.”
“Save it for what?”
“Their wedding day, duh.”