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Chapter Text

Rays of heavenly light shone through the thick foliages of dark bark trees, warm coloured leaves littered upon the forest floor. 

 
Sounds of leaves crunching echo through the seemingly empty woods, a deer is blissfully eating away after nudging from dried leaves with its curious snout aside for a healthy delicious patch of grass. Silently, a predator was on the prowl, intelligent, careful, experienced, eyes never losing its sight on the deer, the perfect prey. This particular hunter held no animosity within its bones, no malice regarding the life they are about to take. Only trying to provide for their own kind.
 

Without a moment of hesitation, the man shot an arrow through a bush and hit the deer right in the head, killing it instantly. No unnecessary suffering needed. Out of the hiding spot came a hooded man with frayed ends, boots that had traversed throughout every known terrain in Hyrule and eyes that had experienced the best and worst sights in life. Carrying the deer effortlessly on his shoulder, the man brought the deer onto a carriage. Another quick kill. This deer will no doubt be able to feed an entire family, but not a whole town. 

 
Suddenly, there was the sound of rustling from a shrubbery behind the man, alarming him. Immediately Link's instinct kicked in as his hand was drawn onto his bow and arrow, his eyes fiercely trained over the moving greenery only to be surprised by two young boys who ran out of their hiding place, even smiling despite how dangerous the circumstances were. Cheeky kids. Annoyed, Link reprimanded the kids and told them to not run off too far from their town. While Hyrule is relatively safe due to the absences of the Blood Moon and monster control crew working day and night to clear out any dangerous threats, the percentage of a sneaky monster in hiding and attacking unsuspecting common folks is still not zero. But the kids simply brushed it off for being well, kids and ran off laughing. Due to this, in the distance Link could see a buck running away due to the kids' careless behaviour.
 

Fortunately, there was more than enough time as it was still the early days of hunting season. Plenty of room for mistakes, no? Pulling his hood down, the blonde with sapphire eyes went over to his carriage, looked upon the deer whose life he had taken and gently closed its eyes, showing respect to the animal who would help them thrive. To continue living.
 

Continue living. That truly is the number one question for many individuals once they arrive at a certain point in their lives. After countless tragedies, teachings, beliefs, sights and experiences, what is there to live for if not for one's own pleasure? A greater purpose? 
 

What a joke.
 

The blonde shook his head, knowing full well indulging into one's psyche regarding life itself will feed no family and so he rode upon his trusted steed, Epona, towards Tarrey Town, a town he had a hand on its creation but the man held no greater status.

 
He was more than happy to just be the handy-man of the town... happy to live an easy-going life after years of service within the army. Happy to live his life to the fullest.
 

If only...that were completely true. Deep down, the Hylian's heart felt completely isolated from the rest of the world. More alone than he realized. The man used to work under the leadership and revered Princess Zelda, protecting her, guarding her and saving her countless times as she has for him. The two were practically inseparable for the most part. But he was let go as ordered by the Princess herself, she wanted the man to live for himself. To let go of this notion of their lives, fate forever intertwined. Not out of malice but sheer love. Love that the Princess shared with the Knight but knew their love is that of friendship, not romance even if it was once held within the powerful ruler's heart. 

 
Link, a retired Hero of Hyrule, was living his life in Tarrey Town, helping the people thrive while he simply watched on and looked forward to their developments. He had lived a good 3 years in the town, he would have his kills sold and help repair or fix anything needed. 

 
He would visit Hudson and his wife, their topics would either come in the form of Hudson's successful business or how their beloved daughter is settling in within Gerudo Town. It felt good to have company but it did leave something deep within the Hylian Hero where he felt as though his own life was lacking. 

 
In order to remedy this, fittingly, the once Hero of Hyrule had once dated the nurse of the town's clinic for a good whole year before breaking it off when he realized there was hardly any love in it, breaking the poor girl's heart. He felt horrible about it but knew it was not fair for the woman to be in love with a man whom had eyes for another, even if that particular person was taken.
 

Yet the only person he could blame is solely himself. The most he did was send letters after the other man's marriage as his one form of communication but even that stopped once Link had decided to focus more on his own life. His own destiny as Zelda puts it. Yet, he could not. On lonely nights, he finds his mind wandering back to the past where both of them spent precious time together by the waterfall. The picnics they would go to around the man's kingdom, the swimming lessons where Link would feel the man hold him oh so gently like he was a fragile Silent Princess... the laughs they shared with each other...
 

Link knew it was all too little, too late. Too late to say what he felt and afterwards, wished nothing more but for the man's happiness. He had no say in the marriage, not only his friend seemed happy but the woman whom the man married seemed like the sweetest and kindest person he has ever met and was perfect for his beloved Zora, who was he to harbor such intense malice towards the Zora Queen for 'taking away' what was supposedly rightfully his?

 
Maybe back then, he had such malice and jealousy beforehand but now, all there was is indifference of the woman who did what Link could not. And so, he decided to live out his own life, to live out the life Princess Zelda has so generously given him and in time, find peace in his heart. 

 
Maybe then, for the next person he finds he would not make the same mistake again. Maybe then he would grab the opportunity when it presents itself instead of giving in to his fears. That is if he can even find another when the love, passion for Prince, no, King Sidon is still burning brightly in his heart. The smile, the supportive words, the kindness and understanding in his topaz eyes, Link would curse himself every day, every night for losing his chance to see those every waking hour of his life. And now he shall punish himself by taking away the ability to see those jewels anymore.
 

If it is all to forget the man who had left a passion of love that became an inferno burning him from within until there is nothing but ashes of regret.

Chapter Text

Sounds of wet steps echoed throughout the beautiful azure blue kingdom belonging to an aquatic race known as the Zoras, a light rain blessed by Goddess Nayru was bestowed upon the inhabitants, joyously enjoying the gifts above. 

 
Laughter of children running through the plaza, the young Zoras were all playing a game of tag as they encircled a statue depicting two heroic individuals whom had saved Zora Domain during its dire need, when a giant mechanism had broke and had risked the possibility of flooding the entirety of Hyrule alongside destroying Zora Domain. One of which is the current leader of the kingdom, King Sidon whose mind is occupied with an endless sea of problems, solutions and ideas regarding the prosperity of his kingdom. 

 
It has been 5 years since his coronation and marriage, to say he did an immaculate job is putting it ever so lightly, some may say in a few years the King may as well burn out with the incredible amount of incredible progress he has been achieving for his beloved kingdom and his people. Like that of a shooting star. 

 
However, their notion is not without evidence. The Zora King has been performing his duties diligently without complaint no doubt, working side-by-side alongside his dear wife, Queen Yona. To have been able to achieve such success, however, there is a catch to it all. Secretly behind the smiles, the joking exterior and the warm friendly eyes that would put even the hardiest royals to soften up, the King is currently mourning. Not that of the late Princess Mipha, whom he had years of mourning beforehand but that of a beloved friend. A certain Hylian whom he spent so much time with. A man whose heart truly lies, almost suffocating.

 
Such an idea would no doubt cause outrage to not just the Zora elders but to his beloved Queen, whom King Sidon does love. Does truly care for but, his love extends to that of friendship. 
 

The two do cherish and care for one another but Sidon does not love Yona as a man would love his wife. No, they are married on stone tablets but when it comes to their hearts, their love is of friends tied to each other through an arranged marriage which was brought up by his father. Never had he thought he would marry a cherished childhood friend he had not seen in years, but he knew it was for the greater good of his kingdom when the Mucktorok brought forth havoc and discord to the beautiful pristine kingdom of the Zoras. 

A vile rainclouds of muck and disease that plagued the gills and health of his beloved Zoras. And so, Sidon took the marriage without a second thought. His heart may lie within the Hylian but his sole duty belongs to his Kingdom. As if it was not painful enough he could never truly be close to the one man he truly loves, it crushed his heart even more when the Hylian that was his light, the man who helped save his domain when there was no one else could... the man he spent so much time with, the man he would never stop talking about especially to his wife,  would all of a sudden stopped visiting him.
Stopped all forms of communication.

The picnics they had, the laughs they shared, the burdens they told... all gone. Just like that. 

 
Was it... was it something he did wrong? Did Sidon unknowingly hurt Link by doing something not even the Zora was informed of? Why then, did the letters stop? The visitations ceased. The laughs, the smiles, everything - !
 

Why then, did you close yourself off Link? 

 
Day in and day out, Queen Yona could see the distant look in Sidon's eyes when he is not working and during the quiet ambience of breakfast, the hardworking Zora King would be attentive and listen in to Yona's words and conversations yet, she never truly saw Sidon's eyes brighten up as they had when Link first arrived in Zora Domain during the Mucktorok incident. 
 

When Link... 

 
Queen Yona had a suspicion Sidon's feelings for Link were far from that of platonic, but whenever she tried bringing this up the Zora man would immediately shut it down and say it is nothing but foolish rumors spread by gossip. The viridian Zora royal felt as though her cherished friend seemed to be hiding too many secrets from her. As though, he wishes to pretend that they both are happily married friends destined to rule Zora Domain together. No doubt they both make a good pair to lead but, in terms of romance there was none. Even if there is none, the Queen did all she could in order to support her beloved friend, advising him and comforting the man in his time of need. 
 

During their times together, Yona was able to figure out many things regarding Sidon. 
 

His sense of humor, the food he now enjoys and the sense of longing in his eyes whenever Link is brought up, no doubt missing the man. 

 
... 
 
The Queen had hoped that, in due time, Sidon would soon finally wake up and realize what he wants rather than put up the facade which he had always did ever since Mipha's passing. This princely, no, kingly charade where he would never, let anyone else in his life shoulder his own personal burden. 

 
Not even to his childhood friend.

Chapter Text

Fishing by the lakeside, Link looked upon the clouds in the sky, beautiful blue skies and fluffy white cotton hanging high above, the ideal image of which Link wished could be his current state of mind. It must be nice to simply live in a blissful and peaceful life...

Many nights, he had his fair share of twists and turns, wondering exactly what he wanted in life, trying to live for himself. Sometimes the thought comes to mind, what would he take away once death does impede upon him? Would there be much regrets? Would his joy and success in life outweight them all? 

Would he be able to live despite his lack of motivation? It was not that Link was unable to find joy in life. But the prospect of living for himself felt foreign to the Hero of Hyrule. He had lived his entire life serving under Princess Zelda, as well as becoming the Hero of Hyrule. Now that monsters are sparse, the threat of Ganondorf has been demolished thanks to Zelda, himself and the help of the Sages... what else is there for him to do?

He had thought that maybe... living a relaxed and peaceful life was enough, but what was left for him instead was stagnation, boredom, restlessness and not enough monsters to keep his mind busy. Link is not one to risk his life if it is not to save someone else's. Therefore the idea of becoming a daredevil is not an option to justify his lack of an adrenaline rush. If only, there was some way he could become a hero once more. Looking up to the sky, Link prays, BEGS he could be the hero he wants, no, NEEDS to be. Some form of goal, a reason to keep on living, to make the pain all worth it in the end. 

Wouldn't that be nice? Maybe so, Link is able to become a hero once more. 

Finishing up, he went back to town, going into a relatively comfortable inn to order something to eat. There he met up with Hudson, who was not with his wife but simply sitting alone drinking away the hard work of keeping a whole company strong and tough. After making up the decisions in his mind, Link thought why the hell not and asked the man if he could join in.

"Oh, take a seat, Link. It's good to see you."

"Nice seeing you here, business good as usual?"

Hudson took a sip of his drink before continuing.

"Oh, you have no idea. To be frank, the effects of both the Calamity and Upheaval is still seen with burnt villages and housing all over. It's a lot of work but seeing the progress? Makes the sweat and aches all worth it."

Link chuckled, knowing exactly how it feels to constantly visit and feel the effects of the late Demon King who ravaged the land of Hyrule for too long, makes one appreciate the relatively peaceful era they have now, especially for the children born after all of the chaos and destruction.

Speaking of which...

"How's Mattison doing?"

Link could see the spark in the man's eyes the moment his daughter's name was spoken, Link knew just how much the father adores his sweet child. Listening in to the man's words of the letters he had received from the girl who no doubt must be in her teens at least, Link could also hear the happiness in Hudson's voice at the anticipation of seeing his daughter again. 

To see someone you missed and cared for so long... reminds Link of someone he should have left to rot in his heart.

... 

Dark clouds rolled over the once clear skies of Akkala, thunderstorm rang out as heavy rain pelted upon the region of autumn, rushing waters flood the giant lake surrounding Tarrey Town, Link himself could see the water rising, reaching the roads themselves. Torin Wetland had practically became part of the lake, the only indication it was once dry land was the few trees sticking out of the water.

Still, so long as everyone stayed put in their homes then they could weather through this storm. Steeling himself as he opened his door, the wind roaring out as rain poured into the entrance, Link left the safety of his home due to the will of the hero within himself calling forth to check on the towns people, one of the lasting remains of his 'heroic acts' ever since his retirement.

Once he arrived, he saw a crowd of people looking over a hysterical woman breaking down on the ground, desperately begging for help.  Apparently her two sons had went missing after telling they were going out fishing by the lake. Damn it, if these kids were the same Link was thinking of... 

Immediately as soon as the woman spotted Link she rushed towards him, begging for his help in finding her precious angels. No doubt this was a horrible situation as well as dangerous but the flickering heroic ashes within Link stood up to the challenge and promised he would find those kids in time.

Back in Zora Domain, Sidon was very much busy focusing on a royal meeting involving the Zora Elders regarding the current state of affairs within his kingdom. It was also during this very meeting Sidon was informed that there was a storm brewing within Akkala, his heart clenching knowing full well that the one person in his heart is currently living there. 

But of course it was nothing serious, Sidon tells himself, for all he knows the Hylian is more than capable of keeping himself safe. After all, he did managed to save Hyrule not once, but twice. Still, he cannot shake the feeling, his natural instinct is screaming at him to check in on his dear friend. But, now was neither the time nor place to imagine such a morbid possibility. He had far more important matters to attend to after all. 

... 

Link...

It has been a long time has it not since he had checked in on his dear beloved friend. Years even, despite the lack of visitations, the letters sent, despite it all the lonely Zora King still wished nothing but the best for Link. Even after all of these years of painful and agonizing silence. 

Will we... ever see one another in the future?

Maybe it was an act if desperation, to see his friend one more time, maybe it was genuine concern. Whichever is the case, Sidon knew what he needed to do.

Standing up from his seat, all eyes were all on the Zoran King, excusing himself before he immediately left abruptly. What followed were whispers and questionings of what exactly what going on, confusion arose on practically everyone in the meeting. All except for his Queen, who knew exactly what Sidon was most worried about, or in this case, who. 

...

Back in Akkala, Link managed to find the missing boys, alive thank Hylia. Still he was no out of the woods yet, as the kids were both hanging onto a branch of tree from being swept by the raging currents, with their only lifeline seemingly close to snapping in two. Quickly the Hylian rushed into action in order to save the two boys, tying a rope to his arrow, shot it onto the tree the boys were clinging onto and tied the other side of the rope onto another tree making a make-shift bridge. Swiftly, Link jumped into the freezing cold waters as it rushed through, holding onto the rope for dear life and calling out to the boys to grab onto his shoulder with an intense grip. 

In a grueling rescue operation, Link exhaustedly but successfully was able to bring the two boys to dry land, still holding onto the rope for support from the rushing waters, he told the boys he would bring them home himself. 

Just then, a large debrie of driftwood had rushed through the flowing waters and slammed agaisnt the tree that once held the boys, snapping the ropes and dragging Link away from dry land. His sudden predicament alarmed the boys whom Link had rescued, horrified that their rescuer was in grave danger. 

The last thing Link heard were the horrified screams of the two boys. 

Cold. Dark. Wet. Pain. Numb.

So many sensations all at once, Link tried all he could in order to swim out of the raging torrents but he was but a Hylian, not a trained swimmer from birth like that of a Zora, there was no way he could swim out of this dangerous situation. He immediately spread his arms out in a desperate attemp to grab onto anything, a  healthy branch, rocks, whatever he could get in order to anchor himself through the merciless rushing waters. 

In his hand was still the rope that broke away, with whatever energy he has left he tried throwing it agaisnt anything to save himself out of the merciless strong current he is dragged along but it was not working, he simply just kept catching debrie floating by without stopping, no different from his state at the moment. 

Silently, Link blamed himself. After all, he desperately wanted to be a hero, correct? In a sense, this was what he exactly wished for. Already he could see the sadden eyes of Zelda, his friends, everyone he had came across ever since his awakening from the shrine of ressurection. How pathetic, to have come up on top twice agaisnt the Lord of Darkness only to meet his end through drowning.

A fitting end, from the vivid blue waters of ancient sheikah technology had he awaken from being revived from a close death encounter, into the dark murky waters of Lake Akkala will he meet his demise. 

Zelda, forgive me, I never did got to live as you asked for, that was the only command of yours I could never truly accomplish. I pray from the other side you will never, never be hurt ever again my dearest friend.

May nothing ever take away that smile from you. 

Tulin, I wish I could have seen how far you would grow in both your skills and your appearance, no doubt taking a lot from your father.

Riju, I thank you for the many fun times we shared, we both will have to settle on the best sand seal rider another time. In another life hopefully. 

Yunobo,  may you find your courage no matter the hardships, and that I am proud for how far you have come to be your own man. 

Sidon... 

... 

I wish for your happiness.

Chapter Text

It was dark, cold and absolute silence. Link thought for sure he was finally dead, that this was his final destination, his body felt absolutely heavy and out of breath, feeling as though he had gotten tackled by a silver Lynel. Soon the Hylian began focusing on his hearing, pointed ears picking up the muffled sounds of wet webbed feet shuffling... 

Webbed feet? 

It was getting farther away, Link tried to pick up his arm to chase after that sound. Yearns for it. To escape the isolation but alas, he could not reach whatever is leaving him, his limbs felt too weighted. However, afer what sounded like someone struggling to light a flint, finally, warmth filled the once cool air, light, seeping through the cracks of Link's closed eyelids. Like waking up to the Sun smiling down him back home in Hateno, he could sense fire, warming his hypothermic body back to life. Closed eyelids fluttered opened, a silent wish to see his savior. 

What he saw next was a giant red scaled hand placed itself onto his already soaked hair, brushing it with the immense care. Why. Why would anyone stroke him like this, should he stop it? Yet, he cannot nor did he wanted to. Slowly, the hair brushing stopped, a tall shadow appeared in front of Link's sight as the fire was blocked from view. The Hylian silently anticipated on what else was to come. Was this person friendly? Was it... someone he knew? Why did this person saved me? 

Fingers, cold and wet yet filled with the most warmth Link felt in years even, gently caressing his cheek, causing the weakened man's breath to hitch and his head spinning. Why. What was this person doing? 

How come... this feels familiar... 

Link tugged on his own hand painfully, feeling as though he was caught in quicksand with how much force he had to put in just to move his limbs. But, he succeeded.  He brought it onto the hand and holding onto it, their temperature matching each other. 

Sidon, the Zora King, one who was bound to his luminous, beautiful and prosperic kingdom and bound to his responsibility, once surrounded by entricate and magnificent architecture of his homeland was now in a dark, wet cave lit up by a fireplace that was no doubt started by the man himself in order to warm up his dearest Hylian. 

"... S-Sidon?" 

That tired and weak voice from Link alone was enough to awaken the Zora from his deep thoughts. He looked over his battered and bruised wet friend whom he almost lost with a pained expression.

"..." 

How close, how close Link was to death had Sidon not checked his house only to not find him. Had he not asked around the people of Tarrey Town only to be informed by two boys and their mother regarding Link whom had been swept away by the currents. 

Foolish was it for the man to not ask for help. There was even an old Zora man in the town whom he could have asked for help had he... 

... damn it, now was not the time for what ifs and buts Sidon. Link is alive, no? He is breathing still, holding your hand and- 

?! 

Sidon took a few steps back as a blush crept onto his face, Link, his dearest friend is finally awake, an alarmed look was plastered on his face once Sidon retreated away from him, shuffling of his wet footstep bounced off the surrounding stone walls.

Smooth Sidon, real smooth. 

Quickly the Zora calmed himself before sitting down, finally confronting the Hylian. 

What you did was rather foolish, my dear friend. You should have called for help, my men would've no doubt helped save anyone affected by the flooding. You could've died, Link. Leaving us without ANY clue as to where you could've gone, if you were even alive- 

...no. 

Sidon desperately wanted to utter those very words but the more he pondered on it, the more he became agitated. Eventually, he could not bring himself to do so as he looked upon the hero he once looked up, no, always have. The friend he cherished most was now injured and vulnerable right in front of him.

Weakened.

He wanted to... set a powerful example of what could had been. But now was, a bad time to do so. 

What Link needed was not a reminder of his failures. 

What he needed was comfort, and Sidon will give him just that. 

The giant Zora gently grabbed ahold of Link and brought him closer to the fireplace, disregarding his own disdain for the flames if it meant helping him warm up his body. And from then on, everything clicked in perfectly. 

The two men continued sharing each other's company next to the fireplace, with Link feeling warmth both from the heat source... the man who is allowing Link to lean agaisnt in order to breath in better, cool scales agaisnt his already cold body but it still gave a sense of comfort.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Link spoke up.

"... I'm sorry I didn't see you after all this time. I... missed you." 

Hurt, sorrow and regret filled the Zora's heart when he listened in to the tired and exhausted voice of the weakened Hylian hero. Even after all this time, even after years of silences, the two of them were able to reunite. The Zora did wished it was under better circumstances but, this was enough. Link was enough.

"I, miss you too my friend. You have nothing to apologize, I understand you must be quite busy after all-" 

Before Sidon could finish, Link held onto his hand as if to stop him, well fortunately, it did stopped Sidon's mouth as well as his mind but for a moment. 

"No, I stopped seeing you... for a foolish reason... " 

This however did grabbed the Zora's attention, finally, was he able to get that closure after all these years, the answer he so desperately wanted? 

... no, not yet. Sidon knew how there was next to no energy left in the Hylian. Now was not the time for him to air his grivances. Not here, not now. Gently, Sidon place his finger onto Link's lips to shush the smaller man and just, let him bask in the heat of the fire. It was still raining outside after all, so for now the two of them might as well get comfortable and wait out the storm.

Using his water manipulation ability, Sidon was able to obtain some rain water, purify it and move the clean water directly into Link's mouth, allowing him to regain back some energy. While the Hylian rests, Sidon had also caught some Hylian Bass from the lake and cooked a few ( some had gotten burnt due to his lack of culinary practice ) and fed them to the weakened hero. 

Even then, Link honestly could care less about the taste.

This was practically Heaven for the man, he would gladly die if it meant his final moments were to be close to Sidon as they were beforehand. Before the marriage, before everything changed...

But, this was fine too. Link is just happy he is able to spend even an ounce of time with Sidon, the man who was his light in a dark world. But now, Sidon is someone else's Sun, and Link has but accepted that fact, if not for his sake then it would be for the man he loves.

Chapter Text

As the rain outside the cave continued to pelt the grounds, the two huddled for warmth, at least that was what they were telling themselves. In truth the fire was more than enough to keep Link warm and Sidon's naturally cold-blooded body could barely provide the temperature Link's warm-blooded body desperately sought after.

But again, they did not cared.

Link was no longer laying on his back, able to sit up straight, standing on his two feet was however another matter. One he will have to wait for since his focus now was moreso onto the man currently taking care of him. Years of malice, years of jealousy and torment had all but dissipate oh so easily the more Link spent with Sidon. Almost.

Sidon and Link were now both spending time and reminiscing their old times together.

Their times spent near the waterfalls, the adventures they had above the clouds within the Water Temple and, the fight agaisnt the Demon King. It all happened so fast, there was no planning nor time needed for Link to work together with the other Sages. And how could there? 

For the entire journey in order to retrieve enough powers to defeat Calamity Ganon, Link did it almost all by himself. The Blights, the fight across Hyrule, the Yiga Clan, the battle agaisnt Calamity Ganon's true form itself, Link was so used to fighting by his lonesome the idea of others aiding him in battle and not just to aboard corrupted mechanical beasts of sheer magnitude, felt foreign to the Hylian Hero.

Then cut to the present, where Link was not only saved by one of the Sages, but also taken care of. Comforted. During his recovery, Link thought for awhile he should inform of Sidon to help take him to the clinic of Tarrey Town and be on his way to return back to his kingdom. Back to his people. Back to his wife. 

... but Link felt selfish, at least, for the time being, he wanted Sidon all to himself. Talk to him more, spend time with him more. The Hylian had never felt this much happiness in years and for it all to be taken away from him just like that he, he knew it was selfish. 

Sensing the inner turmoil of his dearest friend, Sidon brought his hand and rubbed the Hylian's back, easing his discomfort. Link leaned onto the Zora, not wishing to leave this temporary patch of heaven. His one chance of feeling a sense of content in the many years he had cut all communications with the Zora King. 

The cave is not your run-of-the-mill home like back in Akkala nor a castle, but for once in both of their lives, it felt like one.

Just the two of them together, Link could hear the sounds of Sidon's breathing and heartbeat, he could also see traces of old and new scars, wondering if the fresh ones he grimaced over were from saving Link from drowning through all of the debrie in the flooding lake. A silent promise was made in order to make it up to the man one way or another. 

The Hylian could also hear the familiar sound of Sidon's head tail wagging happily the more Link leaned closer onto Sidon, finding it rather adorable. The Zora took notice of Link staring at him and feeling awkward, clearing his throat. 

"L-Link, the rain should be stopping soon... would you like for me to bring you back to your house?" 

