Chapter Text
“I am Prince Sidon’s… Oh, forgive me. I am your best friend’s fiancée,” the Lady Yona smiled sweetly at Link, who felt as though he was about to be sick.
Fiancée? Link had never seen this Zora before, and didn’t even recognise the name ‘Yona’. Sidon had never mentioned her previously, and now he was going to marry her? Link had forgotten how to breathe in this moment, as though Yona had pushed his head under a pool of water. The blonde Hylian tried his hardest to smile back at her, his mouth muscles were stiff and unwilling to cooperate - he could only manage an awkward thin lip. Thoughts and confusions were flooding his mind, Prince Sidon hadn’t mentioned anything about a significant other or even about having feelings for anyone. Why didn’t he tell him?
He realised that Yona had continued talking, but he couldn’t hear a word she said - his senses froze up. That was until he heard her say Sidon’s name, and from the context, he could only assume that she told him to go see him. With a short nod, he turned on his heel and headed for Mipha’s Court which was just on the top of Ploymus Mountain. He took a moment as he quickly walked across the bridge to reevaluate things. His emotions had completely taken over his priorities whilst the Zora Domain was covered in sludge. The filth was getting into the people’s gills and making their living conditions nearly impossible to put up with. Not only that, but he was a knight of Hyrule. He had far more important things to be worrying about, Zelda was missing, the castle had been uprooted, yet all he could think about at this moment was his friend’s love life?
When they had first met in the Zora’s Domain, when Link had to reclaim the Divine Beast Vah Ruta, the two of them didn’t really have time to talk outside of the task of taking back the mechanical elephant. However, Sidon showed much admiration for Link and - at least to the Hylian - it seemed that the admiration the Zora had for him was different from how the other 3 second generation champions had treated him. Although the time they had together was short, it meant a lot to Link, as he felt like he had made an actual friend in this war, instead of just an ally. He thought a lot about their brief time together, and in all honesty it was one of the things that kept him going; Link often wondered if Sidon thought about it as often as he had.
***
After defeating Calamity Ganon, and saving Zelda, Link knew he’d be too busy helping the Princess fix the kingdom and uncover the horrors created by the Calamity to visit his friend - and of course, as the Crown Prince, Sidon was also busy with his own duties. It had been too long since they had last seen each other. However, the Hylian had been given some time to rest and heal after his final battle with Calamity Ganon, and during this time, he was staying in Hateno Village - where he had a house in the quiet part of the town. Sidon would send him letters whenever he had some spare time, and of course Link would write back. They would talk about their days, the Zora Prince would talk about what duties he had to fulfil for the Domain and what he had eaten and what small thing had made him smile that day. Even in his letters, Sidon showed how much he cared for his people, he never said anything bad about his duties, his home or any of the civilians - and the Hylian knew he would make a great king someday. Sometimes Link would send recipes and talk about his horses that he loved and cared for dearly. Sidon was fascinated by horses, of course he didn’t need to use them nor was he small enough to ride one anyway, but he found them majestic. The more letters that Link received, the more he began to see how truly amazing the Prince was.
Link decided to visit the Domain for a bit, to help the guards with any enemy stragglers that were getting too close to the Zora structures. Sure, that was an excuse to see his friend, but he also enjoyed the company of the soldiers of the Zora Domain. The Hylian had written to Sidon before visiting, to make sure he wasn’t coming at a bad time, and his Zora friend was overjoyed by the news and asked if Link could visit as soon as possible. The blonde smiled deeply when reading over Sidon’s clearly excited writing, his usually beautiful penmanship had turned into eager scribbles and an excess of exclamation marks. So, as per his request, Link gathered his stuff up and immediately set off for the North of Lanayru. Thanks to the Sheikah Slate, the Hylian could travel to any of the shrines instantly - and luckily there was even one at the centre of the Domain, which made his journey pretty easy, and short. Upon his arrival, Link was greeted and immediately surrounded by the Zora population. They were so thankful for him and some were even starstruck by his presence, he felt shy from all of the attention and praise. His arrival was not subtle, and soon enough Prince Sidon and Muzu had come to see what all the fuss was about. It was no surprise to Link that Muzu’s face immediately turned sour when seeing who was creating the ruckus amongst the Zora people. Despite helping the Domain with Vah Ruta, Muzu still held a bit of resentment towards the Hylian, though he seemed to be warming up to him (albeit slowly, but it was better than nothing.) Sidon, on the other hand, had lit up like a luminous stone in the night; his award-winning grin stretched across his face and his eyes widening in pure delight. As though forgetting his role in society, the large Zora ran over to Link and swiftly enveloped the smaller frame in his arms - trying not to crush the Hylian under his body mass. He didn’t seem to react to the civilians gasps and whispers, not even to his fan club’s sudden screeches. Sidon didn’t care about any of that, only that his dearest friend was here and in his arms. Link froze slightly at the sudden contact, but soon melted into the embrace. He’d briefly forgotten that the two of them were surrounded by half of the Domain.