... 

Fuck. 

Guess all good things must come to an end. Before Link could nod, he looked upon the red Zora's face and spoke to him in a quiet tone. 

"There is a clinic in Tarrey Town, you can take me there, you should also get your injures treated. But, if it's okay Sidon then, may I come visit you? When I''m healed up I mean. " 

Sidon's eyes widen at such a request, if it even need his approval, smiling, the giant Zora nodded, looking upon the Hylian with genuine love and affection at the prospect of finally seeing his friend once more. 

"But of course, I patiently wait for your next visit..."

Chapter Text

A whole week had passed since the flooding incident, aside from the two boys whom were saved by Link from being swept away by the currents, the other people of Tarrey Town were able to remain relatively safe. The mother of the two boys had asked to reward the hero for his deeds but as always, Link would deny them. He was just happy to have had a shot at becoming a hero once more.

For the most part, Link had to spend the whole week getting better from such a close encounter with death. Physically fine but mentally it did affected him, but all for entirely different reasons.

While the Hylian's body was able to recover due to his blessings from Goddess Hylia, he knew for a fact there was no way he could have survived if it were not for Sidon. But now that his body is fully restored back to health, the promise he made to Sidon lingered over his head like a storm cloud.

Should he go? 

Sitting by the edge of the bed in Tarrey Town's clinic, he contemplated his decision although his little quiet moment was cut short by a very judgemental nurse, who has repeatedly told him that he should.

Being poked by an ex to go meet someone he once loved was not something he would ever imagine to happen in his life.

Ex might make be a... strong word, both of them did continued being good friends once more. Link would happily volunteered himself in helping the nurse retrieve herbs from around the woods in Akkala and she would be helping him treat his ailment and injuries free of charge. Sometimes. 

"Seems to me you've gotten quite the work handed over to you, Link. Imagine my shock when I saw you were brought in by what I thought was a monster." 

Natasha joked, organizing her bottles of medicine into the cupboards while talking to the hero.

"In my defense, I was just as shock as you were when he came to my rescue. I honestly don't know what made him appear so suddenly..." 

Getting up, the hero felt even more anxious regarding the upcoming meeting with his dear friend once more, not sure if that was the right move to do, if he should have taken more time beforehand. Maybe send in a letter first and foremost? The man is a King after all so it would make sense he should inform him regarding his visitation first and foremost.

Natasha hummed in acknowledgement. "Maybe so, but he did saved you and that's what matters..." the nurse turned away from her medicine cupboard as she began facing Link as she continued. 'Please, promise me you wouldn't go into another suicide mission like that ever again. It's a miracle you survived Link." 

The relaxed attitude on the Hylian man's face faded, he knew she was right. He should have had called for help. Should have been more of a team player rather than the lone hero he once were. Link nodded, promising to Natasha that he would do better, which earned himself another hum of acknowlgement.

Natasha then surprised the Hylian by hitting him right in the knee with a rubber mallet, warning the man once more to get a grip with the two laughing it off. He should follow through with his promise. It's only fair after all of these years. 

All of these selfish, foolish years. 

...

Upon the outskirts of Zora Domain, Sidon had been walking around for a well deserved break, looking over the beautiful landscape of his region, waterfalls surrounding the city, the beautiful aquatic plantations thriving, scattered across the region of Lanayru. 

No doubt the King is proud of his domain, yet even with such beauty and prestiege which surrounds him, his mind somehow wanders back to the cave whom he had stayed with Link a week ago during the terrible rainstorm in Akkala. Deep down, he wished to have spend more time and be closer to the Hylian. Yet, he knew the closest he could have been was just that. A friend. 

He is a married man after all, not just that but a responsibility and duty to his Queen, his wife and the kingdom itself, a love life between him and Link was practically impossible in every form. 

Impossible, in terms of a normal marriage that is. Yes, Sidon is married however, he had... done his own research. Finding out the practice of Kings and Queens taking in consorts, lovers different from queens to a King but still partners whose sole purpose was to help and be a source of comfort for the ruler. 

No, such a role would not fit the Hero of Hyrule, the tall man quickly shook off such an idea. Link, his dear friend, was the Hero of Hyrule for Goddess' sake. To simply have him chose the life of a consort felt as though he is robbing Link of his identity, as that is how Sidon views it. Link deserves better. 

Still, he still crave and want the Hylian's adoration and commitment yet knew there was little he could do in order to allow them both to be together. Nor does Sidon even think Link wants to even be with him to begin with. It had been years, yes he had known of Link's affection for him but no doubt he must have been a taken man. It has been too long, surely his dear beloved Hylian had finally found someone worthy to be his... his... 

... the thought of his beloved already taken was too much for him. 

Wishing to calm himself down, Sidon went over to sink his body into the fresh waters of Lanayru, allowing the roaring waterfall to help massage his muscles away, Mother Nature's back massager as Link oh so eloquently tells Sidon, eliciting out a chuckle from the King. 

Oh Link, how you choose to take center stage within my mind... 

"Didn't think I'd see you bathing out here." 

Surprised, Sidon was immediately pulled out of his thoughts when he heard those words. No doubt... that voice belonged to none other Link himself, standing over the edge of the lake and greeting Sidon with a wave. The Zora stumbled out of the lake he was ... meditating in, yes, absolutely what he was doing, telling Link that was all it was, causing the Hylian to raise an eyebrow. 

"It's fine. I don't mind whatever you're doing here, but, I was wondering if you would be willing to ...walk with me?" The Hylian spoke in a soft tone, giving a warm smile that no doubt lit a fire in the Zora's chest, there was no way Sidon would not reply to that without sporting his iconic toothy grin.

"I would love nothing more than that, my dearest friend." 

Side-by-side, the two men happily walked through the wet grassy terrain of Lanayru, dewdrops flickering out with each step feeling the cool breeze. It felt cold of course but both of them were quite used to the temperature, yet it gave way to a sight far more enticing than the countless crystals and plantation surrounding the domain. Far, far better. 

Link looked upon Sidon and his eyes widen, mouth agape as he saw the Zora man's dangling fins flowing through the wind, his gaze always soft and beautiful and without a second thought, Link muttered out one simple word. 

"Beautiful." 

"...!" 

Link cleared his throat after realizing what he had just said, Sidon looking back at him with wide eyes before his gaze quickly softens, a warm smile etched itself upon his face. He almost wanted to say that Link should be saving that to his lover but, he does not know whether or not the man has one already.

"..."

The topic of Link's relationship status was something Sidon never thought of asking but now might as well be the perfect time to ask about it since the man is already here. After all it had been a long time so Sidon would assume Link might chalk the question up to one more of curiosity rather than a check up.

"Oh, I'm not with anyone, just, trying to work on myself." Link replied, looking away as he felt a tad embarassed.

And by working on himself, Link meant trying to throw away the immense love he has for Sidon, knowing full well his unrequited love would just end up driving Link insane. And he was not lying of course, before Natasha, Link did went on several dates. Even sleeping around with people here and there mostly in order to de-stress from his life lacking  severely in motivation. 

It did helped at first, but slowly, the usual euphoric and mind-numbing pleasure felt shallow with each experience as Link never felt any true connections with his previous 'lovers'. 

For now, Link focused more on helping others rather than indulging in his own selfish desires. 

When the Zora heard of Link's relationship status or for better terms; lack there of, he felt extremely relieve, albeit guilty upon feeling such a way. Soon, Sidon began taking the lead, bringing up different topics and the state of affairs within his kingdom as the Hylian Hero remained quiet. Simply enjoying the other man's presence. 

It did however crossed Link's mind multiple times, the more time he spent with the Zora King, the more his craving and desire were finally resurfacing... he wanted more. More. More out of this friendship. Every time Sidon showed his beautiful smile, he wants to kiss the man. Every time Sidon praised Link to no end, he wanted to- 

No. Stop.

The Hylian told himself to control his thoughts and emotions. How those years of not interacting with Sidon truly made him starved of affection. Like a malnourished wolf in captivity finally given a chance at freedom. He would be a fool to ignore him now. 

... 

Looking around his surroundings, the Hylian was a tad confused at first. However with enough time scaning the area, his old memories had started to resurface as the light of familiarity finally reached his eyes. He remembered. Remembered the location Sidon had led him to is, well was... their usual hang out spot. Echoes of laughters and idle chatter soon flooded the Hylian's mind, reminding him of what they had. Of what he had cruelly took away from the both of them just to appease a broken heart. 

"... it has been a long time, hasn't it?" Sidon walked over to one of the rocks, sitting down as the two would converse whatever topics comes to mind just to fill in the empty space. That or Sidon would simply relax beside Link and, not say a word. 

Which will it be for today? 

Without uttering a single sentence, Sidon enthusiastically patted on one of the rocks beside him, inviting Link. Sitting down, it felt oh so right yet at the back of Link's mind there is just so much things that are wrong. 

Why. 

Why. Why is Sidon so sweet and kind. After ignoring him. After cutting off all communications. I don't deserve kindness nor forgiveness. 

Not after abandoning you. 

The internal struggle inside of the Hylian began getting louder and louder. No matter how much he tries keeping his distance away from the Zora, like a moth to a flame, Link cannot stop himself from getting closer to Sidon, as though it was in his nature. No matter how much it would hurt in the long run. 

He would gladly accept the constant pain if it means for those tiny specks of happiness filling his empty heart that meant the world to him. Gladly take upon those sleepless nights if the memories of us together would bring joy to my life...

Such a foolish thought.

For awhile now, both men were quiet until Sidon spoke up, looking towards Link, dropping his carefree and usual friendly gaze for one more serious, surprising the Hylian who in all honesty, was not expecting it at all.

"Link, why did you... stopped talking to me?"

Chapter Text

"..." 

Heart beating fast, the Hylian's initial relaxed demeanor had immediately shifted to one of contemplation and warriness, foolishly, the Hylian had hoped that Sidon would at the very least give him enough ample time to come up with a remotely decent excuse for his slow eventual disappearance from the king's life. 

Not that he deserved it.

At this very moment in time, Link had been drawing a complete blank in his head. The hell was he even suppose to say? His genuine reasoning all boiled down to him being unable to love the man more than a friend and to soften the blow, EXPECTS himself to move on and find happiness elsewhere. 

But he didn't do that, did he? He still held strong onto a love that wasn't around anymore. Or ever existed in the first place. 

"Sidon, I, I'm sorry. Really it wasn't my intention to... ignore you, I just have a lot in my mind and..." Looking down, unable to even lay an eye on what hurt or pained expression Sidon could even hope to muster as a form of punishment. As much as the Hylian did not wanted it, it was merely a small price to pay for basically abandoning the friend who showed him nothing but kindness and support.

When not receiving a single reply to his pathetic excuse of an apology, the man with his head hung low looked up and froze. What he saw was not immense sadness or anger as he expected. It was... fatigue. Almost... disappointed. Sidon had gone through his years without his friend without too much trouble. He is hurt yes but he has a whole kingdom to focus on. People to help improve their lives. A wife to tend to. 

Her alone made Link knew very well how better off Sidon was without him. The Zora who was a sweet, supportive kind man to ever be with someone who would run with his tail between his legs at the prospect of hardships and troubles in their friendship.

"Enough with these excuses, Link." 

"..."

Sidon's expression was calm as ever but what Link saw started making him feel like hurling, molten topaz fueled by both hurt and anger mixed together, concocted into a furious gaze meant for one man and one man alone. Again, the bigger man breathed in and out before continuing.

"I've sent you letters, I've invited both you and Princess Zelda to royal gatherings, I even WANTED to spend some quality time on events with you for Hylia's sake and you gave me... absolutely nothing in return! Why?" Sidon's voice raised at the last sentence, all of his frustration and hurt of being given dead silence by the man whom he once spent plenty of his precious time with for so many times to up and ignore him felt like a joke to what their friendship was before. 

Did... did all of those times meant absolutely nothing to Link? Did Link not even felt an ounce of remorse or guilt for leaving Sidon behind when they had shared so many memories together?

Taking the full brunt force of Sidon's deep hidden frustrations, Link knew he was done running away. He deserved this after all he had done. Or what he had not. The idea of loosing Sidon by his own foolish feelings was too great of a pain for him that the Hylian was more than willing to let their friendship die off than to face the prospect of being rejected, a most selfish act all to protect his own heart, but not Sidon's.

"Link, all I ask is...no, what I want are answers from you. Why. Why did you cut me off. What did I even do to you?" 

Those same piercing golden eyes that once filled Link with warmth and love was now filling him with pain and guilt. How he was the reason for Sidon's pain, Sidon! The Zora who was always so supportive and kind- no, now was not the time to start complaining what was in the past. What he had lost all those years ago.

Now was the present, steeling himself, Link took a deep breath and let it out, finally confronting a battle long overdue.

"You didn't do anything wrong. Nothing you could've done would've made me hate you or WANT to ignore you-" 

"Link!" 

"-I-I'm sorry! It's not what you DID!" Link corrected himself, he wished he had a whole script for this exact moment but in all honesty, he did not expect himself to even be in this situation to begin with. He did all he could to avoid this exact scenario after all, even if it meant hurting his most closest friend. 

Breathing in and breathing out, Link was ready to confess... in more ways than one.

"Sidon, the reason why I left you is because I, was scared. Scared of rejection." Link FINALLY confessed, it could have been worded better, practically scraps at the bottom of the barrel but anyone would figure it out by now. 

But not Sidon, he was filled with too much grief and betrayal to understand exactly what Link meant. Maybe he did had an inkling but, he wants to hear it all in full detail from the man who left him. He waited far too long to just accept half-truths or riddles of all things from the hero. 

"Rejection... from what exactly?" Sidon questioned, narrowing his eyes as his anger slowly dissipated. The idea of pushing Link even further did seemed quite favorable in the Zora's head, he was more than deserving to do so but, he figured at the very least this was something, being open about one's emotion is something he knew Link had trouble doing. Gulping down, Link instinctively wanted to look away as he is about to let the cat out of the bag, but fought agaisnt himself. Sidon deserved to know the truth after all.

"I was... scared, of you not loving me back. Or, wishing to break this friendship between us for it. I love you too much that... no, if I did loved you then I wouldn't have ignored you. But I did..." 

Link knew he was being selfish. It was not love for Sidon but a powerful sense of fear within himself, afraid of loosing the one man who made him the most happiest he has ever been. Ever since he left the Great Plateu, embark on a journey to save the princess and save all of Hyrule, being told for greatness, being told of his prowess, being reminded of his failures... Sidon was his light through it all. He promised himself that no matter what, he would never hurt the Zora Prince.

... but in the end, that is exactly what he did. For years he ignored Sidon in order to let the fiery passion of love die off into ashes. Even then, such a thought never occured, for all of those years he truly missed the Zora King. 

Desperately. Craving. Wishing to see him. 

After a moment of silence, Sidon looked upon Link with hurt in his eyes. In reality, his mind was one big confusing mess of emotions. He is happy for the confession but, it did felt too little too late. Sidon already had been given the cold shoulder, the lack of communication and even laughter and smiles they once shared all those years ago. Before the Upheaval... 

Before... 

"...that's why you left abruptly, during my wedding?" Sidon asked for one final confirmation, with Link nodding sadly, he could not even do the bare minimum of even PRETEND to be happy for his best friend's happiest day. The Zora scoffs, realizing how stupid he felt at not realizing sooner the real reason why Link was acting strange ever since he met him once again after all those months. 

He was so happy, so excited and appreciative of Link to appear after the man vanished for months, only for Link to give him the cold shoulder out of nowhere.

It felt as though something happened to Link. When Sidon asked the other sages regarding this fact during their time spent in the Lookout Landing, they all retold that Link was communicative with them so it was not a Link case but moreso a Sidon case, which pissed the Zora off even more. 

"Link, I could never EVER stop befriending had I not shared the same feelings for you. I am however, hurt that you left me all those years when... when I did." The Zora confessed in a quieter tone, finally letting out his emotions should feel better, right? But all he felt was just more frustration. How all of those utter silence boiled down to jealousy that could have EASILY been brought to light.

Link thought he heard it wrong, Sidon he... oh fuck. Oh shit. The Hylian looked at Sidon with immense regret and pain in his eyes, wishing to say something before Sidon raised his hand to continue. 

"I know very well I am a married man, Link. However, the marriage I had with Yona was an arranged one, one my Father had asked of me to which I, accepted, thinking your heart was to the Princess. But to me, she was like an older sister, still is. She is still precious to me but you, you..."

The Zoran had to take a breath, calming down, then he continued.

"Even now, I... I cannot tell whether or not I should be happy or not." Link sadly nodding, closing his eyes, he knew he messed up and did not blame the Zora one bit. 

It took too long. The confession between the two of them did happened yet, to say the damage has already been done would be an understatement.

Sidon tried all he could to reach out to Link, to salvage their friendship only to be met with complete and utter silence. Realizing this, Link got up from the rock and head over to Sidon, bringing the Zora out of his thoughts. He was still being driven by betrayal and anger, anger at the unjustified torment Link laid upon him. Anger that all of this could have been avoided had they just... talked. Anger that... Link did not loved Sidon enough to tell him how he felt before disappearing out of his life.

"Do you think a hug or a kiss will heal this? The fact that you left me for so long-" 

Then, in one fell swoop, Link fell to his knees and kneeled, to hell with his pride. He needed to show Sidon what he would do in order to make it up to his friend. Surprised, Sidon instantly got up, telling Link to seize this foolishness.

"What are you doing? If you want to apologize then you shouldn't have to resort to-" Sidon's voice trailed off when he saw the smaller Hylian man's body shaking, realizing that Link was... was...

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry Sidon..." 

Fresh tears trailed down the Hylian's cheeks, falling  and joining in the dew drops upon the grassy terrain of Lanayru. Dropping down to his own knees, Sidon immediately shook Link's body to stand up, that as the hero of Hyrule he did not deserve to degrade himself to this point. There were so many other ways to apologize but not, not like this.

He was a man worthy to be revered, to be respected... even after all the hurt he had done. 

"Link, get up. Link, y-you really... think I'd forgive you this easily?" The Zora's words betraying his emotions.

"You think doing this would, make up for all you've done? Please..." Sidon's voice cracked at the end, unable to mask the emotions in his heart. 

The Zora forgone his plan of just shaking Link out of it and simply held tightly upon the Hylian, doing all he could to get the smaller man to look at him.

He loves him so goddamn much.

He was still angry, still frustrated with Link. But he still loves him. Loves the man who was there when he needed someone and the man whom held onto his heart for all of those years.

"Please Link, get up..."

Chapter Text

As the Sun began setting upon the horizon, warm colors blended together upon the great sky above, Sidon was currently laying down on the wet grassy terrain, next to him was Link who had dried off his eyes. The messy blonde looked upon the Zora with complete and utter longing and craving. 

No matter how long it took, he never did stomped out the flames. Nor did he attempted to all those years. The man was too infatuated with this married Zora King to ever rid himself of this love. 

"You are TRULY horrible at communicating, you know that Link?" 

Sidon scolded, he really wanted nothing more but to slap this smaller man's head but, here they are. He finally, finally got his answer. His heart can finally be at peace knowing it was Link's jealousy and hurt that caused a split between their relationship rather than what Sidon himself did personally or that Link hated him for another unknown reason. Filled with immense happiness, his large tail head was slowly wagging itself now that their silent war being ended today. 

Link had to hold back a laughter over how silly it looked.

"You know Link-" Sidon broke the silence, causing Link to pay full attention to him. 

"Even if I did not shared the same feelings for you, I would never, ever in my life discard you as a friend. Why on Earth would you think I would do something like that?" 

Sidon asked confusedly to which Link was shifting in his spot, thinking to himself why he would imagine something so... out-of-character of Sidon to do. 

"..."

"Did it once happened to you before?" The red shark asked, his topaz eyes looking deep into Link's ocean blue ones. 

Link shook his head, moreso he had assumed Sidon would find it strange for him to have feelings due to how happy Sidon seemed for Link to be his friend. 

Never had Sidon made any advances towards the smaller man and therefore Link came to the conclusion Sidon had no interest in Link romantically. To this the Zora King chuckled, finding it somewhat amusing the two of them were waiting for each of them to take the first step basically.

"So we both did loved each other, but stayed in our fantasy of just being happy enough as friends to ever change the status quo." 

Sidon summed up their entire situation in a nutshell with Link nodding, he is absolutely filled with regret in shutting Sidon out, knowing full well it would hurt the other man. Maybe... deep down, that is exactly what he wanted all along. 

'Revenge' for Sidon's 'betrayal' that he is not even aware of. 

"Even then, I couldn't remain in that friendly fantasy forever. I hated how it felt like I lost you romantically due to my own fears and instead of telling you I, just wanted to pretend I never knew you to soften the blow." 

Link explained painfully honestly without pulling any punches, looking up into the ever changing sky, silently counting some sky islands in the distance with Sidon listening before he continued. 

"I know it's horrible. I know what I did was selfish, cowardly and foolish. As if, our laughs and friendship and, everything... meant nothing. But they meant everything to me. Still do You make me so happy Sidon that I just didn't want my memories of you to be polluted by the idea of you being taken away from me..." 

Sidon's eyes widen at how open Link was being to him, in a sense he was more open to Sidon than he has in years. Moreso than before the Upheaval. How Sidon meant so much to Link that the Hylian rather risked their friendship dying over the prospect of seeing both Sidon and Yona happy together. In a sense, it is selfish and greedy of Link. 

But, Sidon knew the man had never harbored these feelings ever before. For all he had known Link, the man was always mission focused, weighted down by too much responsibilities. He was a courageous, battle-hardened and kind knight, always willing to help just about anyone, even had saved everyone in Hyrule. 

It was only when it came to certain Zora King that Link felt more...possessive. That thought alone both amused and intrigued the Zora King. Being wanted that badly by a jealous one-man-army might deter some people, but not Sidon. 

He finds that kindda hot. 

"You say that as though you cannot be within my presence as a friend if I were to fall in love with Yona. Needless to say, I understand why you wanted to... ignore me. Sigh, I also had times where I cursed my feelings for you. It would be more beneficial for me to focus solely on my wife, my kingdom and all of my connections than someone who has been out of my grasp for so long. Even when I did everything to get you back." 

Voicing his true thoughts, Sidon knew what he would be saying might hurt Link but this is payback for what Link did. No, punishment might be the best choice of words. Keeping an eye on the man, Sidon almost smirked at seeing the hurt in Link's eyes over what he had done. 

It's not enough.

"But what's done is done, I do not wish to look back on the past, even if I do have all of the time in the world... I know you don't." 

Sidon placed a hand onto Link's blonde locks, ruffling it affectionately as he knew he hated what Link did but did not have the heart in him to hate the man forever. 

More... more... 

"My heart has already taken its toll with too many losses, I'd like to not have you become part of history on how many times it felt like my heart was ripped apart." Sidon teased but fully meant what he said, looking directly at the Hylian as if to say 'you did this to me'. 

Link nodded, smiling sheepishly, looking upon Sidon and seeing the strong orange hue decorating the sides to his large body, his scales all in varying colors, his face filled with both hurt yet contentment, something Sidon wanted for so long. Slowly, the Hylian began to roll closer to Sidon on the grass, the two of their bodies almost touching one another. He is absolutely enamored by this Zora specifically.

"I love you, Sidon." 

"..." 

"Just, wanted to say that. I wish I could live my whole life with you. To be part of your life. That's all I wanted." 

"...Link." 

"I know you hate me for leaving you but, before we part ways I just want you to know I still do love you. During those years without you... I, I missed you. Immensely." 

I would never hate you.

Link's blue eyes were hooded, mentally and physically exhausted from their talk today. It seems the day itself was getting tired by the two lover's quarrel as it had went from morning to sunset pretty fast. The Hylian just wanted to get this over with, make up with Sidon and for the two of them to take as much time possibly to heal from his mistakes. And maybe, just maybe, the two of them can share more times together, as just... friends.

"...you don't know, how much I missed you." 

Before the Hylian could react, Sidon grabbed ahold of Link's waist closer to him and held tightly upon the Hylian, much to Link's confusion. Having their bodies finally pressed together broke a dam in the both of them, almost as if they were waiting for it for far too long. 

"Goddess, Link I missed you so badly. I've waited so long for this day, to have you in my arms! Link, I love you. I love you..." 

Gone was Sidon's usual professional and astute demeanor, he was like a wild animal denied sustanence for so long the moment he had just a taste of it, he could not get enough. Growling, the Zora continued snaking his arms around the Hylian, burying his face into the crook of other man's neck, causing Link to let out a involuntary moan, encouraging the crimson royal even further. Link had half a brain to at least TRY and push Sidon off of him, considering they were just having a serious discussion and that Sidon should consider his wife into all of this, keyword; try. It felt too much. He was overwhelmed by intense emotions fluttering about in his stomach, weakening his resolve.

A friendly reunion. This is all it was. Right?

"Sidon, wait..." 

"..." 

Once the Zora came to, he suddenly realized the comprimising position he had gotten both himself and Link into. Link, splayed beneath him, one leg laid down, one knee up, his cheeks flustered red and eyes still hooded, breathing heavily. Almost tempting him.

Cheeky bastard.

Sidon was currently pinning both the Hylian man's hands onto the grass, topaz eyes wild with want and desire, a deep rumbling growl could be heard coming from his chest, temptation dancing alongside his mind and body from not taking Link right here, right now. 

Ravage him. 

Ruin him. 

Make him pay for ignoring you all those years ago. He deserves this. He wants it too. You should give it to him. Take what is rightfully yours.

Chapter Text

A cool breeze flew by, almost trying to cool down the heated connection as the two men continued to stare at with one another with such passionated intensity. Not uttering a single word. The roaring waterfall nearby fell on deaf ears as time itself felt like it had begun to stand still. Strangely, despite having been held down against his will, Link was not struggling at all. 

Maybe he was still recovering from his injuries back in Akkala, maybe he was mentally exhausted from talking his heart out, whichever was the case, the man currently on the ground who was- no, rather IS the hero of hyrule who defeated countless monsters had a defeated look to him, which irritated the red king to no end. 

"What are you waiting for?" The Hylian asked, wearily, still staring at Sidon, awaiting his 'punishment', but the two of them knew very much what would have been FAR from anything remotely close to a punishment for either of them. Shaking his head, Sidon simply tighten his grip around the Hylian's hands, not moving an inch, trying to calm his breathing.

"You left me. You buried away your feelings for me, our friendship, our history... you should've told me. Should have said something, I could've..."

Sidon's voice trailed off once he realized he truly had no idea at what he could have done. Honestly, he was more than willing to sacrifice his own happiness to rule his kingdom without question, even if it meant being married to someone he had no romantic feelings for, for his people's sake. With that thought in mind, he imagined their situation would not have ended happily ever after if they both were to pursue one another back then. Even so, the fact that he was denied the happiness of even being in his favorite Hylian's presence still felt like cruel and unjustified punishment. All because he was ignorant of his friend's immense affection for him. 

"Do you hate me?" Once again Link's question only fueled Sidon's irritation and urges, how he just wanted to shut the Hylian up. Wishing he could just enjoy this moment between them both. Make good use of that running mouth of his... no, not like this. Not... when there is another party involved in all of this. 

"No, I would never hate you. Never..." Finally letting go of his tight grip, Sidon placed both of his hands between the Hylian below, keeping the man below trapped. Gulping down, it finally occurred to Sidon just how... close he was to losing it. 

How the rabbit the wolf had been trying to catch for so long, now finally caught in his arms, he wanted nothing more but to tear him apart. 

Piece by piece. 

Sidon let out a weary sigh. "Link, I just- well- being with you meant everything to me. Please, don't ever cut yourself out of my life ever again. I cherish you, so much. That is all." Pulling away, Sidon sat on the ground, waiting for Link to get up as well. Link was both surprised and a bit disappointed but he knew the real reason why Sidon did not go through with it. Did not dish out the punishment Link had braced himself for. A pity really.

Getting up, Link quickly walked over to the king, wrapped his arms around the Zora and pressed their bodies together, shocking Sidon immediately and causing blood to quickly rush to his cheeks.

"L-Link! Please, you know we can't-" 

"It's just a hug, Sidon. That's what friends do, right?" 

"..." 

Sidon slowly nodded, with the Hylian pulling away from his neck for a second to reveal a cheeky smile. "You're too kind. I'm happy that you love me back Sidon. Better late than never." 

And with that the annoyed Zora pushed Link back onto the ground, the Hylian falling with a loud thud, Sidon scoffing and restraining himself from simply leaving the Hylian on the spot. "You really have no sense of guilt, do you Link?" Sidon spoke softly albeit irritatedly at the smaller man, pressing his fingers on his temples together to help ease his stress. This man will be the death of him.

"Sorry." Nervous laughter escaped his lips. "I promise I'll make it up to you. If you would let me, that is." Holding out his hand, hoping for Sidon would take it both as a promise and to help him actually get off the ground, cheeky bastard, how could Sidon refuse? The Zora did just that, taking Link's hand and pulling him up with ease. Now back on his feet, Link was a bit lost on whether or not the revelation of their affection for each other would change anything between them. 

If Link had to be honest regarding the feelings inside of his heart, he was not too happy with the current arrangements but, he was able to finally make up with his best friend so, things could have been worse. If he could, he would have wanted both him and Sidon to live together happily in a relatively normal and relaxing lifestyle, just the two of them. Maybe in Lurelin Village where Sidon would be surrounded by a vast endless blue ocean and the two of them could swim around, fish, relax under their hut- 

Granted, that is only but a fantasy of what Link wanted, put away on the side with the reality that is Sidon would rule over Zora Domain, unable to truly be a part of an easy and carefree lifestyle. Especially with how much love he has for his people and the immense dedication to his kingdom.

Maybe in another life, perhaps?

"It's getting late, I recommend that you sleep at the domain, for the night." Sidon said with Link nodded in agreement, knowing that he would have to part ways with him eventually brought a sense of sorrow in his heart. Strange, even though he had spend the whole day with him it almost felt like it was not enough. Being Sidon's friend was not enough for him. 

... 

Once the two had arrived at the domain, with the Zora soldiers greeting both "King Sidon" and "Sir Link" with warmth, Link began to reminisce about his time there. Looking all over,  almost nothing changed, 5 years probably felt short to the long lives of the Zoras. The plaza was almost empty due to how late it was, safe for the guards still on standby. 

What stood still in the plaza however, was the statue. The statue of him riding Sidon, depicting them both in a heroic battle against Vah Ruta who was under Calamity Ganon's control. He was touched by the idea of being immortalized alongside his best friend for the whole domain to see. But, with his own feelings and affection for Sidon, the statue only served as a reminder to Link of the old times in which both he and Sidon had enjoyed each other's company without ever imagining the prospect of the two having a life apart from each other. 

Those were... the best of times. And Link knew he would never get it back.

Walking over to the front entrance of the Seabed Inn, Sidon stopped beside Link, turned back to face him with a tired yet grateful smile. "Here we are, I hope you will get some rest, my friend." Sidon sported his usual charismatic smile, always reminding Link that no matter how long time flies by, Sidon would always be the cheerful and supportive friend he cherished and adored. 

And hopelessly in love with.

It absolutely melts his heart how someone like Sidon still held strongly onto his affection for someone like himself who was willing to sacrifice their friendship due to his own jealousy. Still, the fact that they are both talking to each other finally felt like a huge weight was off both of their chests. 

"... Link, I'd wish..." Sidon immediately shook his head and looked upon his beloved Hylian with care and understanding in those fatigue yet kind topaz eyes of his. "I wish to always be by your side. If you let me, that is. A-As a friend of course." 

"..." 

Link nodded, thanking his most cherished friend for bringing him to the inn. Sidon had no reason to do so considering how well Link can manage himself but if he had to be honest, it was more so selfish on his part to spend as much time as possible with his favorite Hylian, before tomorrow morning when Link no doubt would be going back to Akkala. 

Just as Sidon was about to leave, he felt a tug on the fin elbow, looking back upon the Hylian as if to listen in on what else Link had to say. It was the least he could do.

"... will you please, stay with me for a bit longer?"

Chapter Text

Sidon felt his breath hitch, heart beating faster, this, this was the most vulnerable he had heard from Link in years. And now the Hylian whom he had spent those few yet painful years away is asking to spend more time witb him. 

But how could he? It was already very late at this point and there would not be much time before Sidon would have to return back to his bedchamber- 

Oh. 

Sidon mentally slapped himself for always being completely dense at times like these. Link, he merely wishes for Sidon to spend the night with him? Or... 

"Would you like to talk more?" Asked the Zora quietly to which Link shook his head firmly, he is done talking. Even if Sidon DID wanted to sleep in the same room with Link, he is still a married man. 

"... you know we can't, Link." 

Even though my heart is screaming desperately to hold you, I can't... not while I have an obligation to my wife, and my kingdom. 

The Zora's inner thoughts filled with immense regret, almost as if saying these words outloud physically pained him. Finally, a chance to be with the Hylian in a way Sidon had only dreamt of, fantasized yet... 

To Hell with his duty, this was his one in a million chance to finally FINALLY hold Link in his arms- 

"I just wanted to sleep beside you. We don't touch each other at all. I just want to be close to you.. if that's fine." 

... oh. 

"That's all?" Blurted out Sidon before he tried to correct himself albeit poorly which immediately made Link chuckle in response. What the hell was he even thinking? Was he THAT desperate to hold and touch Link after so long? He had more control than this, right? Where did all of this intense emotions come from? Ah. Those years of them both being isolated from one another. If this was part of Link's plan to starve the Zora, then by Hylia did he succeeded. 

Link gave a tired yet warm smile as he reached out to Sidon's hand, wishing to lead him to the inn. But Sidon was stuck in place, he did not moved an inch which worried Link. Had he gone too far? 

Seeing the worried expression worn by his dearest Hylian, the red king could not help but let out a forced smile over this silly misunderstanding. "Not here, rumors might start should we sleep together at the inn. Come with me." Link nodded and followed without hesitation. He didn't know exactly where they were going but he trusted Sidon's decision. The Zora knew his kingdom like the back of his hand. Maybe there was some sort of hidden grotto or a secret building where Sidon could- 

As Link followed the Zora, he realized they were heading towards the castle instead- wait, how is this any better? Link raised his arm in an attempt to question his decision but it seemed that the red king had already read his mind. 

"I'll tell my knights you're to guard my room and protect me. And don't worry regarding Yona, we sleep separately." The tone in which Sidon explained his master plan was almost comical, he would have expected this enthusiasm and mischievous spirit from a teenage troublemaker, not the highly respected and refined Zora King. The silent comparison alone pulled out a small laugh out of Link, pleasantly surprised to see his dear Zora friend wasn'tnall just work and elegance. 

Just like the good old days... 

Once they had entered the castle walls, the vast blue luminous carvings and intricate designs within flooded the fatigue Hylian with so much memories. It had been so long since he last visited. Before the upheaval he would often show up and talk with the Zora Prince despite Muzu's strange looks and they simply spent time lounging around and relaxing in Sidon's room. 

Not doing anything strange, of course! They were still just friends... although Link can't deny that even back then those feelings were beginning to take root. 

The two were silent as they made way towards Sidon's sleeping quarters, at this time of night no doubt the Queen would already be fast asleep and so Sidon had no need to trouble himself explaining to her why in Hyrule was he sleeping with a... friend. 

Yes, a... friendly sleepover. Goddess, the  weight of the situation was finally making itself known to Sidon as he realized how dangerous it was if Yona were to find him with the Hylian Hero in his room sleeping side-by-side. 

Yet, Sidon did not have it in him to call it off or tell Link to leave and sleep in the inn. No doubt the Hylian would take another 5 years or Goddess forbid, a decade, should Sidon send him away. Arriving in front of Sidon's door, Link looked up towards the man, silently asking permission to enter. 

How cute. 

Sidon opened the door and allowed Link in before himself. The room consisted of a giant sleeping pool to compensate the Zora his larger size, luminous decor, a dresser,  beautiful knick knacks lined up perfectly on the shelves, a long table holding up stacks of stone tablets as well as a weapon mount where the Lightscale Trident rested.

Upon closing the bedroom door, Sidon felt breathless. He truly did not expect he would get this far but mentally reminded himself , so long as the two of them simply slept next to each other WITHOUT trying anything strange then all would be well. His thoughts were cut short however by Link going to the corner of the room and casually started taking his clothes off. The blonde usually slept in briefs and so even in another man's room, especially his crush, he was not one to sacrifice comfort for propriety. 

He was always like that. 

If it were any other days, Sidon wouldn't bat an eye over Link's lack of clothes, but... somehow it felt WAY too personal and intimate. 

Sidon gulped, seeing the the Hylian so relaxed and comfortable in his briefs but quickly averted his gaze, hoping Link wouldn't catch him staring. Thankfully, he didn't. 

"I hope you don't mind. It's kindda difficult to sleep in a tunic you wear all day, you know?" Link explained himself with hooded tired eyes. Damn, those accursed eyes. The Zora King couldn't help but be drawn to the Hylian's gaze, wonder exactly why those eyes were almost mocking him somehow. 

The fact that Sidon now has the Hylian Hero, Link, the man he has been pinning for years by now, in his briefs and he can't even TOUCH him?! Goddess Hylia must have very important plans for him because this by any measure, -absolutely unfair. 

Shaking his head to rid himself of such thoughts, the Zora walked over to his dresser, and began to remove his royal attire and regalia in order to prepare himself to sleep. Behind him however, was also one guilty Hylian who is very much fascinated by a show he himself is not aware of. 

Link watched as Sidon pulled the jewelry off of him, almost cursing to himself over how blatantly he was at staring. How could anyone blame him? Sidon looked absolutely beautiful. But aside from his generally attractive appearance, the man's sincere kindness, support and understanding meant the entire world to Link. 

The Hylian knew there was plenty of fish in the sea, but Sidon is the only fish he sees. 

After all of the jewelry and ornaments were taken off, the Zora finally took his crown off and placed it gently on the dresser, looking upon it with both genuine appreciation for how far he had gone as well as pressure in becoming the Zora King worthy to the throne. 

"Alright, I'm done. My apologies, I hope I didn't left you waiting for too long Link." Sidon turned around to see Link pulling out pillows and a blanket out of his seemingly small bag. He was very confused for a moment before it finally hit Sidon that the reason why Link was able to fit in so much inside in his bag was because of Korok magic. He himself had never seen them but he had heard plenty stories from Link. 

Sidon remembered Link had promised to take him to see these Koroks one day. But, maybe that would come later. After the two sleep for the night as well as patch their relationship up. 

"You never cease to surprise me. Though I must ask, do you often bring your pillows and blanket with you?" 

... 

"I usually like sleeping outside." 

"..." 

Sidon stared at Link for a moment before blinking. Well, the Hylian probably slept outside plenty of times in the wild during his long journey in saving Hyrule. Twice. Who was he to judge where a man hits the hay around Hyrule when he alone is stuck within a single region for the rest of his life unless it is for important royal matters. 

The Zora King sighs, raising his eyebrow regarding Link's strange sleeping habit. "I do hope, genuinely that you don't sleep outside anymore." To which Link shook his head, explaining he used to but not anymore. Oh thank Hylia. 

That's one less thing to worry about Link. 

Soon, both men finally rested beside one another. Link placed his head on the soft and comforting feel of his pillows as he stared upon the Zora currently submerged in the sleeping pool with a satisfied gaze, looking immensely happy Sidon had taken his offer to sleep beside him. This entire situation reminded the Hylian regarding their times in the cave. How close and intimate it feels with just the two of them. Together. Nothing else mattered but the quiet moment only they have right here. Right now. 

Heart beating slower, Link's heavy eyelids fell as the man fell into a deep slumber, a satisfied smile on his face. 

Once asleep, Link's arm fell off the edge, hanging over and dipping the tip of his fingers into what is essentially Sidon's sleeping pool almost as some sort of invitation. The sight of his dearest friend made the Zora's breath hitched, Link's sprawled over blonde hair, his body laid down on the floor beside him. When Sidon continued to scan the now sleeping Hylian's face, he could see how relaxed and comforted Link seemed. The trust Link has in Sidon meant the whole world to him. 

How easy it was for the King to fall for the Knight over, and over, and over again. Despite the pain and anguish Sidon felt during the years the Hylian was deliberately shutting him out...

Sidon never once in his life regreted falling in love with this man.

Quietly, the Zora king swam closer to the sleeping blonde, not wishing to stir the smaller man in his sleep, gently held onto Link's hand and gave the back of its palm a soft and loving kiss.

"Sleep well, my dearest."

Chapter Text

As the Sun slowly risen up to the sky, shining life back into the once sleeping domain of the Zoras, Link stirred in his sleep due to the convenient placement of bright beams of sunlight shimmering down his face, the air in the room felt slightly warmer than before now that the Sun was out. However, the cool sensation of the domain itself made it difficult for the Hylian to fully awaken from his slumber. It felt so comfortable, so welcoming, especially when he had slept right next to- 

"Mmhh... Sidon?" 

Link groggily called out to his friend, not yet opening his eyes fully as the first thing he wanted was to be greeted by Sidon's voice. Something he had wanted years ago. 

... 

After being met with only silence would then the Hylian allowed light to flood into his vision, looking down into the now very empty pool. Oh. The blonde's heart sank, having lost the opportunity to wake up next to the Zora King whom he shared a room with. Just as he had lost the opportunity to share his life with.

Pushing himself off the ground, he winced at the slight discomfort, mostly his joints feeling stiff as hell from sleeping on the cold hard floor with just a blanket to cushion his back. Next time, he is bringing in a whole mattress into the bedroom. Or even a bed if Hylia allows him.

Rubbing his eyes, the Hylian's first thought was what exactly was he going to do. Well, his mind did just that, it is now telling him to quickly put away his pillows and blanket, wash up and teleport back to Akkala with his Purah Pad. He got what he exactly asked for. The responsibility of royalty must have called upon Sidon and therefore left Link to continue sleeping without waking him up to console him.

As touched as he is if that were the case, it did not do much to alleviate the hurt he felt upon waking up alone in Sidon's room.  Letting out a disappointed sigh, Link shook his head over how overly attached he felt regarding his feelings for Sidon. They both knew nothing would come out of this and yet it never stopped their heart from beating faster when in each other's presence. It never stopped their gaze from lingering. Nor did it stop the two of them from sleeping side-by-side last night. Link hated it. He did not want his feelings for Sidon to simply burn out.

For the inferno of love to be reduced to ashes. There was no outlet for it and all the blonde had in mind was to replace the immense love he has for the Zora King with another. But he cannot. Even when the men he met were genuinely sweet. Even when they were good looking and even had similar personalities to Sidon... They didn't have the bond that the two had, the genuine trust they put in each other. To replace these attributes of the Zora with others would be a mockery to the love Link had for Sidon. Nor was it fair for these people that Link still held a strong emotional and romantic bond towards another.

Laying down back, Link could already feel the familiar dread of loneliness coming back, making him grip the sheets. It was fine. He was used to these for years now. Most certainly Link could handle weeks and months of not seeing his beloved Zora. 

...wait, was he thinking of running away again? 

The sound of the bedroom door opening startled Link out of his depressive thoughts, causing him to immediately sit up and face the door. A small smile crept upon his face as he saw Sidon bringing in a plate of roasted porgy in one hand as well as a cup of water in the other. 

"Oh, you're up. Good morning Link. I  actually, wanted to wake you up as soon as I brought you breakfast." Answered the Zora King with such a soft spoken tone and a friendly smile on his face. The giant Zora walked over to the Hylian, carefully lowering himself and setting the meal down for his friend to dig in. 

Blinking, the Hylian silently felt utterly embarrassed of himself for having such an over the top reaction to the possibility of being left alone in the Zora's room. He thanked Sidon for the meal, picking up the utensils. Before he started eating, he stared at the man and asked if he had breakfast already. "Yes, I've eaten. I thought for certain you would still be asleep when I came back." Sidon replied softly as he gave a gentle pat the Hylian's shoulder to soothe his worry. It was both sweet and a bit condescending. Did the Zora royal expect Link to be whining and complaining that he left him all alone in the room? 

Perhaps. 

Link scoffed and pushed away the very comforting hand, with a deadpan expression he muttered under his breath. "I didn't miss you that much." Link lied as he breathed. The only reply he got from the caring Zora was just a very convincing- "Suure." -which was as genuine as their platonic friendship. Honestly, Link felt this close to pulling out a Splash Fruit and hurling it towards the Zora's handsome mug. Of course the Hylian was not going to be that petty, he essentially just received breakfast in bed and thus should be more than thankful.

Taking one bite of the food, Link almost moaned in sheer joy of just how heavenly it tasted, he could get used to this sort of treatment. So long as Sidon is by his side, that is. Sidon stared a bit at the blonde with a raised non-existing brow wondering if Link knew what he just did but quietly let it go, just happy to see his friend enjoying his meal. Both Sidon and Link had some small talk, with how early it was in the morning, not many interesting topics came to mind but it was fine. The fact that Link was having breakfast in Sidon's room was a feat in itself with the Zora's current status being both a King and a husband. Not many people would be given this kind of opportunity, Link was indeed, not just anyone to Sidon.

Half-way eating, Link brought up the current situation that if him sleeping in Sidon's room was going to be a one time thing only. The Zora fell silent, contemplating. He could consider himself lucky that Yona has not been informed of this, and if he were to be honest with his thoughts, guilt was slowly festering up within his heart of this supposed 'cheating' he is allowing. Yes, he did not exactly did anything intimate with Link ( except for the kiss on the hand ) but he brought in another person into his room which could give Yona the wrong idea and hurt their relationship and trust in one another, something he wishes to avoid as much as possible.

This whole situation was one big mistake. 

Even so, Sidon cannot help but feel immense joy in his heart being so close to Link like this. Call it selfishness but genuinely, he wished Link were by his side instead. However, if it had been like before, he would be more than happy to allow Link to enter his room whenever, but now time's have changed. His life has changed. "No, but I am still glad to have you, maybe we both can have lunch together... just not here." The Zora said softly, looking a bit unsure of himself but speaking in a manner that was him deliberately trying to let Link down softly.

He should not push his luck when it came to this, he looked over to see if his friend continued eating due to the silence but noticed Link had put down his utensils, simply staring down onto the plate.

"Link?" Sidon nudged Link a bit with his shoulder, trying to get the Hylian's attention. They both were enjoying the moment, no? This did pull the man out of his thoughts, turning his face towards Sidon and giving what appeared to be an attempted smile. Not a very good one.

"It's just going to be like before the Upheaval, hmm? Us, hanging out, talking... and we repeat it all again and again." Letting out another sigh, Link really could not even be bothered to hide it within himself that he was not happy with their whole... situationship. They love each other, but are unable to commit to this love due to Sidon's marriage. Loyalty to his wife. To his people. To his kingdom. It all felt too mentally exhausting for his heart and mind, to play this song and dance again and again... and again.

"I've told you, if I could be with you Link I promise you I would've, I... I just can't. Not now... I'm sorry." Sidon thought for a second of placing a hand onto his beloved Hylian's shoulder for comfort but hesitated, somewhere deep down he felt as though Link really was not in the best mood to be touched right now. 

Sidon's words were playing itself like a broken recorder inside the Hylian's mind. 

Could've, would've, should've. That is all there is. Lost opportunities for both of them. 

"... thank you for your hospitality, it was very kind of you, I think I'll be going now." Getting up, Link put away his pillows and blanket, thanking Sidon for allowing him to stay. The Zora King said nothing, his expression was just... indifference, simply sitting on the floor and watching his best friend cleaned up and not leaving any traces of him ever being in his room behind. With everything now packed up, Link walked over and reached for the door handle but, he hesitated. As if he was expecting at least a proper farewell greeting from the Zora so he knew that they could lie and pretend that they left on good terms. That despite Link’s abrupt leaving, they both can meet each other as if nothing is wrong. 

But Sidon was not having it. He was tired as well.

"How long will it be? 3 more years? 4 years, perhaps?" Sidon finally spoke out in an almost condenscending tone, almost making light of his precious friend going back to ignoring him once more. Link's heart ached when the Zora he absolutely adores would almost taunt him like this. Believing he would run away as he did all those years ago. But who could blame him? That was what he essentially did.

Turning his head back, Link spoke to Sidon, his body language appearing slightly guarded. 

"I'm not obligated to see you all the time, you know that. But I promise you, I'll visit when I can." 

"I wish I could trust you... I really do. But your words just proves my point. You're not happy with what we have, are you?" Sidon accused, continuing to lock eyes with Link's form, already he could feel the effects of Link abandoning him, ignoring his letters, treating him like nothing, the grudges slowly seeping out. His dear friend was not happy with their usual friendly routine and so of course,  the most logical conclusion was for Link to outright cut him out of his life. Pretend he never existed. As if that would make it any better. 

"I am happy. Sidon, you mean a lot to me, being with you-" 

"You know that's not what I meant, you're not happy that we both can never be more than just friends." 

The blonde Hylian let out a frustrated groan, the walls he had built around his heart are slowly breaking down one by one. Putting on his best poker face, Link leaned onto the door, crossing his arm and staring daggers onto the Zora. He just wanted to get this over with.

"I'm trying, trying to be happy for your marriage like anyone would. But it's not good enough! I know that..." 

Sidon shook his head to Link's words, either the Hylian genuinely was just trying to piss Sidon off by feinting ignorance or he generally does not know, none of which were reasons the Zora could even hope to comprehend. 

"What made you think I would be upset with you over this?" 

"Anyone would, if I were a good friend to you I would've been happy for you!" 

"For an arranged marriage?!" 

Sidon raised his voice with genuine confusion  and concern painting his expression, was Link really upset that he could not play along with the 'happy marriage life' act? Was there something more out of the Hylian? Once again, the Zora continued.

"You know I could care less of how you feel about my marriage, what I want from you is you being honest to me about your feelings. Pushing me away won't solve your issue, neither is running away from your problems. I'm... tired of it all, Link. Tired of your lack of care for how I felt when you practically left me alone, uncaring of how I felt of loosing someone dearest to me." 

"I-" 

Link silenced himself. Absolutely bewildered by the raw emotion of Sidon's words. He knew he hurt Sidon but to hear it directly from the man's mouth was another level of pain he thought he was able to withstand. But he just could not.

He... hurt Sidon.

He knows he cannot keep doing this again and again, why must Sidon or anyone else suffer for his selfish behaviour?

"Link, if you so much as cared for me-" 

"I DO care about you! Immensely! I care a lot that you are married, I HATE what I did to you! To us! I WISH we hung out like back then but I keep telling myself every fucking night that I should be happy for you, what’s done is done! I have to let you go but... I just, I can't!" 