“It’s so good to see you, friend,” Sidon whispered to the Hylian, which sent shivers up his spine. Link tightened his grip on the other as a sign of gratitude and as a way to tell Sidon that he feels the same.
Soon enough they pulled away from each other, with encouragement from Muzu’s conveniently placed throat clearing. After their greeting, Sidon was reminded by the stingray advisor that he had to get back to his duties, but asked if Link would accompany him to dinner (the Prince wanted to try out one of the recipes that the Hylian had sent him), and Link nodded. The two separated for the rest of the day, Sidon was off fulfilling his prince role for his people (and he was doing it graciously, without complaining) whilst Link surveyed the surrounding area, supporting the guards that protected the Domain.
By 6pm, Link returned to the centre, where he spotted the Zora looking up at the statue of his late sister, Mipha. The Hylian carefully approached Sidon, making sure to not startle him in the solemn moment. Link gently placed a hand on the other’s arm to show comfort, Sidon glanced down at him, and his small frown disappeared.
“Link, please forgive me, you shouldn’t have to see me in this state,” the Prince apologised, taking a deep breath to compose himself and to change his demeanour. “I hope your day was successful! I appreciate all of your help, and I’m sure the guards appreciate it too!” he beamed. His encouraging smile was enough to make Link feel warm and fuzzy, it was as if Sidon’s smile alone was putting a spell on him. The two of them decided it would be a nice idea to have dinner at the top of Ploymus Mountain. Despite his bad experiences with a lynel on top of the very same mountain, Link had to admit that the peak of the mountain was incredibly peaceful, and the view was beautiful. The Prince had brought a pot with him, and the Hylian had provided some wood and a piece of flint. Sidon wanted to make seafood curry, because a Goron had visited the Domain earlier in the week and was selling ‘Goron Spice’. It was one of the recipes that Link had sent him in his letters, and of course, the Zora wanted to impress his friend with his cooking skills.
He’ll admit it, Sidon’s cooking was better than Link was expecting it to be. It might’ve been an assumption from the Hylian that royalty didn’t cook for themselves, however it was clear that the Zora Prince took pleasure in cooking and possibly practised quite often. It was nice sitting around a slowly dying fire with his friend, hearing his hopeful voice and his infectious laughter echo across the mountain tops made it feel like they were the only two inhabitants in all of Hyrule.
Sidon paused for a moment to take in the view and feel the chill air wash across his body, before turning back to Link with that smile, “I really am glad you’re here, Link. Meeting you and becoming your friend is the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time,” his eyes wandered off momentarily, his voice getting low, “you know, after Mipha.. my sister.. Died.. I didn’t think I’d be happy again. I didn’t think I could ever be a good prince or even king.. But when I met you, Link, you made me believe in myself again. Becoming your friend has truly changed my perspective! So, I just want to say thank you for everything!”
Link looked up at Sidon, a small smile forming on his face, “you,” he started slowly, the Hylian didn’t speak much - he was selectively mute - his voice was raspy and small, “don’t have to thank me for anything.” Sidon’s eyes slightly widened, he hadn’t heard Link speak before, and all he could think to do was smile in return and hum. He didn’t need his Hylian friend to talk at all, but he was grateful that Link felt comfortable enough around him.