The Hylian wrapped his head, guilt washing over him as he knew that no matter how much bravery and courage he had over defeating countless monsters across Hyrule, he was weak when it came to the matter of the heart. Link hated how he hurt Sidon. Hated himself for hurting Sidon. It was just a never-ending cycle of self-loafing in which he had continuously allowed it to plague his mind every second he thought of the one man in this world that made him feel loved and adored.

And how he basically threw Sidon away the moment romance was never an option.

Sidon’s eyes widen, slightly surprised by the Hylian's outburst but tried his best to remain calm. The Zora was upset with how badly this conversation was steering off the intended path Sidon had hoped for. But now seeing how hurt his dearest Hylian seemed it only increased his worry more so than the feeling of being offended. In a whisper, he asked.

"Why not?" 

"Because it hurts!" Link wrapped himself as he finally let it all out. "It really, really hurts, I don't know how to... fuck! Falling in love with you was the best thing to ever happen to me. Your words, your smile, your kindness, everything about you..." Trailing off, the grip on his arms felt too tight, he hated how much this was affecting him. But he could not stop himself even if he tried, not when the weight upon his heart was slowly dissipating. As much as he hated being put on the spot, he cannot deny it felt…freeing. Liberating to finally let out the bottled up emotions he had desperately kept inside for years by now.

"I can't replicate these feelings with just anyone. It HAS to be you... even when I know it shouldn't. Even though I tell myself that you ... never felt the same about me." 

Softening his gaze, Sidon slowly took the first few steps towards Link, towards the man he loves, keeping in mind how much the Hylian was keeping everything inside for so long. How Link was constantly hating himself for having these emotions. Unable to throw them away despite his mind telling him it is the right thing to do when his heart said otherwise. 

"... you know I would never feel offended were you to be unhappy about my marriage, Link. I don't want you to paint these feelings you have of me as something negative. I want you to express them." 

Link shot his head up, just now noticing Sidon getting oh so close to him, the feeling becoming too painful and suffocating. "How?" His voice felt utterly pained and defeated, he just wanted this torment to be over. 

Hearing that one single word had managed to cause the king to let out a breath of relief. Good. The Hylian is undeniably in love with him still and Sidon wished to not let even a drop of it go to waste. 

"Tell me, put all of them into words. Write to me how much you love me. How much you want and need me. I will listen to each and every one of them." The Zora carefully placed his scaled red hand softly upon the Hylian's cheek, caressing them, never failing to appreciate the flustered look upon Link's face. How the anger that once dominated those eyes of his fell back to one of sadness instead. 

"...you're horrible." Link spat out, pulling out a bitter chuckle out of the Zora as he let go of the blonde's cheeks. He knew how much his words were hurting his dear friend. Perhaps, he went a tad too far but Sidon did feel immense joy how much Link loves him despite the guilt. How the Hylian's love for his Zora was so great in fact that the man could not allow himself to be within the king's presence should he allow jealousy to burn him alive from within. It was wrong, but Sidon loves the feeling.

"Maybe so, consider us even." Sidon whispered, staring deeply into Link's ocean blue eyes, a part of him felt as though he could drown in them forever, never tire of their splendor, never tire of Link. Link on the other hand wanted nothing more but to see Sidon's eyes first thing in the morning every day of his life. 

Wouldn't that be a beautiful dream? 

As if time started to slow down, their eyelids felt heavy, face inches away, their breathing seized as they began to slowly close the gap between them and- 

*Knock knock* 

Both men jolted out of their position, Link had almost accidentally head butted Sidon which honestly would have made the situation way more comical than it actually was. Immediately he fetched out his Purah Pad in an attempt to teleport out of being found out in the Zora King's room, but his attempt was immediately thwarted by Sidon quickly grabbing Link's wrist, surprising the smaller blonde who stared at the Zora in confusion.

"Who is it?" Sidon called out in his more authoritative voice to the unknown visitor from outside, wanting to make sure whether or not the person outside was either one of the Zora guards or it was his wife.

"Your Majesty, the Queen is currently looking for you, is everything alright?" 

Ahh, one of the guards and by the sound of the voice no doubt it was Bazz's. Breathing out a sigh of relief, the Zora King informed the guard that he would be coming out soon, his eyes trailing down and still seeing the Hylian Hero doing his utmost best to stay silent, his beautiful blue eyes looking deeply into Sidon's topaz ones. 

Carefully listening in to the sounds of the soldier's footsteps slowly fading into the distance, Sidon pulled his hand off of Link and gave an apologetic smile. "Forgive me, I was under the impression you would be leaving me so soon." A foolish fear but real nonetheless, he had lived his life expecting Link to at least visit his domain, at least, visit him once but it never did happen.

The blonde looked visibly guilty, looking down, frowning.

"I didn't want to leave you, but it would be bad if she finds out I'm here." After Link said these words, Sidon understood why. He knew why. But even so, to have the Hylian leave in such a hurry would no doubt leave a bad taste in his mouth. 

"At the very least, the both of us should have a proper farewell?" Sidon held out his hand to which the Hylian simply stared and looked back upon the Zora's face. He too understood what needed to be done, shaking his beloved Zora’s hand, turned on the Purah Pad, selected his home and then... 

.

.

.

No. 

Link turned it off, puts the device down on Sidon's dresser. Before the king could say anything, Link boldly grabbed upon the larger Zora's hand, placing it gently onto his cheek, looking up to see the bewildered look upon Sidon's face. 

"... kiss me, properly this time."

Chapter Text

Sidon felt his heart rate increased, his mind ran wild of the countless times this exact event played in his mind of just how much he had wanted this. How long the monarch looked forward to this opportunity. 

How wrong this felt and yet excitement rose deep within him. 

The Zoran King shook his head, trying to at the very least clear his mind of such ridiculous thoughts. This sudden request to kiss him, was it some sort of farewell gift? That Link wanted to at least give something to the Zora before leaving forever? If that was the case then he sure as Hell would NOT give the man that satisfaction alone- 

"Sidon?" 

Shrouded golden eyes that now lost their usual sheen filled with confusion looked upon nervous blue eyes that had haunted him for so many years. Like a dangerous sea creature hiding in the abyss of his heart latching its teeth deep into his heart for every second he thinks of him. In the past, he would speak of the Hylian hero's tale with such enthusiasm and adoration such that people could not help but listen in due to how intense and infectious the man's passion was. Nowadays, however, he would rarely even speak Link's name, hell many members of the royal councils were absolutely confused by the lack of the blonde hero's name leaving the red King's mouth when it had spill out naturally like the numerous waterfalls surrounding their domain.

Even so... 

Sidon found himself holding onto Link's shoulders, albeit tightly, not thinking at all. His eyes darting to those moist lips of the blonde, tempting him, almost calling out to him like some forbidden fruit. The scene of the kiss Sidon had placed upon Link's hand hung over his sleeping pool last night began playing inside of the Zora's mind, how he had always wanted to kiss those soft pink lips instead. 

"... you were awake, weren't you?" 

Sidon asked accusingly, but Link simply chuckled in response, which in itself was already the answer. Of course, Link always had this habit of messing around the all too trusting Zora King as much as he could, knowing their close bond was something that could never be tampered with regardless of the numerous amount of the Hylian's teasings.

"I was surprised, I thought for sure you would have kissed me on the lips instead. Hah, didn't take you for a coward." 

Link teased smugly, giving off a cheeky grin at how adorable he had felt of Sidon for simply kissing his hand. Sidon's cheeks began to slowly turn to a bluish tint in embarrassment.

"It's called common courtesy, Link. Friends don't usually kiss one another during a sleepover." 

As Sidon began spouting off the ethics of what friends were to do with each other, he idly began playing around with Link's golden locks as if that was something more appropriate between friends to do together.

It was something Sidon enjoyed doing when they began hanging out frequently together before the Upheaval. During the times Link would inspect or tend to his weapons and utility, the once Zora prince would begin brushing and combing Link's hair in a gentle and rhythmic manner. The act itself was very comforting for the both of them although the two would chalk it up to a 'quirk' their friendship had cultivated. For all the isolated prince knew, it could be a friendly gesture between Hylians, yet deep down, he knew there was something more. More within that he wanted out of their relationship, no matter how much he told himself nothing would come out of it.

"... is that a no then?" 

Sidon's brushing slowly came to a halt when Link asked such a thing. He hesitantly shook his head. If Link wanted a proper kiss, it would not be on the head. Nor hand or cheek. 

An excited growl rumbled within the Zora's chest as he realized, all of a sudden, that breakfast had not stave off his hunger. 

The Zora King's hands began to rover all over Link's body until he slowly settled his grips upon the blonde's waist, keeping the smaller man below him from moving away, eliciting a groan out of Link. Was Link this excited for a kiss as well? 

That makes two of them.

"Sidon, I want to kiss you, please. " Link pleaded one last time, desire and pure unadulterated affection blossomed within those eyes, how those words alone broke the control Sidon had over himself. Who was he to deny such a request from a dear friend?

Heart racing, his Adam's apple bobbing from nervousness, Sidon steadied his breathing as his hand reached out upon Link's cheek with his thumb gentle brushing them. Colors spread onto Link's face due to the Zora's actions. He thought he was ready but with how fast his heart was beating...

Perhaps he never was. 

Slowly and gently, the Zora leaned in closer, staring deeply into each other's eyes, his crest touching Link's forehead before finally closing in the distance between them. The two men felt as though time had stopped as their lips brushed up one another, cementing their kiss. Link let out a delicious moan, pressing his lips against Sidon's as they both gave into a love that had been pushed aside for far too long. 

Sidon had wanted it to be a quick kiss - he promised to the Goddess Hylia herself he did - but Link HAD to push his tongue in HAD to make such delicious noises Sidon never in his life had heard of, HAD to be the man he loves...who was Sidon to not give in to his beloved Hylian. A small voice inside the Zora's mind was to be mindful of his sharp teeth but knowing how much of a risk taker Link was, he quickly pushed those thoughts aside in order to continue his selfish desire.

The two soon gave into their wants and desires, slowly indulging in this moment belonging only to them. Sidon pulling Link in, pressing their bodies together, the blonde could slowly feel a warm fuzzy feeling blooming inside of him. How much he did not want this moment to end.

No matter how long Link had desperately tried to stay away from Sidon, no matter how long Sidon tried to shift his focus from Link to his duties, or perhaps amplified by that fact alone, the two showed intense desperation for one another, almost drowning into each other.

Hell, Link would not care one bit, because he knew Sidon would always be his lifeline.

Soon, the Zora King pulled away, Link whined and tried to chase after that warmth once more but instead his lips were blocked by Sidon's finger, the bigger man chuckling. 

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. After all, you did request for A kiss, didn't you?" Teasing, the Zora ruffled up Link's hair, causing him to let out an annoyed sigh, rolling his eyes. Oh well, at least he is happy enough. Placing his hand onto Sidon's own, the Hylian could not help himself but lean into the touch, feeling incredibly fulfilled. Never would he had felt the hole in his heart filled in had it not been for Sidon. Then again, it was Sidon's fault that the hole was created in the first place, no? 

Pushing such foolish thoughts aside, Link just wanted to focus upon Sidon alone and noticed how quiet he had been. No more snarky remarks nor endless amounts of praise the Zora is often known for when it came to the Hylian Hero. Looking up, he figured out why exactly. 

Instead of a joyous or heartfelt expression, Sidon's face was one of sadness, regret and pain. In his mind, he began to imagine what life would have been, if he or Link said what they both wanted to say, what those few years without Link could have been, how much he wished he could replace those lonely nights of his with ones where Link was beside him. 

"... I hope you come visit me more, my dearest Link. Nothing would make me happier than to just... have you by my side." 

Guiding Link's hand off his own cheek to the softness of his lips, Sidon kissed Link's knuckle with utmost devotion. His body may belong to his kingdom, but his heart... 

Taking the Purah Pad off Sidon's dresser, Link decided he had spent enough time in the king's room, choosing now to finally make his exit and return back home. Before he pressed the icon on the screen, Sidon had told him to wait once again. What now, did he forget his toothbrush?

"Before you go, I wish to give you this." 

Walking over to the dresser, Sidon pulled out a beautiful pendant that had the three crescent moon circling each other, in the middle was a gleaming sapphire that shone like ice.

"My father told me to give this pendant to my wife. Yona is an important and precious friend to me, however,  it felt... wrong to give this to her. The person I truly wanted to hand my heart over..." 

Trailing off, Sidon carefully put the necklace around the surprised blonde, locking them in place and allowing the beautiful pendant to rest onto the Hylian's chest, the gemstone matching Link's eyes, but never truly matching their beauty, at least to Sidon that is.

"Sidon I, I can't have this, like you said you were supposed to-" 

"I have made my choice. No one can tell me who I should give my heart to, not my father, not the elders, not even you, Link. I choose to love you and only you." 

Link's face slowly morphed from one of surprise to a flustered mess. Damn it. He hated how easy it was for Sidon to influence his heart. Hated how easy it was for him to fall for the Zora's charm and hated how despite it all, he allowed it. 

Because he too loves the man dearly. 

"... thank you, Sidon. I will cherish this pendant forever. I... am thankful to be the one you chose to give this to."

"Don't say it like that Link, you have already demonstrated more than enough reasons of why I love you. Your kindness, your bravery, your questionable but extremely effective strategies and if anything... everything about you, I adore." 

"..." 

Link looked down as he held onto the pendant, a beautiful deep blue gemstone resting between three crescent moons, with each cycle the gem would shine brightly for the one it loves, a beautiful representation of Sidon's heart coupled with the fact that Link was wearing it so closely to his own meant the world to him. Sidon loved that Link wore something which was essentially a part of him and Link loved to have a piece of Sidon close to his person, wherever, whenever. How close their hearts beat for one another, never truly waning even after all of these years. 

"I love you Link, goodbye for now. Until we meet again." 

"... goodbye, Sidon. I love you too." 

Finger pressed firmly onto the shrine icon close to his home, Link's heart unable to handle such intense emotions anymore, a painful goodbye, he knows it is not forever but he wished he could stay. As the Hylian felt his form dematerializing, Sidon pressed his lips on his forehead with eyes closed, feeling the warmth slowly disappear from his lips, the lingering scent of earth and wind replaced by the cold empty air instead.

The Hylian was gone, leaving Sidon alone in his room and with his thoughts. He had given Link his heart, and now he wonders to himself if... this is all for the best. That the two would still support one another as friends as they had long before the Upheaval, if this is truly what is best for them both. 

"... Goddess Hylia, please, give me strength." 

All that is left for him to do is meet with his queen, continuing their discussion from the last meeting in an effort to strive for a better tomorrow. But as the kingdom of the Zora thrives and surges towards greater heights, their own King continues to look back to the past, staying stagnant and unable to truly move on alongside his people in this domain.

Looking at the mirror on his dresser, his calm demeanour he had held onto so tightly finally cracks, his face crumples, clenching his jaw in an attempt to control his emotions. After all, he was always good at doing those. Years of training, studying, learning on how to control his emotions when it came to the well-being of his kingdom, he would mask his pain in order to stay strong for both his people and his wife. THEY all mattered, he HAD to be their ideal ruler, even if it is at the cost of his own happiness.

"..."

Is this... truly what he wanted? A life without the love of his life? Living in a lie where everyone else is happy but he isn't? 

Had he not done enough? Does his own happiness not matter in the grand scheme of things? Or... had he been so blinded by his responsibilities and rules set in stone by those before him that he had failed to even search for a solution to truly mend his broken heart? 

... No, there is still time.

Sidon swore to himself that he would have an important discussion with Yona when he can. With his heart racing and mind falling more and more into the endless failures and possibilities, all he could do is find some peace and solace in his own life.

Chapter Text

Sounds of shuffled stone tablets placed shelf to shelf, viridian scales shining as one piece was placed directly onto the Queen's table, regarding the historical significance of the Divine Beasts, most notably Vah Ruta. Then, underneath it were the very memoirs of the late Zora Princess, Sidon's dearest older sister, Princess Mipha. 

The Zora Queen could remember beforehand how smitten Mipha was regarding the strange machinery that had been founded within the Lanayru region, no doubt stored in case for times of war. Yona reminisced those days she and Mipha would ride upon the beast alongside little Sidon, whom she absolutely adored like a baby brother. 

Mipha's gleaming crimson scales, her golden eyes that shone with such kindness and her precious laughter, the very memories of her late best friend sent a heavy weight upon her heart, wishing that she had the chance to say goodbye. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. 

"Hmm? Who is it?" 

Called out Yona who immediately put the stone tablets away, not wanting to be caught in such a state of vulnerability. The door opened and in came Sidon, her dearest friend and King. 

It was late at night, from what the Zora Queen could recall Sidon had been in his room for quite awhile, almost causing their morning meeting to be postponed. She did asked him after it ended what exactly was the cause to his lateness but the man simply excused it as him having a terrible nightmare. Suspicions towards the authenticity of the answer would have lingered had Yona not noticed the genuine fatigue and pained look the Zora King had given that morning. 

Once again, I wish to have you rely on me, yet you continue to keep it all to yourself. 

"My Queen, there is something I wish to ask of you." 

Oh? 

Yona nodded, guiding Sidon to enter her room and allow them both to talk while seated, the Zora Queen cannot lie she was feeling both anxious regarding what the king has to say. 

"It is regarding our marriage. It is not that I dislike having you by my side, truly I am utmost grateful to have someone responsible and determined as you by my side as we rule the domain together." 

Yona nodded, already awaiting the 'but' to Sidon's usual praising. 

"However, I must say that truly... I am unhappy. Yes, we are married through the means of helping our kingdoms florish and-" 

"Sidon, I'm sorry to stop you but you're beating around the bush, aren't you? Our marriage lacks romance which is clearly bothering you to the point it is becoming too painful for you to continue on like this." 

Sidon winced, as always, Yona nailed it right in the head. The King may have fooled everyone in the kingdom with his smiles, his positive energy and friendly demeanor but the queen saw right through it all. She was not his childhood friend for nothing, nor did she helped took care of Sidon while Mipha practiced her spear training when she did visited, keeping tabs on how the young Zora prince acted whenever he is upset or jealous. 

Especially when a certain Hylian showed up. 

Sidon finally relented, fully aware that he honestly  has nothing to hide, especially to his dearest friend who had stayed by his side for this long.

"Yes, I am unhappy. I simply did not say it because I never wanted you to feel as though I despise being by your side. I am happy. Truly, you mean a lot to me, Yona. It's just..." 

"That you have no romantic feelings for me, isn't it?" 

Yona finished to which Sidon nodded back. Steeling herself, the Zora Queen continued. 

"I am not hurt that you do not love me Sidon, not in the way a man would love his wife. I have made a promise to someone dear to me that I would always protect you and keep you safe. That I would guide you. Because you mean so much to her and to me as well. When... I stand by your side, seeing the progress you've made throughout the kingdom, I know for sure you are making everyone proud...especially your family." 

Sidon's eyes narrowed, understanding that Yona was talking about Mipha. He knew how close they were as kids, he did not know exactly how close their bond was but unlike with the swordsman beforehand, Sidon was happy with Yona and Mipha as they both felt like his own big sisters he could play with and spend time together. 

The Hylian would have taken Mipha away from him. At least, that was what his childish mind thought of back then. 

Who knew the same Hylian he remembered despising years ago was the very one he could not stop his heart from beating for. 

"Yona I, I thank you. Truly you have helped me and been by my side for years now and I am truly blessed. What I wanted to say is that..." 

Sidon gulped down, doing all he could to face his fears head on and say what he wishes to say. 

"I... I wish to court someone." Yona's eyes widened at the realization of what Sidon is proposing. And, is the person whom she thinks it is? 

"Is it Sir Link-" immediately Sidon coughed out loud, surprising Yona. He felt immensely called out as he tried to calm himself down. 

"H-How did yo-" 

Yona pulled out her resting bitch face, staring directly at Sidon's face, shutting the Zora King up immediately. 

"Sidon, I've seen how you acted around him when he first came to the domain during the muck incident. The way you speak regarding him, how you never stop praising him, how his name always leaves your mouth-" 

"Okay I get! Apologies if it annoys you so!" Sidon held onto Yona's shoulder in an attempt to make her stop talking which only pulled out a chuckle out of her. 

"Oh please, you know I never found it to be of annoyance, moreso amusing. Truly the Hylian has claimed your heart and you are fooling yourself into thinking he is just a friend." 

Pulling away, Sidon looked down, absolutely embarrassed of himself about how he acted not just about his admiration and love for Link but how bringing up his crush caused him to fluster like he was once again an adolescent Zora boy. 

"How long... have you known?" 

"From day 1 of meeting him. Yes, that early on, I had my suspicions when I saw your eyes light up around him. Also your head tail wags whenever he is around." 

"... wait it does?" 

Yona laughed, always finding it sweet how Sidon's body shows his honesty moreso than his own words at times like these. She does feel as though a weight has been lifted, all those years of them pretending to be this happily married couple to keep up images, make their parents' happy, all of it... 

It was all fake. They were taught countlessly from a young age to control their emotions, their needs, wants and desires and channel instead into the desires of the people they will soon rule over.

But now? 

It felt freeing. Yona placed her gentle hand onto Sidon's back, giving him as much reassurance as possible. She knows how hard this must have been for her husband, how long he had kept it in but did so out of her own sake. He never wanted her to feel as though she was unneeded but he could not be farther from the truth. 

He does need her. Not romantically but in terms of guidance.

"You have my blessing to pursue him." 

If Sidon could hug and kiss Yona right then and there, he would. But it would be in bad faith considering Sidon wishes to take in Link as his lover. Although taking the man in as his lover as a married man, it may seem off putting for some folks who are used to far more traditional marriage but this sort or thing happens plenty of times regarding royalty. He is pretty sure there is a term for it. 

Consort? Concubine? Either way, the title does not matter. What does matter is that Sidon wishes to be by Link's side as does the Hylian. Hopefully. 

Still, Sidon did make good of one of his promise, leaning in to hug Yona, his dearest friend and Queen for allowing him this opportunity to truly be with someone he genuinely loves and great affection towards. The Zora queen hugged back, both happy and proud that Sidon had finally disclose to her regarding his true thoughts. For years she would have thought he would forever carry himself as a proud and stubborn Zora King who would never let anything wane his willpower when it came to ruling his kingdom.

But of course, Link would be the one who had broken through his rock hard exterior.

"May the both of you find happiness in each other. I am surprised after these few years he had not been taken. Until now, if all goes well that is." Yona teased, she was under the impression that after all these years, Link would have had chosen a partner already. But considering the fact Sidon wished to be with him... 

"Wait, does he-" 

"Yes, he too loves me." 

Yona blinked. "Oh, I was under the impression he was with the Hylian Queen. Or, that he was not interested in men-" 

"Oh no, he likes both. Men and women." 

Yona then had a sour look on her face when she remember the fond look upon Mipha's face whenever she talked about Link. And now seeing Sidon looking absolutely love-struck and incredibly in love with the Hylian really made the Zora Queen wonder. 

So first the princess and NOW the prince to king. Link must have an eye for the royal Zoras. Or... 

Yona shook her head, not wanting to make up assumptions. Perhaps Link does love Sidon for him, not due to any familiarity of his late sister. Come to think of it, she never did asked the man if he remembered Mipha or not, considering how long ago it was when they were an item. Either way, the Zora Queen's body was starting to get tired and all she wanted to do now was rest in her pool. But before that, she asked the Zora to lean down. Sidon did so without question and so she gave soft pats on her husband's head as Sidon's sister did years ago when he was but a pup. 

Sidon blinked in confusion before Yona explained. "Mipha always did pat your head whenever you did a good job. I'm simply continuing her legacy." 

Hearing this, the Zora King could not help but gave a warm smile, he felt incredibly happy to have someone so understanding and caring as Yona to be his wife. Whenever he would feel lost or confused, he would come to her for help. And Yona would be more than happy to help guide him down to the right path as any older sister would. 

"Thank you, my Queen. Truly, I am thankful for your wisdom as always. Now all that is left is for me to gain Mipha's blessing as well before I can truly pursue him."

Chapter Text

The earth shook wildly for the small critters living underneath the protection of grass, namely restless cricket and hightail lizards as thundering stomps of large hooves paved its way at incredible high speed. Link's horse Epona galloped throughout the grassy field of East Akkala Plains. Call it adrenaline rush or a love he thought was long gone to be revitalized. He felt absolutely happy, laughing out loud as the breeze flows through his hair. Seeing trees and hills at far distances turn to blur only continue fueling the man with intense emotions, as though he was unstoppable, riding his beloved horse without a care in the world.

For once he felt absolutely alive, right before Epona got spooked by a snake which sent Link flying into a nearby bush, still alive thankfully.

...

Settling beside the edge of Lake Akkala, Link took a break as he laid underneath the shrouds of tree foliages, leaving his trusty steed drink her thirst away, the rush and excitement of Sidon loving him back while dampen, still rushing through him like the lava flowing throughout Death Mountain. 

Love... he loves me back. All this time he never did forgot about me... 

Looking down upon the pendant in his hand, the sweet memories of Sidon kissing Link, how his big hands held the Hylian so tightly as though he never wanted to let go, those breathless moans leaving the Zora's soft and wet lips...

All of it felt like a delicious dream. 

Maybe even a gift from Hylia herself for all that Link had done for Hyrule.

Hell Link would have believed if it was one had it not been for the pendant being proof alone that all of it indeed happened. 

A curious thought came to the Hylian's mind, a pensive expression painted itself upon his face as he began to wonder, if Sidon had refrained from giving this necklace to his actual wife and instead gave it to Link... then that must have meant- 

... if only. 

Even if Sidon did reciphrocated Link's love, the one person by his side is his wife. The Hylian groaned in annoyance, just when he finally had some amount of happiness in his lackluster life, he...he has no one to blame but himself. It was he who avoided Sidon and Zora Domain as a whole like the plague. It was he who pushed away invites, burned letters and did all he could to cut ties with the Zora King all over a broken heart. 

If anything he should be grateful, thankful that the Zora even still loves him or even wishes to see his face again. Once again the hero's mind haunts him with the guilt and struggle of what he essentially did to the man he loves most ironically enough. The revenge was dealt with slow and painfully but it ended up just hurting them both. Hell the 'victory' if one could even call it for exacting his revenge felt as awful as the taste of dubious food.

Slugey, slimey and putrid soft chunks that were not pleasant at all when swallowing. 

Link almost threw up over the vivid description his own mind conjured up. 

The neigh of Epona pulled Link out of his depressive and somewhat revolting thoughts, her nose sniffed curiously as she began rummaging through his person in search for any fresh apples, tickling him slightly. When the horse's mouth got dangerously close to the pendant, Link immediately pushed the the horse's head away in fear. The horse whined at her owner's sudden rude behaviour, she let out an angry huff and trotted off, looking slightly offended. 

Hopefully the grudge she holds won't be for long. 

Link let out a sigh of relief, looking over to the gem once more and holding it tightly to his chest, thankful nothing bad happened to it. He then began praying, hoping that one day, his heart could find peace in simply being Sidon's friend despite their undying love for each other. 

... 

Link had continued his life as normal, recently just finished foraging some herbs for his beloved friend Natasha. The two of them had started talking more here and there, with Link listening in to her wish in reconstructing her clinic with the help of Hudson and Bolson, wherever he is. She would always show such warmth and kindness, helping Link to never stray to any self-destructive path. He never did forgive himself for breaking her heart that day. 

The Hylian also enjoyed having some small talk with the Hudson Construction boss being well, Hudson himself, whenever he needs to help out with fixing affected houses due to the previous storm.

Hudson would also give some advice to Link, almost like a parental figure in how he should live his life more and visit him and his family for dinner whenever he so chooses. 

And yet... 

Despite all of the support Link had gotten, he still felt the aching and painful feeling within his heart. As though another part of him rests within Lanayru, unable to make the trip back to Akkala and make him whole. He felt extremely guilty, the townspeople had shown him nothing but kindness and support and yet he felt as though it was not enough. 

Shaking his head, Link decided to clear his head from the noises rummaging through his mind. When he went to fetch Epona, the horse seemed quite well rested and also still upset at him for pushing her head away the other day. Though with just one magic trick of pulling out an apple from her ear got her kicking and ready to run a whole marathon. 

Trudging through the sand of the nearest beach, Link left Epona to go help herself to some nice patch of grass while he stared off into the endless horizon. Sounds of seagulls squacking out to one another, soaring through the skies without a care in the world. 

Settling down with his tired legs spread over the sand, listening in to the sounds of the waves crashing in on each other, given some time, Link felt more at ease. He wanted nothing more but to achieve some form of peace, but he could not. It was almost tiring, reminding Link of his years of living on his own, finding love with the town's nurse before breaking off as he was unable to truly move on. 

Maybe he needed more time, maybe he just needed to find someone else, even so what made it worse was the fact Link himself did not want to move on even when he felt as though it was the right thing to do. The love he held onto while painful, it made him the happiest he had ever been as strange as it sounds. Though, was the happiness in any way misplaced?

Happy... did Sidon truly made him happy? Was his love for Sidon heavily deep rooted in the fact he felt as though everyone wanted something out of him which made him felt less like a person and moreso just 'the hero'? Whether it'd be his help, giving them something they wish for, saving them or giving them his hard earned ruppees that came from selling countless bottles of restless crickets and bokoblin horns. Sidon was different. Even after saving Sidon's home, instead of continuing his life like everyone else... 

That night... echoed through the Hylian's mind. 

... 

The cool night breeze flowed throughout Link's blonde hair, dancing gracefully through his skin as he walked upon the domain. He had wanted to run a quick errand, grabbing some arrows in Marot Mart but stopped in his tracks when he saw the Zora Prince standing in front of the statue depicting their fallen princess. He had thought it was simply the prince reminiscing his time with his dearest late sister and did not wish to bother someone at such a vulnerable moment when prying pointed ears caught something that shook his core. 

"Sister, please... tell me how I can help Link more. I fear only you could tell me as you were the closest to him. He always seemed so closed off I felt as though I am not a true friend... I wish to be someone he can rely on." 

... that was the moment, Link realized it then how he was not just a knight. Not just a hero to everyone in Hyrule. Rather than being the one to help others... Sidon wished to help because HE wanted to.

... 

As the memories gave way, the Hylian just scoffed at how foolish he felt that day. Of course Sidon wished to help him. He had just saved his home and it's simply common courtesy for the once prince to help him in return. Maybe he was just that desperate to feel remotely cared for. Maybe he should have seen Sidon as just a friend. 

Or maybe... 

"Everything about you, I adore." 

Sidon's words began ringing inside Link's head, reminding him of the many things regarding Sidon that he likes. Loves even. His endless optimism, his kindness, his endless praises, the way his head tail wags when he is happy, his loyalty, his strength, his good looks, his smile, his eyes... everything. 

Link loves everything about him too.

His eyes fell, realizing how much he desperately missed and loved the man almost to the point of insanity. Memories of their time together flooded his mind, his heart once again shattering into fine dust. 

"... How could you." 

Maybe if Link didn't met Sidon, if he did not spent so much time with him, if he simply just focused on his mission in saving the princess, saving Hyrule then none of this would have happened. 

That maybe, it would not have hurt this much. 

Link audibly exhaled, once again loneliness setting in. A pained expression spread across his face as he felt immensely stupid for falling for someone he could never be with. 

He pushed himself off tbe ground, rummaging his pocket and pulled out the necklace Sidon had given to him days ago. Holding it high up in the air, Link wanted to just chuck the damn thing into the sea. If it were the manifestation of Sidon's heart then to escape the constant torture he would gladly throw it away. 

Throw it away. 

Throw the damn thing away Link, 

It will just be a constant reminder of what you can never have, 

"..." 

Link gritted his teeth, all his years, from the countless fights, the near death encounters, the people he met, the many times he had lost and saved his princess, everything that had happened... nothing could be comparable to what he is currently feeling. 

This feeling felt like a gloom that has forever etched itself upon his heart, unable to detach for so long as Link allows it to feed off his own life if to feel even a shroud of happiness. Let it drown into the abyss for all he cares. Let it disappear and never resurface ever again like the future he once wanted. 

But, he could not. 

The scene of Sidon's heartfelt goodbye played out in his head, his genuine love for him, his soften eyes, warm smile... haunted Link, reminding him of the man he would hurt immensely should he go through with his selfish plan. Even just imagining Sidon's pained eyes stung his heart.

He could not bear it. 

"...FUCK!" 

Link shouted in frustration.

"You SAY you love me but then say shit like you can't be with me?! What kindda bullshit is that?! W-Why... did you even had to say it!" 

Finished with his rant, he held his head low in his arms, desperate to let lose his emotions. He was angry at himself, angry at Sidon for reciphrocating his feelings when that would make moving on so much more difficult. 

... 

All of this is tiring... when will it end? 

Link fell down to his knees in complete and utter defeat, his mind too numb to even come up with what he could do. Eat and sleep. Yeah, that is probably a good idea to do afterwards. Or just sit here and... stare at the sunset. 

Now that, is a brilliant idea. 

... 

A good 5 minutes went by, the man showing no sign of leaving just yet. He then took one more look upon the necklace, which once became a source of pain and sorrow, now instead becoming a source of comfort. He held it closely to his lips, giving it that second kiss he wished he had given to Sidon. 

Goddess, what is wrong with me. 

"Link?" 

"!?" 

Link's head turned so fast he thought for sure he needed to go see Natasha for it, when his eyes landed onto those familiar red scales, those royal adornments, that handsome face, his eyes widen, unable to believe for a second that the man he had been wasting the whole day over was right in front of him. Link immediately got up, dusted himself off from the sand, his heart heavily guarded.

"I... tried visiting your house but you were not there... so I started walking around to look for you when I heard shouting." 

Link's cheeks and ears became scalding hot red over his embarrassing outburst being heard by the one man he did not wanted to hear him. How the hell was he suppose to know Sidon would visit him of all days? 

"Are you alright?" Sidon asked gently, reaching out to the Hylian before Link took a few steps back, very much still in a bewildered state over why the Zora was here in the first place. There must be an important reason why a King would venture off his own kingdom without even a proper heads up.

"Ah, of course! I came because I wanted to see you." Not at all discouraged, Sidon held onto Link's hands, surprising them both. Link was surprised by the king's sudden forwardness and Sidon was surprised by the necklace currently in his hand and not around his neck.

"Oh, were you admiring it?" 

Taking the necklace off of Link without even asking, the Zora put it on back to its now rightful owner. Somehow this action alone helped calmed down the Hylian's nerves, he felt completely... content. 

"It truly suits you. I always thought it matched the color of your eyes and yet, I'd rather prefer staring upon yours... every day." Sidon spoke shamelessly, what appeared to be a look of adoration fell onto Link's form, making the smaller man felt as though he could not form any coherent thoughts whatsoever.

This was getting too much, if Link continues allowing Sidon  to flirt with him then he would be a complete flustered mess. Also this was highly innapropriate!

"Sidon, why are you actually here?" 

Link asked once more with a far more stricter tone, straight to the point. Chuckling, Sidon acknowledged the smaller man for seeing through his flimsy excuse, he knew he could not beat around the bush for too long. 

"I ...came here with a proposition. And I want your genuine and honest answer to it. How does that sound, my pearl?"

Chapter Text

"A proposition?" 

Link repeated, narrowing his wary eyes. What exactly was Sidon up to? Why exactly has he came here for something as vague as a proposition? And why has he been so... bold when proclaiming his love to Link as if they were already together, what is going on?

"Listen, I know that I have stated several times the two of us cannot be together due to my marriage to my wife." Link nodded warily, his mind slowly processing what was happening at the moment. The Hylian questioned within his mind why the other man brought that up considering he thought for sure they were both in the process of moving on already.

Was this some form of definitive farewell?

The Zora then cleared his throat, forcing Link to put all of his focus on the man. "I've talked to Yona regarding our marriage and well, thankfully, it went well. She said that she actually approved of me pursuing you." 

... what. 

Link simply blinked in response, waiting for the punchline to what should be a joke. But it never came.

"Wait, but wouldn't she be hurt? I know you said you both don't have romantic feelings, but for her husband to-" 

"No, she understands, Link. I know her, she knew of my feelings for you for a long time. Granted, she will continue being my Queen and rule alongside me but... I wish to have someone I truly love by my side." With his resolve strengthened by Yona's approval as well as Link's existing love for him, Sidon placed his hand onto the surprised Hylian's cheek, brushing it  with utmost care, surprising the smaller man as his heart was filled with both uncertainty and... warmth.

But quickly fear and cofusion arose within the Hylian, forcing himself to try and pull away but Sidon's other hand held firmly upon the smaller man's back. The Zora knew Link was feeling overwhelmed so he tries all he could to give him nothing but love and support during such a tumultuous ordeal.

"Please, at least hear out my idea. We both have suffered immensely due to this love of ours, haven't we? I thought maybe... this was the only way for us to be together." His words, his downcasted eyes that sparkled like topaz, it was lulling Link into a deep trance, one he cannot help but fight back for the moment. It cannot all be that easy. For all of those years to simply mean nothing. As though their harm could have easily been swept under the rug.

"I..." 

Link's mind went blank, he did not know what to say or make of this proposition, for so long he has lived his life trying to escape Sidon's love, trying to make peace with his situation, to try and live his life without constantly thinking of someone he loves whom will never be his. 

Then all of a sudden he was given the one chance to be with Sidon without any warning? Was this... real? He wants to be happy truly but doubt flooded his mind and heart, how could it all been so easy? 

There must be a trick to all of this. 

"Would... I be a secret lover to you within the palace walls with the Queen knowing?" 

"Absolutely not. I will make your status as my lover an official one. Everyone in the domain would recognize you as my beloved." 

"What will others say? Your father, your people?" 

"I will manage those on my own, my father understands my lack of intimacy and romance towards my wife, he would understand... I am sure and as for my people, the Zoras love you Link so there is nothing to worry." 

"Then what will I do? Should I immerse myself within your duties and responsibilities? Help both you and the queen?" 

"That is up to you. If you wish to help my soldiers train, to accompany us to official meetings then by all means do so. However, I am more than fine to allow you to simply be my lover. Our duties, both Yona and I are to our people and to help manage the kingdom. As a consort all you need to do is be by my side as my anchor. And, for me to love you immensely." Sidon smiled warmly. His mind flooding with many opportunities given in the future to show his undying love and affection towards Link with everyone's approval, those who matter most that is. 

"... you really have thought all of this out, haven't you?" Finally, Link relented, letting out a tired sigh as Sidon answered his barrage of questioning without fail nor hesitation. The man must have prepared his entire life for this, Link thought.

"It's something I have been discussing with my wife for awhile now. You worry so much of me, Link, I have it all under control. Now then, are there any doubts lingering?" Link immediately shook his head.

"No, it's just that...I wanted this for so long. Yet I feel as though I don't deserve this. I don't deserve you. I did hurt you for years, punished you unjustifiably, ignored you I-" 

Before Link could continue venting out his guilt and frustrations, his barrage of words were effectively shut up by ivory lips. Taken aback by the sudden act, Link tried desperately to wrestle back control but an incredible overflowing feeling of euphoria danced across his mind, stiffling his movements, instead of pushing the Zora away he instead immediately pulled Sidon in closer. Resistance fell oh too easily.

The two kissed, the intimacy of their connected forms outlined by the orange hue of the Sunset, basking them in its amber-like glow. It felt like something straight out of Link's fantasies, one he thought for sure would stay as such. 

But this? This felt SO much better. 

All fear and worries Link had held within himself, all that was holding him back from truly accepting Sidon's offer melted away, replaced with only an intense hunger to have the Zora all to himself. 

Never in his life had he even thought of the idea of becoming a consort, his pride as a man meant he had always wanted to be in charge to provide to his family. In charge of his own destiny. But that pride was quickly snuffed out at the very idea he could be with the man he has loved for so long, for far too long even. 

His heart was simply too weak when it came to Sidon. 

Pulling away from the kiss, Sidon looked down upon Link, whose expression was a mix between both apprehensive and love-struck, pulling out a soft chuckle out of the Zora.

"Forgive me, I know this is a lot, but I am serious when I say that I wish to take you in as my lover, only if... you would allow me." 

Begrudgingly, Sidon lets go of the Hylian. He knew all too well of the guilt and shame that ate away upon the Hylian for so many years that such a decision of this magnitude would prove to be too intense for the Hylian. 

If past encounters regarding their relationship had told Sidon one thing was that Link was very much in immense turmoil. The Zora braced himself for whatever answer he would get out of his beloved Hylian, closing his eyes to truly take in the moment. He himself thought he was prepared for this moment. Practiced his proposition and confession for so many times yet those scenarios never hold a candle to the real thing. Heart beating fast Sidon knew for sure if he were to be rejected then he would never be able to live it down. 

"..." 

Not getting any answer, Sidon opened his eyes and looked down to see what was wrong. All he saw upon the Hylian's face was an expression filled with contentment. One he had only saw upon Link's face ever since their reunion in the blonde's sleep. 

Breathing in, and out. 

Link finally gave his final answer. 

"... I, accept your proposition." 

"!!!" 

Immediate relief flooded the Zora's heart, wrapping his strong arms around the Hylian below him as he pressed kisses after kisses upon Link's cheek much to the Hylian's delight. 

"Link! Oh my dearest- I, you have NO idea how happy I am!" Sidon's head tail began wagging wildly, his mouth cannot stop smiling even if he tried and a intense feeling of adrenaline coursing through his veins the moment Link agreed in becoming his official lover. 

The Hylian simply hummed in a content, closing his eyes, despite being a seasoned warrior who could defeat any foe without so much as a struggle, he never knew how safe and secure he could have felt being held like this. It almost felt as though life had breathed into their bodies once again now that their love for one another was no longer in the past. It was now striving and alive in the present, with so many opportunities to let it grow and florish. 

"... I'm sorry." 

"...?" 

Link looked up to see Sidon pressing a sweet, warm kiss upon his forehead as though he was the most precious thing in the world, leaving the blonde man's eyes widen and cheeks redden.

"I'm sorry I, never did came to see you after all those years. While my responsibilities kept me busy, I knew I always had time to see you yet... pride flooded my heart. It wanted you to be the first to visit... it was selfish, I know. I did send letters - yes - but I could've done more... so much more to reach out to you..." Sidon trailed off, looking both happy yet guilty he had hurt Link in turn which made sense why Link responded how he did. 

Internally, Link really did not think Sidon had any reason to apologize, but he knew bringing it up would just end up in a whole back-and-forth, possibly ruining this precious moment and so remained quiet.

They both might as well put all of this in the past.

"You honestly mean the world to me. My heart yearns for you every waking moment. Truly, I want to live with you, give you everything of me, and I will accept all of you. Thank you, for loving me after all these years, as the Zora King it is my promise that I shall do everything in my power to remind you every day, every second, that you are the one I love most." Listening to these words felt as though the ice surrounding Link's heart had all but melted into a puddle of regret, the love he had thought was nothing more but a flicker burned even greater, making him unable to run away as he did years ago. Now with Sidon's confession it felt as though the hero could escape him no more. 

Too much. It felt too much too soon. 

Link felt unworthy of these words. 

"Enough, please. No more..." Burying his tear stained face into those protective and powerful arms, the ex-knight felt too vulnerable. He had hated feeling weak yet he knew the only person he would ever allow to see him at his weakest was none other than... 

.

.

.

"... of course, let's go home now."

Chapter Text

Side-by-side, the two weary lovers walked upon the path set by destiny itself. Or in this case, Zora Domain within Link's mind. The idea of going there was however both exciting yet nerve-wracking, especially how others may fare regarding Sidon's proposal towards Link. 

He was on friendly terms with everyone there of course, maybe just good terms with Muzu or the elders of the councils, but due to how almost so sudden his status change would be to the domain, it felt as though one mistake would no doubt be amplified should he chosen the role of consort. 'To prove his worth' as others may call it, to give an absolute good reason on why Sidon chose him. 

Which can be very ... tiresome.  Link was perfectly fine with his life post-retirement from the constant attention and whispers of passing people as Zelda's knight, though now as a ruler's consort, that mindset of constantly being in his best behaviour would fall into place, one he is used to but never truly embraced. Perhaps his princess saw through his facade and wanted her knight to live out a far fulfilling life than simply by her side.

Though on some nights, the ex-knight wished he did not took the retirement if it meant he could at least be in close contact with Zelda, his closest and more cherished friend.

On their way towards the kingdom of the Zoras, or at least, Link assumed that was where they were going, here he was walking the all too familiar path he walked millions of times before leading the way to his own home. Turning his head towards the larger man beside him with an expression filled with both confusion and intrigue, Sidon simply offered a friendly grin. 

"My body isn't as strong as I'd like it to be. Walking over to see you took a lot out of me, you know?" Cheekily replying back, the Zora ruffled up Link's hair, resurfacing fond memories of their time together by the waterfalls. The Hylian was about to retort back before realizing, this is exactly what Link wants right about now. 

To spend more of their precious time together. Link can only imagine what sort of schedule his beloved would have considering his experiences with Zelda so any amount of time of theirs spent away from the domain was more time for each other.

Once arriving upon his house, Link fished out the keys inside his pocket. Turning the key to his door, Link pushed the door inside, wincing a bit, not too proud of the slight mess he had left the house in due to NOT expecting a guest out of nowhere, Link internally side-eyes one particular crimson Zora. Sidon on the other hand, sure does not mind, in fact, he seemed quite happy to be led into the Hylian's living quarters. 

"Watch your head." 

Link's warning came out a little too late when he heard a bonk behind him, a small smile curved upon his lips. Sidon merely narrowed his eyes at the Hylian before clearing his throat to give his thanks with a hint of sarcasm sprinkled in. 

Once the two settled inside, Link placed the ingredients out, opened up the stove and began cooking without asking if the other was hungry. The main reason being was that he needed to do something, anything to help keep his mind busy, that and making dinner for the Zora as a form of appreciation for the breakfast Sidon had prepared for him in bed days ago. 

He likes keeping tracks of people's goodwill. 

Curiosity did got the better of the monarch as he went over to Link,  asking politely on what he can do to help with dinner. 

"It's fine, you're the guest after all so just wait until I finish cooking, okay?" Sidon sighed, understanding that it is the man's own house so the least he could do is respect Link's wishes. 

If he so wishes. 

In response, Sidon decided to do a bit of messing around which involves him purposely standing behind the Hylian while looking over his shoulder like a curious cat. 

"..." 

Link knows damn well that a reaction is what Sidon wants out of this, and just like clockwork, he gives it to him. 

"Sidon, what are you doing?" 

"Observing." 

"Can't... you do that from the table?" 

"And miss out on how skilled your hands are? Never." 

This prompted an elbow jab from the chuckling smaller man, unable to keep up his stern nature regarding the Zora, this scenario did ended up helping Link feel more relaxed. Sidon laughed as he finally left Link to cook in peace but in all honesty, Link did not minded at all. 

... 

Finished preparing dinner, Link had set down the pot of freshly cooked meat and potato stew, some boiled broccolis and carrots on the sides for their greens as well as some fresh water. Speaking of which, how was Sidon going to sleep comfortably inside his house? He knew Sidon could sleep on bed just fine but that would risk his scales drying... he knew he should have placed the pond near his bed when establishing the foundation. 

"W-Woah, these look... pretty good Link. You really didn't need to do all of this but, who am I to deny food from you especially." 

Sidon let out a hearty laugh as he sat down in front of Link on the dining table with the Hylian following suit, rolling his eyes over the Zoea's praise. They both said their grace to the Goddess above before digging in. Blowing gently into the spoon, the Zora took a sip and instantly his face lit up, sending pride to the blonde's heart. 

Link almost forgot to eat as he kept watching the enthusiastic Zora enjoying himself with the stew, the potatoes were boiled to absolute perfection, soft to the core and the meat infused with the herbs and spices of the stew absolutely enhanced it, with every bite Sidon could feel a burst of flavor exploding inside his mouth.

"You absolutely MUST give my chefs' the recipe Link, I would kill for this dish during the fall." 

"Don't you mean, give YOU the recipe?" 

Link rightfully corrected to which Sidon simply snorted. 

"Ahh, yes, you diid taught me cooking before. But! I have been too busy lately and never had time to cook. Besides, I have you by my side, no?" 

Once again, the blonde man rolled his eyes, his mind wanders to the memories of how he offered to help teach Sidon the ins and outs of cooking. How to control the temperature, the right amount of ingredients as well as being very careful regarding the time needed for dishes to cook and so on and so forth. 

One time, Sidon had tried cooking chicken as a surprise for Link, unfortunately he cooked it the same way Link taught him to cook meat which ended up with the chicken being a tad raw. If it weren't for the Goddess Hylia's blessing in giving Link an absolute blackhole of a stomach, things would have been quite... bad. 

Then again the Zora did remember Link trying out rock roast from Goron City which he knows for a fact was not only inedible but absolutely dangerous for Hylians. 

The inner workings of Link's stomach are truly an enigma. 

Both men continued their talk over dinner, discussing further regarding Link's role as well as how his own responsibilties regarding Sidon's kingdom. In the end, Link agreed on becoming one of the instructors for the soldiers, with him being a veteran fighter and all.

After that was dealt with, the content of the stew slowly became little by little with each refill, laughters in the dining table slowly came to a complete silence, the chirps of restless crickets outside filling in the ambience of the room. Yawning, Link could feel fatigue slowing his body down, usually he would have energy left to clean up dinner but the mental toll of today's confession and preparing dinner finally ate up the ex-knight's stamina. 

"You go on ahead and rest, Link. I'll take care of the dishes." Sidon offered, placing a friendly pat on the Hylian's back as he basically shoo'd Link from his own kitchen. 

Nodding, Link went upstairs, thanking Sidon for the help. Once reaching his room, he pulled up his tunic over his head and threw it into the clothes basket, tugged off his pants as well as kicked the boots off his feet, finally able to set his teeny lil toes free to ravage the floorboards of his bedroom.

Once the man was just in briefs, he climbed up on bed, creaking a bit but ignored as Link was just way too engrossed on the fact that both of his mind and body absolutely exhausted which helped the man greatly appreciate the sheer softness and warm comfort of his bed, woodframes and all.

... 

Back in the kitchen, Sidon was doing his due dilligence cleaning up pots and pans in the sink. Now all by his lonesome, his mind began wandering off.  The feeling of nervousness filled his head, thinking of how his people, especially how his father would accept Link. Yes he was truthful of what he had told the Hylian, that they would be accepting. But what if rumors spread? That Link was just a secret lover? That Sidon was cheating on his wife? His image tainted, dragging the royal family along with it? Immediately, he shot those baseless worst case scenarios down, what matters most was his love for Link. 

For years he'd figured that in time, their love would simply dissipate, lost to the abyss, never to resurface ever again... yet anytime he is within Link's presence, hears of him or even thinks of him, his heart begins to beat faster. His throat dry, his mind running wild- he, he was still very much in love, as much as he had tried countless times to deny it. He just could not do so.