The Zora Prince suddenly stood up, his hands confidently placed on his hips, “do you care for a bit of adventure?” he asked avidly, a smirk forming. Link looked up curiously, before following suit by standing up and nodding zealously. Sidon nodded back and led the Hylian to the very top of the mountain - Shatterback Point. “What do you say?” he asked cockily, glancing over the edge of the peak, “think you could dive into the East Reservoir Lake from up here?”
They spent the whole evening together, walking around the surrounding areas of the Zora Domain - that were now safe thanks to Link and the guards culling the hordes of enemies that had taken over the forests. Sidon was just thankful to see different scenery for a bit, and whilst he loved his job and position, he always wanted to know what it was like to be Link. What it was like to explore all of the various environments and kingdoms. The Prince loved his home, it was beautiful and dynamic and familiar, but just to get away for a few days is all he wanted. To get away with Link, maybe to visit where he lived for a change. He knew his father and especially Muzu would never allow that. The advisor would call him irresponsible and unserious, neither of which were true.
They stopped at the top of a hill that was covered in trees, but they could see the moonlight peeking through. It was a beautiful sight, and made the Zora speechless; there was something so calming yet surreal about the moon. Sidon looked down at his Hylian friend, who was gazing back at him. When Link realised he had been caught staring, his eyes darted in the other direction and a small flush of pink became clear on his cheeks. Sidon just chuckled, giving Link an admiring look. The Hylian, still embarrassed, quickly signed ‘the moon is beautiful’, and the Zora hummed in agreement. They sat down, gazing at the stars. Sidon pointed out different constellations whilst Link listened to Sidon in awe. He thought everything the Prince said was beautiful. The way he explained things, the way he talked about his home, even if he was upset, his frustration was always somehow eloquent. Sidon looked down at Link and smiled deeply at him. They just stared into each other’s eyes, a comfortable silence fell over them. Link just wished that Sidon would lean in closer to him and close the gap. He wished that Sidon would tell him how beautiful he looks under the moonlight. And just when the Hylian worked up the courage to be the one to close the gap, Sidon turned away and stood up.
“I think we should probably head back now.. It’s getting late, and Muzu wants me up bright and early tomorrow..” the Prince sighed, “you’re welcome to stay, my friend! Actually, I’d love it if you were to stay for another day. I understand that you’re busy with Princess Zelda and helping her restore Hyrule, but if you can spare another day, please consider spending it here,” he smiled. Link thought for a moment, he was aware that he was surely going to be far too busy to visit the Prince often, and of course Sidon would become busier, too. So one more day couldn’t hurt.
Needless to say, Link loved every minute he spent with Sidon. And perhaps he was getting too carried away with the Zora Prince, because here he was, imagining a life with him. Every precious moment they shared was just fuel to the fire of delusion.
In Link’s mind, Sidon had the same feelings that he did.
In Link’s mind, Sidon interpreted their time together in the same way that he did.
In Link’s mind, Sidon wasn’t engaged to someone else.
***
Soon enough, the young Hylian snapped out of his fond memories as he realised that he was standing on the edge of Mipha’s court. He could see a pillar of sludge oozing down from the sky and his heart hurt for the Zora people. Link’s eyes wandered until they finally landed on a tall, familiar figure. His red scales shimmered against the water, his look of pure concentration and sense of loyalty sent daggers of longing and endearment through the Hylian’s heart.
Link wanted to call out to him, he wanted to run towards Sidon and feel his warm embrace like he had done in the past. But he couldn’t. His body and his heart had conflicting feelings, causing him to be stuck standing there, watching his love soothe and purify the water. Link’s emotions were out of control, he didn’t know whether to be happy to see Sidon again, sad that he’s in love with another, or to feel betrayed that Sidon had led him on. Deep down, he knew it wasn’t fair to say that the Zora Prince led him on, but it certainly felt that way.
Finally, the Hylian took a step forward, his movement disturbing the water which caused Sidon to look in his direction. The Prince’s eyes widened, he had a shortness of breath when he saw who was standing in front of him. He was quiet for a moment, visibly calculating his next move. Link just stared at him, at a loss for words.