He had made up his mind, no longer would he allow this opportunity to slip by.

Once finished with the dishes, Sidon wished to inform the Hylian but struggled to climb up the staircase, with how low the ceiling was with each step, he was forced to start crawling upwards while gritting his teeth. As if that was not embarassing enough he once again almost bumped his head inside Link's house. 

The sooner we leave for Zora Domain, the better, Sidon thought angrily as he rubbed the afflicted area.

Now that he was standing in front of Link's bed with the Hylian's back turned, contentment and ease washed over the Zora's heart, looking over the seemingly sleeping Hylian with silent appreciation. 

Link... 

No matter how many times Sidon stared upon the blonde's sleeping form, one thing never changed in his mind, that the Hylian was truly... precious. Far more precious than any gemstone across Hyrule. 

Beforehand, Sidon stared upon Link's sleeping features back in Zora Domain, he just could not stop himself from just wanting to kiss him. Caress his soft cheeks. Even now, he wanted nothing more than to lay down as well and hold Link. But, the bed frames were... too small for someone of Sidon's size. While the mattress is big enough for two Hylians perhaps to sleep together, Sidon was no Hylian. Hell, he was bigger than many other fully grown Zoras. 

He knew he could not sleep in the same bed as Link together, his best choice was the lake surrounding Tarrey Town. 

It did stung Sidon a bit, his own mind conjuring his own insecurities of not being the 'right' partner for Link. 

He was so ready to be a proper heir, to have a Queen by his side from the moment he was born into royalty and yet... here he was, in love with a Hylian knight. He knew that their love was enough but during the moments where the night is at its quietest, he did wondered what life would had been had he forgotten his royal blood. To be free to love whoever, whenever. Such a thought did seemed quite foolish to him yes but, he was fine to entertain with the idea should it be locked inside the security of his mind. At the very least, Muzu would not reprimand him for it. 

Ready to leave, Sidon heard shuffling from behind him and so turned around, a bit surprised to see Link peeking his head over his shoulder, still very much awake despite the absolute exhaustion painted across his cute sleepy face. 

"Sorry for disturbing you. Just wanted to tell you I had finished cleaning the dishes and ...will be sleeping in the lake since well, the bed's a tad too small here for the both of us." 

After the Zora finished telling the Hylian what his next plan was, immediately Link got out of bed, almost staggering when standing up. He then pulled the mattress off the bed frame. Surprised, Sidon tried to stop him, telling him that it was fine and he really should get back to sleep but his worries were just ignored. In the end, there was a mattress, three soft pillows and a blanket laid down on the floorboards below, arranged as best as a sleepy Hylian could. 

Then, without a word Link reached out to grab Sidon's hand, wishing to led them both onto the madeshift bed when in his fatigue, Link carelessly slipped on the blanket, pulling Sidon down with him as a loud thud echoed throughout the whole house. 

Thankfully, the mattress did helped break the fall... although Link ended up being squished by the large red Zora shark above him, trying to push him off.  Sidon quickly sat up, not wanting his beloved to be crushed under his weight on the same day they had their heartfelt confession and everything. 

"Link! You are in no state to exert this much energy, I could've helped prepare the bed on the floor, you know?" 

"Whoops." 

Whoops, he says. Sidon lets out a tired sigh, simply laying beside Link as even he is way too tired to be upset at this special Hylian. This man really is going to be the death of him, isn't he? 

Link could have easily just explained Sidon what his plan was but instead he rather have the Zora figure it out on his own. 

"Tch, you always did that even back then. When you brought me to a secluded area about Zora Domain I thought for sure it was some sort of courting ritual. Then you just ended up showing me two- *pfftt* Lizalfos with their tongue stuck together" 

"Wasn't it romantic? Took awhile for me to pull it off but thought you might appreciate the gesture." 

"... yeah, it sure was." 

Already fed up with the cheeky Hylian's shenanigans, Sidon wrapped his big beefy red arms around the Hylian, sleep slowly catching up to him. The time for small talk was over as all he wants to do now was to just go to sleep with none other than his beloved friend and soon-to-be-consort. 

"Good night Link. We'll leave for Zora Domain after lunch. Is that alright?" 

After not getting an answer, Sidon simply assumed Link had already fallen asleep and so, took in a big yawn and proceeded to rest his head on the pillows, his face resting closely to Link's hair, taking in his comforting scent and finally went to sleep. 

"Good night, Sidon. I love you."

Chapter Text

Several birds began chirping up a morning tune upon the rooftop of Link's very... square inspired house, the overall unique aesthetic design belonging to none other than the Hudson's company, a real staple that was no doubt very iconic, though whether or not it is a popular choice by the people of Tarrey Town is a whole other statement. 

Still, the fact that Link had full creative control over the house together meant that windows really were just an afterthought or a clear sign that the man did NOT enjoy being woken up by a rude awakening by yours truly, the Sun. So far the only indicator it truly was morning outside was due to the orchasteria of birds calling out to one another, the Hylian's own personal alarm clocks. 

Thankfully they were enough to stir a Zora King to awaken. 

The moment Sidon did see the black void underneath his eyelids, he pushed himself off from the mattress, looking down with every intention to see Link... but he was nowhere to be found. 

Where could he have gone? 

The smaller blonde must have quietly slipped away with incredible stealth, the Zora being absolutely sure without a shred of doubt he had held the man close to him. Placing his hand onto the imprint of where Link had slept in, he could almost make out what seemed to be residue scent of the blonde before pulling back, mentally chastising himself for becoming so... needy. 

Once again, Link's abandonment really had left a  particularly deep scar in his heart. 

Before Sidon could even call out to Link, he heard a rather abrupt loud slam of a door shut forcefully. Worry soon began to fill the Zora's heart, fearing whether or not Link had ran off in a hurry or why was there the need for such aggression. Quickly, he threw the blanket off of him and crawled downstairs as gracefully as a giant Zora could. 

None. 

Once he did reach the bottom, not before bumping his dorsal fin in the process, his eyes darted around the in search of the Hylian only to find Link already looking over to the Zora with a ladle in his hand, probably about to start cooking breakfast.

"Morning Sidon." 

After greeting back while withholding a groan of pain from those Goddess awful stairs, Sidon was just about to ask regarding the front door being shut loudly wanting to know if it was him or someone else but... seeing the Hylian so relaxed, greeting him casually and content, the crimson Zora decided to drop it for the time being, willing to play along for now. 

Sidon asked if there was anything he could do to help, initially Link wanted to tell the Zora that he had it all covered,  he stopped himself and simply told the Zora to help fillet some fishes he needed for breakfast. Already, the two of them are making breakfast together. 

And yet another happily married couple activity being mentally checked off inside Sidon's head like a bingo card. His head tail wagged profusely.

... 

In the kitchen, there was simply the quiet and relaxing ambience of the once sleepy kitchen being brought to life. Each of the men in their own counter doing their own parts. Sounds of chopping, delicate fish scales being cleared off the bodies of several fishes as well as the sound of a soft humming that sounded more beautiful than even the most grandious musicians Sidon had the pleasure of listening in to the countless balls and festivals within the safety of his domain. He was just halfway done descaling the fishes when he asked Link where exactly were the herbs and spices located to help marinate the fishes to which the Hylian answered back although with slight confusion dancing across his brows. 

"It's at the top left cabinet. But, why do you ask? We'd mostly be living at your place, right?" 

"Well, I just thought it'd be nice for us to come back here to your home, as a nice getaway from the usual responsibilities." 

Sidon answered back cheerfully, bringing over the plate of raw filleted fish over to Link who took it with one hand before thanking him. As Sidon turned back to clean up the counter, he heard Link replying back while keeping his gaze to the fish.

"... our home." 

Hearing that, Sidon simply smiled and nodded, reality setting in of how how genuine all of this is. How their worlds may no longer drift aimlessly and finally, found their purpose. 

"Our home... just as Zora Domain will be ours as well, " 

Sidon stated in a very content and happy manner, honestly it felt as though his happiness was indeed infectious at times. Link nodded along, understanding the importance of Sidon's kingdom and that while most of their time would be moreso spent in Sidon's home, Link's home in Akkala is also a destination for their love together. 

... 

After Link had finished cooking, the two sat down on their seats- Sidon having to use two chairs to accomodate his size, in front of each other, digging into their breakfast with hums of delight as well as decorating the dining table with laughters and melancholic stories. However, what was the true highlight to the Zora King was seeing just how... genuinely happy Link seemed, his emotions plastered entirely on his face, no longer hiding his true feelings from Sidon nor did he had to force himself to be happy around the Zora. The smile on his face was nothing short but the real deal.

"I know you said we'd be leaving for the domain after lunch, why not after breakfast? Why not now?" The Hylian tilted his head in a curious manner. 

Gently, Sidon put down his fork on his plate, focusing on answering Link's question. 

"Just wanted to give you ample time before you make this decision with me. From my years of experiences, emotions can run high and, I don't want you to have any regrets of choosing this." 

"... I don't ever regret choosing to live with you." 

Sidon's eyes soften as he heard the Hylian's reply. A direct hit to his heart. 

"I know, I understand that the circumstances of us being together isn't really the same as most people, I'm sure you still have your own fair share of critique on how I'm trying too hard to give us a happily ever after. Still, I'd like to make this work with you."

"So long as I don't see you being too overly romantic with your wife, I'm good." 

That sudden comment made Sidon almost spit out his food in absolute shock. 

"L-Link, please do not misunderstand our general relationship. My feelings for you are more on the romantic side while hers is one of familial. Yona is a dear friend to me, that's all. I don't even sleep in the same room as her for all of these years." 

Biting his lips nervously, Link knew Sidon was speaking truthfully, yet, for 5 years, the two of them had been married for that long and... 

Then, almost meekly, Link decided to tell Sidon the truth of what he had thought for all these years.

"... I'd thought that even thought it was an arranged marriage, you would've maybe... grown feelings for her..." 

"Link..." 

The blonde slumped in his seat, letting out a sigh of fatigue. 

"I know. But, when I... cut contact with you, I was afraid of seeing how happy you two would be. Because then, it meant that my feelings for you were wrong and I'd have to get rid of them because..." 

"They're not wrong, you can't help how you feel-" 

"-yes but even so, if I had to push them down for your happiness, I wouldn't have a choice..." 

Slowly but surely, it felt like Sidon was not hungry anymore. He knew how self-sacrificing Link was. Hell, he was no different. To give up their own happiness just for the sake of others. That was a voiceless task given to them both from years and years of training. Of education. Of shaping them to becoming both a hero and ruler respectively. 

Link WOULD do something this foolish, would he not? 

Getting up, Sidon walked around the table and over to Link, the smaller man could feel a nervous tinge but tried his best to play it off. 

"Look, it's really nothing. I shouldn't have brought it up- " 

Before Link could explain even further, Sidon grabbed onto the man and hugged him, surprising Link but mostly confusing the hell out of him. 

"I love you, Link. If I loved Yona I would've told you but I don't, she may be my Queen and a cherished friend but you, you're my absolute world. My everything. Every day I think about making you smile. Wanting to make you laugh. How would I help you, be a better friend to you? Link, you have my mind, body and soul at the tip of your fingers. And that, is the immense power you have over me." 

Burrying his face into the crook of Link's neck, taking in his scent of the earth and forest,  the Hylian had to control himself from his body overheating, flustered, absolutely red from he tip of his ears to his soft cheeks. 

"...alright, okay, you love me... you love me only. I don't like sharing so if you did loved her and still wanted me then-" 

Sidon pressed his finger onto Link's lips, bypassing the thought of just kissing him to shut the man up. He loves Link to death yes but at times Sidon really just wanted to shake Link like a jar of pickled fish with just how frustrating one man could hold these much doubts, does he not know of how important he is? Clearly he should now that Sidon had told him exactly that. 

"I promise you, Link. I do not have any interest in Yona, nor does she of me. Plus, I'm 99% sure she's into women." 

"Huh, really?" 

"Mmmh." 

"... I didn't know that." 

"I'd be surprised if you did, but please, putting aside Yona's gay love life or lack there of-" 

Somewhere in Zora Domain, Yona began to sneeze just after she was done with a meeting with the royal council, Muzu asking her if she is alright and the Zora Queen simply replying with a confident nod. 

Back to Link's house in Akkala. 

"-but yes, what I'm trying to say is that I love you and no one else. So please, believe me. You know I'd always believe in you, so, can't you do this for me?" Pulling away, Sidon showed what could essentially be a Zora's version of the puppy dog eyes. Along with his head tail wagging- OH so he KNOWS how to control that now. 

Did it worked? Yes. Did Link secretly hope he'll end up doing more stupid things in the future just to get Sidon pull this card again? 

Absolutely. 

"Okay Sidon, I believe in you. Also, did you really had to jab at your wife like that?" 

"It'd only be a problem if you tell her." 

"Nice, blackmail." 

Laughing out loud, Sidon pat on Link's shoulder before walking back to his seat. Being able to finally get through Link's stubborn and thick skull regarding his genuine love for only him really felt like a step in the right direction for their life together. 

Of course Sidon is no fool himself, there would always be more problems and future arguments or fights when you're in a relationship that is not just romantical wise. Friendship, families, that is the inevitable when sharing a life with an individual who will never think or act the same as you. 

Sidon could not even count how many times he had fights with his father. Okay fine he can. 8. Most of them during his juvenile years when he himself was just figuring things out for himself. 

Still, a life with Link is a life far worth living in. 

"... oh yes, Link, what was that door slamming? I heard it shortly after waking up." 

The moment Sidon brought it up, he could almost see worry etched itself upon the Hylian's face. One problem solved and another to go. 

"Oh, that was... no one important."

Chapter Text

Several guards were stationed outside of Zora Domain, two of them being a father and a daughter guarding side-by-side, casually having small talk regarding tonight's dinner. 

"When's the shipment from Hebra gonna arrive? I've been craving some salmon sashimi." 

"Hmmm, if memory served me correctly, around this time of year the weather in Rito Village would be colder than usual, they'll probably be needing all the resources they can possibly get." 

"Hmph, hoarding all those Hearty Salmon all to themselves huh?" 

Rivan let out a chuckle, patting his daughter on the shoulder. 

"Now now, you wouldn't be saying that if you were stuck in cold frigid waters, Dunma. The fishes are quite fatty in content so it should help the Ritos stay full. If you want their salmon so much, go right ahead and start sprouting wings and I might let you fly there the next morning." 

Dunma scoffed, but understood that until that were to ever happen, she is basically stuck there in Zora Domain keeping it safe from any sign of trouble. And hell, she could always enjoy the fishes traded from Lurelin, their porgies were no joke either. Maybe it was the constant feeding upon Lanayru's resources that had gotten her feeling quite bored of their taste.

Before the purple Zora could turn to her father regarding Lurelin, at a distance she spotted a large red Zora, without a shadow of a doubt it was the King as well as a blonde Hylian by his side- wait, the Hero of Hyrule Link?! 

Immediately both Dunma and Rivan went back into position for the two most important figures, especially Link, whom Dunma thought for sure had grown old which would answer why he hasn't come to Zora Domain due to Hylians more shorter life span. Although the fact he DID survived a whole century before the fall of Calamity Ganon meant that maybe he was far more special than normal Hylians, so maybe he was just born differently. 

"Good evening, Your Majesty, Sir Link." Rivan greeted the two politely, bowing down to them while his grip on his Silverscale Trident as firm as ever. 

"Good evening to the both of you, Rivan, Dunma. I take it the domain has been in good hands with the both of you keeping watch in the front?" Sidon looked upon his soldiers with pride, putting his absolute trust in them both. 

"Of course! We would give our lives to this domain, isn't that right Dunma?" Rivan looked upon his daughter for confirmation, to which the indigo Zora nodded firmly. 

Seeing the both Zoras in good mood did helped soften the slow anxious feeling gnawing inside Link. Any small positives they can get would mean their inevitable official union would be a success, right? 

Well that was Link's logic, and if it can help him relax then who is to take that away from him. 

"Link! It has been awhile, I haven't seen you in awhile, where have you been?" Dunma asked enthusiastically to which she had to go back to a more profesional facade when Rivan gave him the look. 

"Sorry for not visiting much, just got caught up in some things. " Link answered, scratching the back of his head as embarassment colored his cheeks in a shade of pink. No way in Hell was he was not going to tell the truth as it just boils down to him healing from a broken heart and vowed to never see nor speak to Sidon ever again. 

Sidon simply stayed silent with a knowing smile, patting Link in the back as if to say he forgave the man.

After giving their farewell to the father and daughter soldiers, both men made their way towards the heart of Zora Domain, where it was absolutely impossible to avoid the iconic luminous sculpture, depicting Link valiantly riding upon Sidon as they do battle agaisnt the once controlled Vah Ruta, Divine Beast once piloted by the late Zora Princess, Lady Mipha as well as Sidon's older sister. 

Landing his gaze upon the statue of the two of them, Link always felt... strange, all that he did, it was all a job for him. Save Hyrule. Save his princess. But for others to celebrate him as a hero was something he never had thought about. 

Not out of humbleness, he just did not took in account that his actions would elicit him any sort of rewards that was not just your usual thank yous.

But, to see an immortalized form of himself and Sidon side-by-side, well, moreso him on top of Sidon, that alone did brought joy in the Hylian's heart. As if to say the first thing anyone would see when they come into the heart of Zora Domain was not the King or Queen but the King and Link together.

"Breathtaking, isn't it?" Sidon leaned down, teasing which got him a playful elbow jab in the stomach. 

"You really didn't need to, none of you did. If anyone deserves to be immortalized for their bravery, it should be you for putting your life on the line despite being the crowned prince." Link explained, still feeling undeserving of this immense honor. 

Sidon sighed, he himself was still trying to get used to Link's whole 'I don't need anything in return' shtick, if anything this was the most Link had talked to him regarding the statue so he would make good use of this opportunity. It never dawned on him once that he barely talked to Link regarding the statue after Link returned from the start of the Upheaval, it also occured to Sidon that Link barely wanted to talk to him at all when they reunited which... given the circumstances, was understandable to say the least.

"We both put our life on the line. And not only what we did stopped the reservoir from breaking, we-" Sidon stopped himself, understanding what happened next had nothing to do with him. "You, helped bring peace to my sister. And I will forever be grateful for that." 

The Zora monarch placed his hand onto Link's shoulder, gazing upon his form with utmost appreciation and warmth. This was the man who not only had his heart, but saved his city, saved him, and all of Hyrule for that matter, Link must have been a very adored and beloved hero. 

Yet the very fact that Link had accepted the idea of becoming his consort, to becoming part of his life was everything Sidon had ever wanted. This statue not only depict their bravery and teamwork together but also the bond and trust both men have in one another, a future life they both are able to share with each other soon.

Then, a playful poke from behind caught Sidon slightly off-guard as he turned around and looked down to see none other than his wife, Queen Yona, smiling sweetly. 

"I see you've brought your man over." Yona teased before walking over to Link, who bowed slightly upon seeing her, his more knightly etiquettes still kicked in here and there despite being retired. 

"Oh please, no need to treat me like a stranger. I've known all about you and my dear husband. Now follow me, we can discuss it all in private." Both Sidon and Yona walked over to the palace, leading Link who admittedly, still on-guard and anxious about the whole consort situation. Yes Sidon had told him about Yona's acceptance of their relationship but he himself still felt somewhat guilty of becoming entangled with someone else' spouse. That sort of morality has been what kept Link away from Sidon for so long. 

That and a broken heart. 

But he had already come this far, might as well see it through the end. As the trio walked into the palace walls, butterflies began flying within Link's stomach, of potentially things going wrong, that maybe Sidon was wrong that maybe all of this was a mistake and- no, Link steeled himself, not showing his worry if not for his sake, for Sidon's as well. 

The moment the Hylian had accepted this proposal... it was not just him. For Sidon to have prepared so much, had converse with his own wife regarding this union, making it all official, the upcoming talk with his father no less, all of it, it would be too cruel of him to run away once more. 

After the door to Yona's room had been closed, the viridian queen breathed in and out, as if she were about to give a speech that had been rehersed countless times. That sort of mannerism did reminded Link of Princess Zelda whenever she wanted to give her own speech.

The similarity helped gave Link an air of familiarity, that Yona to Sidon was like that of Zelda to him.

"Sir Link, as you have known, I have whole-heartedly agreed to this union. Before you may be confused, no, I am not upset. " 

Yona gestured to Link to sit down on her chair, with Sidon sitting beside him, giving him courage to prepare for the talk. 

"... I'm sure my husband had told you of how our marriage came down to the union of our kingdoms. We both knew that and came to terms with that fact a long time ago. Even as kids, King Dorephan always had this cute idea of pairing me up with him. Saying I would be a good wife for him and such. But, I never had my eyes on him. Haha, well, you could say he guessed wrong." Her soft amber eyes lay upon Link, as if to expect him to know the answer why. 

Of course the Hylian simply blinked, indicating Yona should continue. 

"Ahem, what I wish to say is that as much as I love and adore Sidon, being the Sun in my sky, always making me smile, making me laugh... to me, he is like a younger brother." Yona looked upon Sidon fondly. "I wish to guide and help him no matter what. That is how I truly feel regarding him." 

Sidon nodded, appreciating and forever grateful for Yona's guidance and support. What their marriage lacked in romance, there was genuine love in keeping each other strong and steadfast when governing an entire kingdom. They respected each other and would be within each other's reach should anything happen.

Hearing that, Link cannot lie, he did felt happy and appreciative of Yona's role. Even if his heart had been poisoned for so long, of thoughts of Yona taking Sidon away, of Link's lack of royalty and ability to help Sidon birth an heir when Yona could, at the very least, the two of them are happy together. It's not as if both were miserable with each other, they still had each other's back.

He may have hated Yona when they first met for being oh so joyful, so blissfully unaware of her taking his other half away but... the blame didn't lie onto Yona. 

Link was the one who kept it all to himself. 

"Link." Sidon called out to the Hylian who was lost in thought. When Link looked up blinking at the crimson Zora, he could not help but chuckle, Sidon understood the turmoil swimming around the Hylian's mind and soul and will not let Link drown in the currents.

"Do you see Link? It's alright for us both to be together. Yona's not going to be mad at you, or at me, you can relax." 

Blinking once more, Link did not even realized he had his fist clenched and posture rigid throughout the whole conversation. In a sense he was almost ready to fight to be with Sidon should it come to that but... there was no fight. 

Only... understanding. 

"Will you not feel hurt when I am with Sidon? How others may perceive it?" Link asked carefully, making Yona's eyes widen slightly. 

"Hurt? No, far from it. I can see how happy you make him feel. Link, if I must confess, this is the most alive I've seen him in years." Yona teased, making Sidon sigh out in embarassment. 

"And regarding how others may perceive it, it is ultimately up to them. Who am I to change their perceptions when they know nothing of the truth? I do not ask for respect from those unwilling to accept another's happiness, especially if they are yours." Placing her gentle hand on Link's shoulder, the Hylian stiffen. 

"... please, do not perceive me as a competitor, Sir Link. You are free to love Sidon however, I would still wish to support him as his Queen. And you, his consort. His true love." Letting go, Yona then turned to Sidon. 

"You both have my blessing to be together. Now, go kiss or something."  

"Yona!" Sidon spoke out in embarassment to which the viridian Zora simply laughed, seeing just how... casual it all felt made Link chuckle as well. 

Finally, thought the Zora Queen. The Hylian did not looked like he was about to be sent to fight the Demon King once more. Then again, Link would have a more relaxing time doing that then having the talk of airing a man's feelings.

"Link, we've been given her blessing, isn't this-" 

Before Sidon say another word, Link tackled him with immense strength. 

"Oh Goddess-" The Zora Queen took a step back as Link embraced Sidon with such warmth and gratitude. 

For so long... 

For so long Link had tried to let their love die. For it to be stomped out. For him to find love in another, letting go of his love for Sidon and just living his own life. For so long that was the ideal life Link had wanted but now?

The final hurdle. Yes. Their love is allowed. Maybe not by the entirety of Zora Domain, the councils, Hell Link hasn't even had the talk with Sidon's father for Hylia sake but Yona had given them her blessing. In fact she seemed, happy. Happy towards Link for making Sidon happy. Happy for the both of them.

Link did not said a word, only embracing Sidon. So much things was going in his mind, but one thing was for sure is the fact he was incredible happy. 

Both of the Zora royals gave a knowing look, with Sidon thanking Yona immensely, telling her that he and Link would now be moving to his room with the Zora Queen already shooing them away, telling them she has some documents to look over to and so the crimson monarch left with a very clingy Hylian attached to his body.

Getting there was a bit tricky with a Hylian latched onto you but for Sidon, he wouldn't have it any other way. 

Once inside Sidon's bedroom, a new edition to the room caused Link to finally dettach himself off of the Zora and carefully walked over to it. 

It was a bed. A Hylian bed to be more specific. And a pretty sizeable one at that. Almost instantly Link knew exactly why Sidon had it installed in his room. 

"Do you like it?" Sidon asked, Link placed his hand to give it a test, pushing into its incredibly soft casing and slowly sat on the edge. 

"It's perfect. Thank you." Sidon chuckled, walking over to the Hylian with obvious intention in mind. 

"Oh please. It's not all for you." Sidon scooped up Link, making the Hylian frantically tried escaping but to no avail with them both now at the center of the bed, the Hylian Hero trapped in the Zora King' s arms. So close, so intimate, Sidon cannot help but pepper kisses upon Link's neck, making the Hylian both squirm and laugh due to how ticklish it felt. 

"S-Stop, Sidon! W-What has gotten into you?" Link held onto Sidon's cheek, finally stopping the ravenous attack by the wild beast. 

"Can't you see? I'm so, so happy Link. You're finally mine." 

"We haven't even spoke to your father-" 

"Nonsense! My father will accept our love whether he likes it or not. Now, let us enjoy this moment, please?" Burrying his face into the crook of Link's neck, the Hylian accidentally let out a wanton moan. 

That, almost made Sidon lost control, immediately he pulled away with a clear flush on his face. Well that got him to stop real quick.

"M-My apologies, did I came on too fast? I just... truly I wanted to shower you with my love but if you are yet to be comfortable-" Link shut the Zora up with both of his hands. 

"... saying I'm overwhelmed is an understatement. My mind is still back in Yona's room, I'm... still processing all of this." Hearing that, Sidon's head tail's wagging slowly came to a halt. But then, Link leaned in and gave a reassuring forehead kiss, cranking back that head tail wag of Sidon to its maximum output. 

"But that doesn't mean I'm not happy. Absolutely I am happy with you with me right now. Finally, we can be together without guilt. That no one is hurt over this, Yona isn't hurt and... you genuinely want to be with me, even after what I've done to you..." 

"Of course I would want to be with you. I had wanted that for so long..." Sidon closed his eyes, leaned in to kiss Link's forehead lovingly, absolutely making Link's heart soar. "If anything, my biggest regret is that we didn't confessed sooner." 

"... well,  better late than never, right?" 

"You absolutely cheeky Hylian!" Sidon began his merciless assault, showering Link with kisses without stopping, causing Link to laugh out loud and smiled the biggest smile he had in his entire life. 

"S-Stop it! Ahahaha, Sidon! Sidon!" His feet kicking and hitting the mattress, fueled by intense happiness rather than fear, finally after what felt like forever. 

The shield Link had around his heart agaisnt Sidon for so years had shattered completely, each of the Zora's kisses proved effective agaisnt the once cold exterior Link had built to protect his once broken heart. 

Now, broken no more. It was healing, the pieces brought back together with each kisses. Each i love yous. Each warmth. 

Now than ever, it felt okay for Link to love once more. And for Sidon to finally feel as though he had something worth living for. 

" I love you Link. I love you so, so much."

Chapter Text

Waking up to what could only be described as the snores of a sleeping sea beast, Link's eyelids lazily fluttered opened, slowly trails his hands over the crimson scaled arms still draped over his chest, nuzzling affectionately into its chasm that made him feel protected. Loved. Needed. 

Alive.

It had been weeks since the ceremony of union where both Sidon and Link had officially established their love for one another in front of the whole domain. Many cheered and smiled for Link's official consort status implementation, congratulating him to becoming part of the Zora royal family. Some were appauled, mostly the Zora elders and ESPECIALLY Muzu regarding Sidon taking in Link of all people as a consort out of nowhere. It took some time convincing to make sure he did not caused a scene. He was on good terms with Link yes but good enough terms to have Link swooping in to take in yet another royal heir of Dorephan? Fat chance. And the big man himself? He agreed to the union thanks to Sidon's very, very, very reasonable arguments that almost got both Yona and Link worried about the man.

Still...

All of the headache and stress was worth it however in the end. 

Now, the Hylian was absolutely enjoying his retirement albeit much happier than before, cuddling with his dearly beloved Zora King on the soft, warm and comfortable bed meant for just the two of them. The start of their new life together as King and Consort.

Life just couldn't be any better than this. 

... 

Then Link felt how dry Sidon's scales felt, immediately he gave a few gentle pats on the large Zora's shoulder in order to wake him up. No wonder Sidon slept in his sleeping pool, he really needed to soak up all of the moisture he possibly could. 

"Mmhh..." 

The red shark groaned in his sleep, slowly he was beginning to awaken from such a satisfying slumber, though before Link could even tell him regarding the current state of his scales, Sidon held onto his Hylian tighter. Maybe a little too tight. 

"G-Good morning to you too." 

Sidon let out an amused hum upon hearing Link's voice in slight distress, reluctantly leting go as he strokes Link's hair, leaning in for a kiss. "Slept well?" Sidon asked, his voice sounding deeper than usual. And sexier. Every day Link thanks Goddess Hylia he went and accepted the proposal. 

"Sidon, your scales are drying." The blonde pressed his fingers carefully and brushed up Sidon's crimson scales, back and forth, feeling the physical evidence of the lack of moisture onto his Zora. Not only that, the softer underbelly rubbery skin did not fare too well either. Worry started to set in the Hylian's stomach with how casually his love is taking right now.

"Thank you for the reminder." Link thought for sure Sidon was going to get out of bed and jump straight into his pool, but no, the crimson monarch was more than happy to stay in the soft Hylian bed with Link, pulling him into his arms and closing his eyes, as if preparing to sleep in more. 

As touched as Link felt, he groaned and began patting onto the Zora's arm, asking for both release and for him to get wet already.

... 

Those words could have been worded properly... 

... 

The sounds of water sloshing around in the pool directed Link's attention from him tying up the strings on his boots, getting ready to start the day by training. The two previously discussed on what Link could do for the domain and so training the soldiers on land was most benefitial. 

"Feeling refreshed already?" Link walked over to Sidon who was still soaking his scales in is pool. Once close enough, Sidon gently grabbed ahold of his beloved's arm and pulled Link in closer to place a sweet kiss on the blonde's forehead. 

"Now I have." Sidon winked at Link and flashing his signature bright teethy grin. Rolling his eyes, Link splashed some water from the pool water onto Sidon's face, causing the Zora to laugh out loud. 

"Pfft, too corny?" 

"Way too much." 

Link replied, pretended to get annoyed but secretly loving how honest and sweet Sidon always have been in regards of his feelings. If anything, it was downright precious how Sidon always wore his emotions right on his sleeves, never failing to tell Link how he truly feels. Communication between partners is key and by the Goddess did Link sucked at that department. 

Though now that was going to change. With the memories of him standing side-by-side with the monarch, standing right in front of the people of the domain, he knew it then and there he would dedicated his life in becoming a great life partner to the Zora. No longer hiding. No longer lying. 

He vowed to do better. 

... 

Blocking the incoming-sword slash, Link focused his energy in pushing back the force of the blade, momentarily stunning the other Zora soldier before striking in with his own blade. The other soldier had to immediately block Link's attack, the two dueling in close combat as he desperately tried finding an opening in Link's powerful attacks while blocking him with swift precision. 

Unfortunately, his patterns were read like an open book and with one strong strike, Link was successful in disarming the soldier without much trouble. The soldier yieled. 

"The skills of THE Hero of Hyrule truly is something." A greenhorn, orange Zora soldier watching nearby commented. Watching the Hylian in action was truly a both heart-stopping and elegant match. After Link shook the other soldier's hand and was about to grab himself another training partner, the orange Zora stepped in and had volunteered to train with Link himself. 

"It would be an honor to train agaisnt you, Consort Link." 

Those words forced out a laugh out of Link before he shook head with a disapproving look. 

"Please, just call me Link for the sake of simplicity. In the battlefield, such a title means absolutely nothing to me." 

"Ah, my apologies then!" 

With both men's battle stances ready at the helm, with the blow of a whistle did they ran to one another, Link blocking in an incoming attack by the soldier's Zora Spear.  Seems the new soldier wanted nothing more but to keep Link on the defense. His golden sharp eyes saw a window of opportunity and without hesitation capitalized on it, striking his spear directly onto the Hylian's side. 

Before it could fully connect however, Link had already performed his famous Flury Rush, in which he had dodged just in the nick of time, at that very moment, everything felt like it was moving in slow motion. The birds flying over the domain, the clashing of metal on metal from soldiers nearby as well as the failed strike by the orange Zora. 

In just a blink of an eye, the Zora breath hitched anxiously when he felt the close blade of Link's sword directed to his throat. Wait, since when did he fell to the ground? Also where the hell was his weapon?

"Y-You fight like a Lynel." The orange Zora spoke out nervously, meaning to make it sound like a compliment. 

"Hah, I EAT Lynels for breakfast." Pulling up the man from the ground, Link caught the strange look the Zora soldier gave him. 

"It was a joke, besides, their meat is too gammy anyways." Walking away, Link left a very stunned soldier who cannot decipher whether or not the Hylian was truly joking or not for that last sentence. Maybe some things are best left unknown. 

Then again it would only add to the legend of the heroic Hylian Hero to have tried out Lynel meat.

... 

With the Sun setting down, Sidon had just finished his meeting with the Zora council regarding the incoming rainy season that would bring forth strong winds throughout Lanayru. Though with the memories of Divine Beast Vah Ruta, Sidon would often be wary of long days of non-stop rain, of course his fears were uncemented in reality as it would not be a continuous rain as that was no doubt forced upon his region by the controlled machinery, at least he hopes so. 

Walking out of the room with Yona by his side, the two talked regarding their personal life, apparently the viridian Queen had taken Sidon's advice and began seeing some people outside of her constant responsibility as ruler. It gave Sidon hope that maybe one day, his dear friend could find happiness in another the same way he did in Link. 

Speaking of Link... 

Just as Yona was talking about the notes she had written down for the meeting, Link immediately ran in like a mischiveous cat that he was and rammed right into Sidon at full speed, causing the Zora to stagger back, almost falling over. 

"L-Link! Please be careful, I was this close to dropping a tablet on your head!" Sidon scolded, though he was moreso worried for Link's sake rather than being upset. 

"Really now? And here I thought you had pretty strong grips." Link teased, forcing Sidon to scold him once again, telling him NOT to say such a lewd thing in front of other people in public, especially Yona of all people. 

The cheeky Hylian simply feigned ignorance, pretending to act as if he did not know what the Zora was saying. Frustrated from both Link's immature actions and the stress of his own workload, annoyedly, Sidon leaned down, his arms wrapped around the surprised Hylian as he carried Link as if he were a toy in a crane machine before politely excusing himself from the Queen. 

"You both take care!" Yona waved goodbye with a cheery smile on her face, just glad to see how much happier Sidon seemed nowadays with Link by his side. It always amused her that both men had kept their emotions and true words from each other that the moment the truth was out, the two had become almost inseparable. She could barely spend a moment alone with Sidon were it not business related with how the two wished to spend almost both waking and sleepin moment with each other.

Right now, Sidon was internally giddy having to take Link back with him to their room together, much to Link's dismay having been held like this.

"I can walk, you know?"

"That's really impressive Link." Link stared at Sidon with a very annoyed look on his face, oh this Zora was going to get it soon behind closed doors. Upon reaching their room together, Sidon held Link to the door in order to get the Hylian to open it up like a key card.

"Mmphf!"

With Link unceremonially thrown on bed, Sidon made sure to trap him in there with his massive frame, as if that was not horrible enough of him, his big hands gripped tightly upon the smaller Hylian. One on the shoulder and another on his hip. Keeping him in place. Despite having bested numerous larger monsters within his entire lifetime as a hero, Link didn't fought back.

He allowed it all to happen, trusting Sidon full-heartedly.

The crimson Zora began laying down kisses after kisses on his beloved Hylian's forehead, cheek, lips and neck, absolutely leaving no skin left unmarked, not that he would even dream of doing so.

" Come over here..." 

Link wrapped his arms around the Zora's neck, pulling Sidon's face in closer. Then, the two kissed each other, this time nice and slowly. The passion is still very much there but they wanted this one to last even longer. Finally, Link pulled away, his gaze slightly unfocused and mouth agape, breathless. 

"Wait, let me shower first." 

But Sidon's grip did not budge one bit. 

"Not yet. " 

Shamelessly, Sidon took in Link's scent, burying his face into those golden locks, taking in the lingering scent of battle, almost getting himself drunk off of the smell. It was a masculine scent. It gave off the scent of a powerful man, a man capable of defeating ANY sort of monsters in Hyrule. A man who had taken his heart. From all of the filthy acts Sidon had previously commited behind closed doors, even Link cannot deny that he absolutely loved how much of a freak his precious Zora is, especially when it came to his scent. 

Perhaps that was one of his motivation to train even harder that day. 

"Link... Link..." 

"Sidon... " 

Though before the two could continue into something far more, intimate, a knock at the door pulled both of them from living in their own world. 

Sidon groaned in annoyance, pulling away from his Hylian lover whereas Link chuckled, knowing how this was going to be a daily occurance at this point. 

Only time they would have some form of privacy was when night blanketed the realm. Most of the times. 

"It's fine, I'm not going anywhere." 

Getting off from the bed after giving Link an apologetic stare, the Zoran King hobbled over to his door, opening it only to be met with a guard who had given him the written down documents necessary for his next meeting. He could tell some last minute changes had been made if being interrupted during his usual rest hours were warranted. 

"Thank you." 

Thanking the other man, Sidon closed the door, locked it and headed back over to his awaiting Hylian who had already... taken the liberty to undress himself as stealthily as though he were wearing the Sheikah armor itself. 

Which was strange as he was now barely wearing anything at all. With a rumble of excitement in his chest, Sidon dips his knees into the soft Hylian bed installed for this very moment, immensely grateful to Goddess Hylia for Link's very existance as the two men began their union of love that would no doubt cause at least one guard to rethink their life decisions. 

... 

Coming out of the bath, water trinkling down in streams and onto the cold marble floor, the navy blue Zoran stretched his body with poise as he had taken his sweet time soaking up the refreshing herb-essence waters of his land. His flowing crimson blood red fins gracefully flowed down his head, shoulders, elbows and hips, giving him both a beautiful yet powerful image as droplets fell like light rain. 

And worth it surely was. Especially after he had finished his own monster extermination for the whole week. He reeked of blood, sweat and filth beforehand, though now he was a new man, ready to take on another whole week of fighting non-stop. 

Then, a knock at the door, calmly the Zoran gave his permission to allow one of his soldiers to enter the room. 

" General, preparations to move out tomorrow have all been completed. We are awaiting your next orders."  

Whistling, the Zoran thanked his subordinate.

"Good work. Be sure to double check on the early morning just in case. I don't want us bringing in spoiled first aid kits like last time." 

The man's tone had a surge of authority to his usual friendly nature seeminglessly, reminding the other man of their past mistakes without any hint of malice. With that, the other man left as swiftly as he appeared, giving the azure Zora some peace and quiet for.

"The Zora King of Hyrule... I look forward to meeting him once more."

Chapter Text

On a bright and sunny day, Queen Zelda had decided to make her visit, rather than an official one as she had done numerous times, this time she wanted to drop by to see how her beloved knight was doing now wed to the Zoran King. The news of their union did not surprised her one bit as she had known regarding Link's undying love for the man. 

Her visitation was a welcoming one, excitement had continuously coursed through Link's veins especially as he had gotten ready to greet his closest friend and the woman he had gave his life to for so long. Sidon was happily sitting down beside his dresser, resting his chin on the palm of his hand while looking over to how brightly his lover beamed. 

What did amused Sidon immensely was how well dressed Link looked for the part. Despite the Hylian's current status being that of the King's consort, he had always worn casual and far relaxed outfits that was more befitting that of a commoner than royalty. 

Then again Link was never really one to enjoy the royal life, unless food was involved that is.

"You look incredibly handsome, you know that Link?" Like second nature, the Zoran would spout off praises and admiration to the Hylian's image, and just like second nature, Link simply stared before telling Sidon to shove it, his cheeks and ears as red as the scales adorned upon his beloved Zora. 

Sidon let out a hearty laugh. 

He was truly happy to see not just how carefree and relaxed Link was now being around him just like before, or even moreso due to them being together. When they finally made contact after years of silence, it felt like starting all over again, the careful stares, the silence between them, there were hints of their history yes but that was all there were. 

Hints. Not evidence. 

And now, Link was thriving and so was Sidon. No longer did he had to wake up another day tired than the last, commited to his duties as instructed from the day he was born with a forced smile and continued the cycle of leadership. No longer had he TRIED to show affection to Yona in hopes of ridding his love for Link only for the far mature Queen to tell him that it was alright. That he should stop. 

With each day of his life as the Zoran King, his heart sank deeper and deeper into the ocean depths below. 

Now... he has Link, the Sun in his sky beaming down light that brought life to his once cold and dead world. 

While Sidon was absentmindedly brushing over his scales, Link came over and blew some air into his right ear hole. 

"Hghh?!" 

Sidon jumped in his seat before looking over his shoulder just to the Hylian clutching his stomach, wheezing. The Zoran King can only sigh, he did practically signed in the papers for this. He signed up to be with this cheeky Hylian he knows and loves dearly. 

And he could not be anymore happier. 

... 

With the arrival of the Hyrulean Queen, she was accompanied by a squad of her best soldiers, not wishing to prolong her journey but also keen on making sure her safety was the utmost top priority. Zelda had grown from the uncertain young woman into a fine ruler, one who was just yet not naive, powerful yet merciful. She had become someone truly worthy of admiration and of her own leadership. Her stature, her speech, her tone, all of it had been honed to the core for years. She greeted both royal Zorans with grace and elegance, reminding everyone within the confines of the Royal Throne who she was. 

To others she was someone to be respected and reverred, yet to Link, she was even greater. She was and is still a good friend.

Despite the vast changes for these 5 years, Link could tell that Zelda was still the same woman he had protected all those years ago. 

The woman who had tried all she can to protect Hyrule, the woman who had suffered so many time and time again all for laying down her life for her people. Her land. And Link knew that deep down, the two of them were still connected by fate itself. 

It wasn't that Link stopped seeing Zelda as he did with Sidon ever since his retirement. It was the fact that having been with her for so long, it felt like he left a family within her. 

When both Zelda and Link finally met, facing one another, the two of them smiled softly, walking over to each other in order to give a warm, well awaited hug. Their familiarity and close bond felt right being side-by-side once more. 

"It's good to see you in good health, Link. You look well." 

"Likewise. You look radiant as alway, I miss you immensely." 

Zelda chuckled, her soft hitched laugh reminded Link of their times together out in Hyrule. They were always by each other's side as intended when Link was tasked to guard Zelda with his life. 

Which he took upon with utmost devotion. 

"I did not think you missed me that much. Were I not at your 'wedding' with the Zoran King?" Zelda teased before Link feigned ignorance. 

"Really now? My apologies, I must have focused too much upon my dearest Sidon to had paid closer attention, Your Majesty." 

With the two blonde Hylians catching up, King Sidon cannot help but smile fondly at them both. He may not know the full extend of their history but he knew enough of how important Queen Zelda was to Link. 

"You're not jealous, are you?" Teasing, Yona stared upon her husband who had just realized how much he was staring before clearing his throat. 

"Nonsense, I just... feel as though there's similarities between them and us, you know?" 

"Mmmh, I get what you mean." 

Soon, the four of them had lunch together, laughter and old stories were shared among themselves, both Zelda and Yona had started acquientancing themselves during the men's official union and had lost themselves in learning of each other's cultures and royal entriquettes. 

Link himself had tried paying some attention before food calls to him like a siren to sailors at sea, he can always ask Zelda what the two were discussing about later. Meanwhile, Sidon was listening in to the women's conversation when he took note of Link's more minding his own business approach. Curious, he gave a slight elblw nudge over to his lionfish. 

"Too busy with food?" Link gave a firm nod before putting his finger up, trying to swallow first before speaking. 

"I don't really have much to add to the conversation. What about you? I figure you would find their topic to be interesting." Link tilted his head, looking over to Sidon paying close attention to him rather than the royals giving out their own personal experiences during leadership. 

"No, I think I'll sit this one out." Then, as though to mess with Link, just as the Hylian was about to grab a plate of jelly on his left, Sidon began to lean agaisnt Link, making it impossible to do so now. So close, yet so far away oh sweet sinful gelatinous temptation of sheer goodness. 

"Oi." 

"Link, I was thinking, maybe after visiting Yona's parents next month, the two of us could go to our home in Akkala, what do you say?" 

"Oh, you'll be visiting Yona's domain? When?" 

Sidon finally got off of Link, allowing him the chance to grab his precious jelly but the delicious dessert had all been taken by Queen Zelda mercilessly, causing great pain within the confides of Link's broken and aching heart. 

"In about two months, I'll be staying there for a week, though considering it is within the depths of the sea, taking you along with me would prove to be rather..." 

The crimson royal shook his head. 

"It would be far too risky, and the currents can get strong that non-Zoras would find difficulty navigating underwater let alone breath in there for a long time." 

Upon hearing Sidon's plans to leave for a whole week, the loneliness and isolation slowly seeps within Link's heart before he tried to put a stop to it. One week is not considered THAT long but, Link cannot deny he would no doubt miss Sidon immensely. 

They just got together, right? 

"Oh yes, Sidon, don't forget to bring in some gift baskets for my parents. I'm sure they would love to try the cuisines here. My mother has a sweet tooth so anything sugary would do." Yona jumped into the conversation, Sidon nodded and promised to do just that. Zelda suggested perhaps they could bring over a fruitcake, one of her favorite treats as royal, with the viridian Zora Queen appreciating her choice. 

Usually, the topic of food would no doubt be sort of Link's bread and butter, no pun intended but he was too caught up in his own thoughts of Sidon being away from the domain for a good week while he would wait patiently in their room for him. Is he really going to wait? He was the Hylian Hero, waiting around was never his memo, he was always the type to act rather than waiting for things to happen. 

While the three royals were caught in their conversation regarding Yona's hometown and childhood memories, Link thought of hitting up Purah on how exactly he could come tag along, agaisnt Sidon's wishes.

...

Birds in the distance began to call to each other, as if to indicate the end of the day, with the Sun setting over the horizon over Lanayru Sea, it was finally time for Zelda's departure. The four were all standing over the plaza, next to the central statue. While Sidon and Yona were caught up in a conversation regarding their upcoming trip, Zelda was just about to head back to the entrance of the domain with her soldiers when she took notice of Link looking over... things, railings, the statue itself and finally, the sky. Yepp, those were telltale signs of his mind wandering about. 

Walking over to Link, Zelda tugged on his arm, pulling him out of his thoughts without even a hello. 

"Zelda?" 

"Come walk with me, I'd like to spend a bit more time with you. " 

Blinking, Link nodded and went on ahead to walk by Zelda's side to the eastside bridge of the domain for a walk. Or talk. Or perhaps a little bit of both. 

... 

The sounds of waterfall softly echoed throughout the cliffsides, woodland critters scatter about from the incoming intruders, aquatic plan lined up the peaceful trails walked dozens of times by Link whenever he needed to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the domain. He was always someone who find peace and serenity just walking on a trail, without any goal in mind nor purpose. And here he was walking the wet grassy terrain with his princess and closest friend, Zelda. 

"You looked lost in thought, is everything alright between you and Sidon?" Zelda asked, putting her arms around his neck as if she were his older sister when the two of them are are practically the same age. 

Link let out a hearty sigh before pushing her off, he loves just how much more confident the Hyrulean Queen had became from when she was a young girl trying to awaken her powers and molding herself into tbe perfect ruler as ordered by her father, by her destiny even. 

She was by no means perfect, but she is thriving, and that is all Link wants for her. 

"Everything's fine. Really." 

Zelda eyed him for a bit, causing slight guilt within the ex-knight, remembering his promise to be more honest to Sidon and so, hesitantly, Link relented. 

"... there are times I wish I was... more fitting of becoming Sidon's lover. I cannot keep up with him when it comes to his world. I cannot follow him to the depths of the ocean. I am not of royal descent for our unification to have any form of importance. He... he deserves more. And I wish, many times I can provide his every need if it would make him happy." 

Zelda listened in quietly before Link continued. 

"I know I don't NEED to be perfect for him. I know he loves me for who I am and what I am capable of. Still, there is that need to make it so, me being a Hylian wouldn't trouble him as much." Leaning agaisnt a nearby tree, even the Hylian could not believe he went and told Zelda from the bottom of his heart of how he feels at times. Internally, the Hyrulean Queen herself was shocked at just how open Link had been moreso to let his feelings out. 

Sidon must have reeeally soften him up- 

On a more serious note, Zelda could definitely relate to Link's troubles. How could she not? 

"I think... Sidon probably thinks the same." 

Zelda went to lean agaisnt the same tree, the two on opposite sides.

"This sort of thing happens when two people from different culture, backgrounds, race especially, they wish they could be that perfect mold, maybe even do the same things the others can for the sake of comfort. For the sake of keeping the other person happy." 

Sighing, Zelda remembered just how... annoyed she was at Link long, long ago. 

When he could do what she could not. 

"Feeling lesser than what we are... that's normal, Link. You can't swim as fast as Sidon or, keep up with him but I don't think he ever faults you for not being a Zora. Or royalty. Or anything more you think out of yourself. He loves you FOR your differences. For being a  good man who helps others. Why wouldn't he love you?" 

Link let out a breathless chuckle, his breath hitched on what Zelda meant. He is glad to have her right now.

"Yeah, the differences when they pop up from time to time can be annoying. But it doesn't have to be a bad thing. I do want to be as capable as him if it means staying by his side but... I'm just, being stupid. I don't know why I think this way." 

"You just don't want to lose him, right?" 

Zelda answered back, being met with only silence. That was enough for her to know. 

"I know I won't ever be the perfect partner but at the very least, I want to make him happy. And, that should be good enough for me." Link finished it off, standing upright, his head turned, looking over to Zelda, who was sitting down agaisnt the tree. 

"I'm glad... that he makes you so happy, Link." Smiling softly, Zelda lend out her hand to which Link held onto it, pulled her up with a gentle tug. "Thank you, Zelda. I... hope that you are happy as well." 