“Link, is that.. Really you?” Sidon asked, practically whispering, he took a step towards the other. Link could feel his eyes turn misty, his throat tightened, and his hands balled into fists. When the Hylian didn’t respond, Sidon decided to step even closer. He picked up speed until he was close enough to throw his arms around Link, holding him close. The blonde couldn’t help but lean into their reuniting hug, his eyes couldn’t hold back the tears that had been building up. He wasn’t sure if they were happy, sad, or angry tears, but either way, he definitely missed this physical closeness to Sidon in the time they’ve been apart. “Oh, Link! I can’t believe this.. I thought.. When the news of your and Princess Zelda’s disappearance.. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again..” Sidon’s breath was shaky, his voice was desperate. Link revelled in the moment, feeling the other’s breathing and hearing the pounding of his heartbeat. But he knew he couldn’t stay like this for long, so the blonde carefully peeled himself away from the Zora. Their eyes met, Link’s piercing blue eyes staring into Sidon’s deep, golden eyes. The Prince’s eyes were filled with relief and delight at his dear friend’s safety, but Sidon could see the Hylian’s conflict brewing inside. “My friend, are you alright? Is something troubling you?”
All Link could do was frown, and weakly sign the phrase ‘you’re getting married?’
Sidon hesitated, his eyes darting to the water as he swished a hand through it, “oh.. I see you’ve met Lady Yona I assume?” he looked back at the other. Link looked away, his arms folded as he nodded slowly.
‘She seems nice,’ he signed, trying not to appear too torn up about the whole situation.
“Yes, she’s lovely.. We were childhood friends. She’s from another domain, and when she heard what was happening in our Domain, she immediately wished to help.. And, well, my father thought that she would be a good fit for our home.. Permanently. So, he and Lady Yona’s family decided that we would be a good fit. Arranged marriage, in other words..” Sidon rambled awkwardly, his eyes not staying still for one second. His voice was filled with sadness, and he certainly didn’t sound enthusiastic about the situation. Link looked up at the other and thought for a moment, he wanted to ask Sidon a question, but was nervous about the response.
“Did-” he began anxiously, the sound of his voice caught the Zora’s attention quickly, “did you ever.. See our relationship as.. Something different from platonic?” Link’s eyes drifted back to the floor, he didn’t want to see Sidon’s reaction to his question, embarrassment and pessimism took over. The Prince said nothing. The silence hung a little longer than the Hylian would’ve liked, until he felt large, gentle hands hold his own, soothing them to unball his fists.
“Link, if you were here, I would’ve never agreed to marry Lady Yona.”
That was enough to break him. He had already cried once, and Link felt himself failing to hold back more tears. Sidon said nothing else, and just held the Hylian once more, running soothing fingers along the smaller arms.
As he was trying to comfort him, Sidon noticed that one of Link’s arms was different. It was a dark colour and covered in ancient runes that seemed to run across the right side of his torso. He was afraid to ask what had happened, as he was certain that he wouldn’t like the reason. Sidon let Link cry into his shoulder, it was obvious to him that the young man had many pent up feelings - not just to do with the Zora Prince himself. He recognised that the Hylian had been through so much - his right arm was a clear indicator of that - he couldn’t imagine what Link had faced and how much pressure he was under.
The news of Sidon’s engagement seemed to be the tipping point for Link. Was he being punished? Why couldn’t he have just one consistent good thing in his life? Why couldn’t he have been here to stop the arrangement? The stress he felt for the destruction of Hyrule again, the disappearance of Zelda, the sludge torturing the Zora’s domain - and he could only imagine the horrors that the other towns and kingdoms were facing - and his incapabilities stopping him from doing anything about it. It was all too much, and amongst everything, Sidon was meant to be his rock. Sidon was supposed to help soothe Link’s stress by helping him escape reality, even if it was just for a day. But now, he’s unintentionally the catalyst for his sudden mental breakdown. He knew it wasn’t Sidon’s fault, but even so, he just wanted to scream.
Minutes passed, and Link finally had the strength to pull away from the Prince. His eyes were puffy as he crudely wiped away his tears. Sidon reached out a hand to help, but the Hylian stopped him and shook his head. He turned around, and waded through the shallow water. Link wanted to help the Zora Domain, but he needed some space from the Zora Prince, and he knew he’d have a hard time talking to Lady Yona but he couldn’t avoid her forever.