Nodding, with the grace of a royal, Zelda held onto Link's hand and the two of them headed back to the domain. An orchestra of crickets had begun playing around the woods behind them as well as the sunset firelies began dancing throughout the foliage. The two close friends would reminisce regarding their past memories, before and after the Calamity, their lives together and the cherished times they shared with one another under Hyrule Castle as Princess and Knight.

Then...

"Have you... ever resented me for relieving you of your duties?" Zelda asked so suddenly, to which Link shook his head without a speck of hesitation.

"I needed to leave, you... you were right. I relied too heavily on you for any form of self-assurance, relied on you to keep feeling as though I still do have a purpose as a hero, as your knight but, even when I told you to not let me go... you still went through with it. And I thank you for that, Zelda." 

"..." 

"This happiness I have now... it would've not been possible were it not for you." 

Enough. Please.

Zelda stopped in her tracks with Link doing the same, looking over to her with slight confusion. 

"Link, I... " 

Before Zelda could brush off the pained feeling in her heart, a stray tear rolled down her cheeks. The soft, regalia tone in her voice were slightly broken down little by little. 

"I... wanted you to be happy. I wanted us to be happy... this whole, destiny and fate and prophecy... I never wanted it to control all of us, it's done. Hyrule is safe and so, even if I am not by your side, as your queen, as your princess, then you deserve to find your own happiness." 

Without me. 

"..." 

Not saying a word, Link went over to Zelda, wrapped his kind, strong arms around his dearly beloved friend.  

"No, I could never be happy without you. I want to live this new life with you in it... Zelda, I want to be there for you too. You suffered too fucking much. More than any of us. If any of us deserves the world, it's you..." Link whispered, holding onto the person he had given his life to. The woman he saw suffered in silence, cried in her room each night she tried, tried again and again only for her powers to never awaken, while he stood guard silently.

Furthering the disappointment. 

Furthering her father's fury. 

Furthering her own self-hatred.

"... your smile is beautiful, you know that? I pray every day that you would never be hurt. No one would hurt you anymore... nor take anything or anyone from you." Link continued, hushing and being grateful for Zelda, as the woman he loves began sniffling. 

Both of their lives were filled with endless suffering and sorrow all for the sake of their land, yet with another chance in life, the two of them would not go their separate ways simply due to the fact their path would no longer align. 

They would continue to support one another, pull the others up should life become too ruthless. 

That, is the destiny that they have chosen for themselves.

Chapter Text

Zelda's departure did left a deep longing within her ex-knight, the very same one he had when the Queen relieved him of his duties. 

We never did had a say in what we truly wanted beforehand, didn't we Link?

One born of royalty and another born to serve and protect, once the precious land which they were groomed into becoming its salvations was now enjoying an era of peace, hopefully much longer than before for the two to be able to enjoy the life that had once been taken away from them. 

Leaning against the railing, tying up his now flowing blonde hair, - he should cut it shorter soon-  ,Link took in a deep breath and enjoyed the breeze flowing through the domain, reminiscing regarding his time with Zelda, how close the two had became, initially the princess was irritated by Link, his existance is a constant reminder of her own failures, but afterwards came understanding. Relating each other's grievances and woes which ultimately helped cemented their close bond. 

Zelda did helped Link feel a sense of belonging. When one's entire existance ultimately lay upon another, you would imagine romance would surely blossom most certaintly, no? Unfortunately, Link did not shared her pursue of romance towards him, but it did not wane away the genuine care the ex-knight has for his princess. 

And now, the two of them are free, to live life however they see fit. And boy did it felt good.

Looking down, Link let out a relaxed sigh, his heart brimming with joy over the citizens of the domain simply busying themselves with their daily routines around the plaza, Zora children chasing one another, the Sidon fanclub Zoran women and girl were joyfully talking regarding Sidon's newfound relationship with the Hylian, one even suggesting a banner of their fanclub featuring the two lovers much to Link's amusement, there was even a sight of Muzu humming to himself joyfully as if the dark clouds were no longer blocking his horizon. 

It all seems pretty peaceful... then Link took notice of the expression Sidon had while talking with Bazz down below, looking somewhat serious. 

Curiosity took ahold of Link no different then when he was suspicious of a Korok puzzle nearby. 

Walking down the stairs in a relatively fast pace, Link had taken only a few steps onto the base of the stairs when he managed to make out what exactly the two were discussing. 

"-know it is up to your decision, Your Highness, but if you ask me, this is a VERY risky choice. You know the rumors regarding the kingdom, right?" 

"Rumors are simply that, my friend, nothing but baseless accusations. Cultures change and so does its people. We shouldn't allow other people's perception in painting the whole picture when we haven't experience it ourselves." 

"..." 

Seems like there's some sort of political strives being discussed between the two, from what Link has learned, he only heard of Queen Yona's kingdom, said to be located somewhere under the sea. Though the Hylian doubts they are talking about the Queen's hometown in somewhat hushed tones. Curious, Link decided he could get Sidon to give further elaboration 

"Good day, Your Majesty." 

With Bazz going away to continue his guard duty shifts, Link walks over and greeted Sidon, though, he could almost see the look of surprise on the crimson royal's face before sporting his usual calm demeanor to push aside any form of suspicions. 

"Oh! Didn't see you coming over, Link. Did Yona asked you to fetch me?" 

The Hylian shook his head before inquiring further questions regarding the topic Sidon just had with the ebony guardsman. 

"Ohh, I was rather loud, wasn't I? Ahem, Bazz and I were discussing regarding a kingdom I had once visited few years ago. But it was mostly a treaty visitation as the kingdom had been in a constant war with another before finally ending it." 

Hearing that definitely peaked Link's interest, so the domain Sidon had been discussing was one he had allied himself, then there should no problem. Still what were the rumors then regarding the kingdom. 

"Bazz seemed hesitant with you aligning yourself with the domain. Something regarding how risky it was?" 

"Ohh, so you were eavesdropping?" 

"Accidental, eavesdropping." Link corrected, a sly smirk crept up his expression.

Sighing before picking onto some of the loose scales on his shoulder, a nervous habit Link noticed from Sidon, he figure how naturally curious Link can be and with the Hylian now being a part of the Zoran family, he might as well be in the know regarding this situation. 

"We'll start with the name, the Kingdom of Tethys, similar to our domain here, their Zoran people thrive upon fresh waters. I have heard of these rumors though I would need to look further into them..." 

Sidon was inclined to continue, though considering the usual glint in Link's eyes, he doubt the Hylian would ever put the topic down. 

"These rumors, have for awhile ranged from the kingdom possibly starting wars due to tension regarding territorial claims with another neighboring domain, with it once been a warzone." 

"Was it never initially any of the kingdom's land before the war?" Link asked, raising an eyebrow. 

"It was Tethysia's though, some speculation regarding who founded the land is another story." 

Oh. Now it felt as though Link had dug himself deeper into learning almost everything regarding this other kingdom he had not once heard of, then again there is no turning back. If the people there had allied themselves with Hyrulean Zoras then it is best he keeps more information regarding the newly informed kingdom. 

"And... is that all?" Sidon's furrow creased when Link asked such a simple question.

"No, though this one's rather serious, there were few assassination attempts by one of their royals in taking out an ambassador from Yona's kingdom, so you can imagine how she too is quite... adamant  to say the least about our relations to them, oh, and rumors that the King of the domain had been known to take in young men as his concubines, some through forceful means-" 

"-okay that one is not close to the sheer magnitude to the other rumors." Link retorted, patting his hand over Sidon's hip, finally ending the Zora King's big mouth. There was tea and hoo boy was Sidon spilling. 

"Hah, like I said, these are rumors, gossip, information that I have to be very, VERY careful with." 

"And sharing them with me is a good idea?" 

"Oh please, I know you. You're no tattle tale." 

"I could start anytime." 

Scoffing, Sidon rolled his eyes before ruffling up the blonde's hair, Sidon told Link that he'd be busy for the day, meetings and also preparations for the general's arrival from the Kingdom of Tethysia, absolutely making damn sure that nothing would go wrong. 

... 

Inside of Yona's room, she was busy doing her own research regarding the rumors of the Kingdom of Tethrysia. The many stories she had read of them were always through the lenses of her old and experieced parents. 

As a child, she never did questioned their words and even till now their words greatly affected her view upon the kingdom, now it was time to dust off some stone tablets and find the truth herself. She was in the middle of learning regarding the founding of the kingdom when a knock at her door pulled her aside. 

"Come in." 

The Zoran who came in was not Sidon, but Chroma, one of the Zoran who came by her side in order to both assist with the domain's mucktorok attack relief and to be one of the witnesses to her wedding with Prince Sidon. 

"Lad- I mean, Queen Yona, I apologize the interruption but I came here to send you the notes left from the last meeting." 

Oh. 

Yona's eyes narrowed, it was rare for her to mess up with leaving such important documents from the meeting and back to her room. Was she actually more tense than she let on? Sighing the Queen leaned back agaisnt her chair. 

"Thank you, Chroma. You can leave the notes on the desk." Yona waved her hand, trying to return back to her reading. Noticing the emerald royal's slight distress, Chroma knew better than to pry but, she figure it does not hurt to try, right? 

"Is everything fine, my Queen?" 

"... yes, everything is under control. I'm simply taking mental note for the soon arrival of our guests, soon enough." From what she remembered, the visit was a military joint training discussion, makes sense, the kingdom was known for their fierce and strong warriors. Though the difference between them and Zora Domain was practically night and day, while Yona's and Sidon's domain emphasize greatly over arts and harmony, the kingdom tend to focus heavily on military defenses and strength, from what she heard of her parents, Tethrysia would have their younglings participate in colliseum battles, honing their skills and anyone weak would be forced to take both punishment and labour in mentally forcing them to try harder next time and- 

Ah, push those thoughts aside Yona, best not to allow such ideas fester before even meeting their people. 

"... actually, I think I'll be goin out for a walk. Care to join me?" Chroma joyfully accepted the proposition as the two women headed out, taking this opportunity to take in the fresh Lanayru air near Mikau Lake, formal discussions thrown out the window. 

... 

It was the fated day, Link stood side-by-side with King Sidon and Queen Yona, ready to greet the arriving general of Tethrysia, from the little information Link had heard of the man, he is a battle-driven warrior, some even speculate the man finds pleasure in his constant path of bloodshed. Again, the Hylian tries to not allow these rumors muddy the water of their kingdom's relationship, Goddess knows Sidon had to deal with those by now. 

Cladded in golden armor, crimson blood fins flow with each step taken, royal blue scales akin to that of millions of lapis lazuli adorned his person, General Triton arrived, his soldiers all fell to position, holding their spears and swords with both pride and discipline. 

Link could almost feel the fierce gaze of the general boring into the back of his head, those were the look of someone ready to fight, yet here he was walking gracefully, bowing down to both the Zoran royals of Hyrule. 

"King Sidon, Queen Yona, Consort Link, I am honored to be in your presence. Truly, my men and I are brimming with anticipation and excitement in cooperating with your kingdom." 

"It is with great fortune that you, General Triton, had arrived safely to Hyrulean lands. Please, I will have my guards show the rooms to your men as we begin our discussion within the castle walls." 

"Hahaha, you are too kind! We were to set up camp for the night, but if you insist, then we shall accept your hospitality." 

General Triton spoke with utmost bright radiance, when he gave his formal greeting, his eyes traveled over to Sidon, then to Yona, and for a split second, Link. The Hylian did not thought much of it, considering how he was not a Zoran nor royalty, he figure the general rather focus more on the actual true rulers of the domain while he simply a consort. 

Clashing with swords fit his style much better than clashing with words in any royal meeting of the day. 

As the four of them made their way over to the castle door, Triton kept his sight right on the oblivious blonde Hylian, curiosity filling his mind.

Chapter Text

"By the Goddess, you actually got spat out by a giant Octorok?" 

"As unbelievable as it may sound, my friend, it is true, had to wash off all of the accursed monster's stench on me for days, but the big guy finally did stopped its rampage in Lurelin." 

"No doubt from YOUR quick-thinking! Hahahaha!" 

The dining hall was filled to the brim with laughter and retelling of stories, some funny, some genuine, specifically from both General Triton and King Sidon, who seemed to hit it off pretty quickly. Both the Hylian Hero and the Zoran Queen were more than happy to hear the two's stories of battle and hardships, taking a backseat to the two's extroverted personalities adding more fuel to each's passionated fire. 

"Link, how's training the soldiers been like?" 

While the two male Zoras continued their chat, Yona figured she might as well have a conversation with the Hylian, whom she barely had much time to interact considering how closely Link stayed with Sidon like a remora.

Though Yona figure Link would take offense to her having that description in her mind. 

"Fine, got a new batch of Zoras, I'm setting up some target practice for next week, might ask my friend Purah for some machinery for that." Link replied right after finishing up two whole fish. Oh right, he has quite the appetite, the Queen chuckled.

"Oh, she's the Sheikah woman you mentioned before, right? I heard from Sidon how... eccentric she can be." 

Link blinked, thought about it for a good second and simply shrugged. 

"A little." 

Yona laughed to such an unsure answer, knowing how the Hylian had traveled across Hyrule, no doubt had his own fair share of running into plenty of colorful cast of people, for all she knew, Purah was pretty normal compared to many of them. Link then began to tell Yona that Purah had involved herself in an de-aging experiment that was successful, furthering to impress the viridian Zoran. Considering how shorter the lifespan of a Hylian compared to that of a Zora, the idea of Link asking Purah help in prolonging his life to live alongside Sidon did popped up in her mind. 

She pushed the thought away, for now. 

"This reminds me of the 'immortal' Zoras back in the ocean, they're known as Scyphozoras, their appearances bears a striking resemblances to jellyfishes in the sea." 

Link blinked. 

"You never saw a jellyfish before? Heh, I'll show you a picture of it later. They're quite cute. Though their tentacles are dangerous so it's best to stay clear of them. But, all you need to know is that these Zoras have a special ability of prolonging their life through cell regenerations." 

As if it wasn't unfair enough how regular Zoras are capable of living longer than Hylians by almost thrice their lifespans, now there are Zoras who can live for all times?? 

"That's amazing." 

Yona nodded, continuing. She can still hear the other men still going on about their own experiences in the battlefield. Good for them. 

"It is, though it comes with a prize. Many of them don't make it to a thousand years due to the constant mental strain on their mind. They are said to be the wisest of the Zoras but their mind and body would soon forget HOW to regenerate their cells and therefore, would finally pass." 

"..." 

The Hylian's thought on the whole matter was both amazement and yet sympathetic, to have the life of an immortal meant the constant cycle of life. The good. The bad. The stagnant. The happiest. The most painful. 

If Hylians were to live long despite not even living a quarter of Zora's average lifespan, would any of them be able to stay true to themselves? Or would they lose themselves before their Zoran friend would ever start to show wrinkles? 

Would he lose himself if that were to happen? 

"... I had a Scyphozora friend once, she always treated me kindly. Yet even as a young child, I heard how her parents disapproved of our friendship. Saying how... I won't live long to even make a mark in her life." 

"... they don't have the right to judge that." 

The viridian Zoran sighed. 

"That may be so, but I could tell there were truth to their words. Most Scyphozorans are able to easily outlive Zoras like myself and Sidon. But, she never cared for our differences in lifespan. She just wanted to be my friend." 

Yona then looked over to how animated and happy Sidon is, then back to Link. 

"Neither did he of you." 

"... has he..." Link suddenly found himself hesitant to ask Yona any further, wondering if Sidon had ever confinded in her regarding Link's... mortality. But it seems she catches on quick, as expected from a queen. 

"No, but I believe these thoughts would seep into his mind from time to time. Any Zoras would when they get too close with everyone else who isn't them." Taking a sip of her tea, the woman carefully placed it back on the small plate. 

"I hope I didn't offend you." 

"No, I'm glad to hear your thoughts on it, and it was nice learning about different kinds of Zoras from you. You really know a whole lot." 

Link smiled kindly, genuinely appreciative of how knowledgable Yona can be. Listening to her talk and the shine in her eyes when talking about a topic she is passionated of reminded Link of Zelda. 

"Oh, my pleasure." The Zoran Queen smiled back. The two would continue to listen in to both Sidon and Triton while also chatting a bit more here and there whenever they can, it did helped make Yona feel happier knowing how much more comfortable Link was being with her. 

Unsbeknowing to them, Sidon had listened in, his heart soared with great happiness to see both of them seemed to now be on friendly terms. 

Not that Link was anywhere near antagonizing the woman but Sidon knew the jealousy that ran deeper than the Depths themselves within the Hylian's heart regarding his and Yona's arranged marriage. How the Zoran King could still see the discomfort in Link's eyes or mannerisms whenever the Queen tried to converse and talk to him before their official union, the Hylian did all he could to act and stay polite but even Sidon could tell he wanted to be ANYWHERE in Hyrule but there. And Sidon made no mention regarding that fact, he wanted Link to take his time.

There were those awkward moments whenever Link is left alone with Yona while Sidon busy himself showing hospitality to others. He would simple smile at the Queen, stayed quiet, and kept to himself. 

Or maybe he was always like that and Sidon never noticed before. 

... 

As the discussions went on from day to night, everything seemed to be going smoothly, General Triton had relayed the information necessary regarding their partnership, what to expect, when and how their military power would go from now on. Most importantly, should any attack happen upon the people of Hyrulean Zoras, the Tethysians would come first and foremost for combat to defend Sidon's people. 

In terms of military power, Tethysia has had Zora Domain beat, since most of their kingdom's funds were put in there than everything else and in return the Hyrulean Zoras would bestow upon their natural mineral ores that gives its city that distinct blue glow for architectures. 

As the Moon shone brightly above and night blanketed the land of Hyrule, Triton and his men were given the  to stay the night at the soldier barracks. It took a bit more convincing as the Tethysian general was rather adamant in sleeping in tents outside to not cause any trouble. Though none of it matters

As sleep was the farthest thing from what the general had in mind. 

... 

"Hah!!" 

"Hyahh!!" 

"Chh!!" 

Another wooden figure fell to the ground covered in slashes and cuts. Link let out a satisfied hum after admiring his handywork, he was to teach the soldiers the art of dodging at the correct timing, figuring it would no doubt be immensely helpful during close calls. 

Putting the Master Sword away, he was ready to leave when footsteps shuffling from behind grabbed his attention. 

"Who's there?" 

Looking back, the blonde saw none other than General Triton coming over with an impressed expression, whistling over Link's fallen victim on the ground, mercilessly cut down into next winter's bonfire sticks.

"Nice, do you usually train this late at night as well?" The Zoran asked, walking over to the shorter Hylian, sporting his usual friendly smile although under the light of the pale white Moon, there was almost something else glinting in his eyes. 

"Oh, General Triton. I was just... to be honest I couldn't sleep, so rather than wasting time-" 

Another wooden figure fell to the ground with a loud thud.

"-might as well get rid of this access energy I have."

"I figure as much, though training with something that can hardly fight back would be far wasteful." Triton subtly suggested, not as tall as Sidon but still towering over Link. 

Or perhaps Link was just short for a male Hylian adult.

"It would be a honor." Link calmly stated, the two men now getting into battle position. With the Moon set high along the stars, the stage was set, both men were getting into their role for a dance both will never forget. Link cannot lie, the fire inside of him lit up from listening in to Sidon's retelling of Triton's accomplishments, call it pride or warrior's honor, if he met a powerful fighter, the best of the best from his own hometown. 

Then who is to say Link cannot... be the judge of that? 

The training ground, before had been filled with sounds of wooden being cut down to size, now in its place the sound of metal hitting metal, thuds, gruntings, both men coming from vastly impressive fighting experiences fought valiantly. 

Then, Link saw Triton effortlessly countered each of his Flurry Rushes, dodging each time Link ran in for what was usually an easy hit, reminding him of his battle with the Demon King, the hero pulled back, holding the Master Sword defensively as he went back to the drawing board in his mind. 

"Impressed?" 

Link nodded, keeping his sight on each little movement the general made. 

"I could say the same to you, usually the other would ask for a time out but you, I knew you were special the moment I set my eyes on you." 

"...?" 

Again, they fought, for a good hour or two as both men witnessed just but the tip of each other's prowess, more, Link wanted to see more. What else does this general have up his metaphorical sleeves, how will he counter his attacks, when. 

For once in all of Link's years of retirement, that warrior's fire lit up like an inferno within his heart. 

His ocean blue eyes burned brightly, with the wish to win, like that the Sun rising over the horizon, the desire to prove to himself that he was that warrior. 

The Hero of Hyrule. 

Triton was holding himself well but even he has to admire the footwork and speed in which Link had desmonstrated, like falling into the same choreography over and over. 

Then, as if in a blur, Triton found himself on the ground, his sword disarmed, before he would always have to look down to see eye-to-eye with the valiant Hylian warrior. 

Now, he looks up, seeing the almost wild gaze of Link, the legendary Master Sword's tip was now right upon his throat. But nothing else mattered to Triton, not the heavy breathing, not the sweat dripping down Link's neck, not Link's facial feature that was the beautiful mix of both masculine and feminine.

But his eyes.

"Beautiful." 

"..." 

Link blinked, wondering exactly if he heard it wrong or not.

Chapter Text

" ... -ink. Link!" 

"..." 

"Wake up, we can't sleep in, not today my love." 

"Mmmhh..." 

"We have guests waiting for us, don't you remember? My dear sundelion." 

"Mmhh." 

"My strong and powerful hero." 

"Mmmhhh~" 

"My... goldfish." Sidon finished it off with a snort. 

"MMH-" 

Link pushed off the sheets weighting him down comfortably, yawning out the fatigue away before rubbing his eyes. He then stared right at Sidon with furrowed brows, pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance.

"I thought I told you to not call me that. Ever." 

Sidon simply chuckled, ruffling up his lover's blonde hair, honestly there is no way Link could ever get upset at a man like him. Though there were times he got close to blowing a fuse.

"Yes, but I like it." 

Rolling his eyes, the Hylian finally got out of bed, giving his body a good stretch as he headed over to the bathroom with Sidon telling him to make it quick. Closing the door for privacy, Link took off his clothes and immediately felt the cool air trapped within the room causing icy stings to bite through his sensitive skin.  He was just about to throw them into the basket when he noticed the few fresh scars over his body in the bathroom mirror, still in the process of healing thanks to the health elixir he had taken before bed. 

Oh yeah, that sparring match with General Triton was truly something else, with all of the years accumulated in that Zoran, Link could tell how dilligent the man was when it came to his training, learning and executioning some of the more complex manuevers in the battlefield. Though as much as Link wanted to remember the excitement of their battle, one moment did crept up his mind. 

General Triton called him... beautiful? Granted, many other Zoras had called him so even knowing his well established relationship with Sidon so it was not anything special and yet... the man must have known Link was taken, his title as consort was stated clear as day for all of him and his men to be very well aware of his relationship. Maybe he did heard it wrongly, after all, it was possible that the general simply stated how 'beautiful' his swordsmanship was, yes, that must have been it. 

What a fool Link is!

... 

Near the domain's entrance, Sidon was currently busy looking over the countless military weaponary no doubt graciously gifted by Tethysia arranged about, cold steel, powerful and resilient not too different than the soldiers behind the helm. It did felt quite out of place upon the wet grass of Lanayru, even moreso with the peace-loving Hyrulean Zoras. Triton was busy explaining their usage and history, though one of his words did caught Sidon's attention. 

"These canons have incredible firepower, more than any other land dwellers you'll find yourself! Their force is capable of collapsing thick concrete walls weight down from the ocean depth's immense pressure-" 

If the Zoran King had remembered correctly, this was indeed the weapon used agaisnt countless invasions caused by Tethysians to impede upon Queen Yona's kingdom, how ironic, to have the very same weapon that caused much destruction upon his dearest friend's homeland under his control, though he made sure to not show any form of discomfort. 

"I see! How very intriguing my friend, you must've had incredible expertise in using such weapons with immense crasftmanship!" 

Triton let out a hearty laugh, slapping Sidon in the back. 

"How could I call myself a general had I not the slightest inkling in how they work?! Now then, care for a demonstration?" 

Before Sidon could even object, Triton had begun tinkering with the mechanism before pulling out the chambers of the underwater canon, merely revealing an empty space. 

"Haha! I merely jest!" 

Triton closed back the chamber with relative ease, allowing Sidon to have a much closer look. Sliding his fingers, they caught on the entricate patterns and designs that were no doubt Zoran based, swirls decorated with geometrical shapes that give way to a beautiful design, Triton took note of Sidon's interest upon the more artistic aspect of the weapon of mass destruction. 

"I see you have an eye for beauty. That I can agree, throughout my life as a general, the battlefield can be a bloody and deadly hellscape, not a pretty sight is all I can say." 

The Zoran in gold then began to look around, before turning to Sidon. 

"Sometimes you have to find your pearl in the ocean's depth we call life." 

Triton gave a pat on Sidon's shoulder before walking over to help explain more details to Bazz, who seemed interested in one of the underwater revolver placed on some shelves. This did gave some time for Sidon to have some deep thoughts regarding this whole partnership between their kingdom's millitary. Would other ally kingdom previously enemies of Tethysia would see Hyrule's Zora Domain as a possible base of operation for their oppositions. Sidon's and the previous rulers before him had always stood strongly for peace between all of their fellow Zoras, yet he cannot deny should any attack, whether it'd be monsters should the Demon King return or from other fellow Zoras, his homeland would be armed for self-defense purposes only. 

With his thoughts racing, the crimson scaled royal shook his head before walking back to Zora Domain, trying to cool his head. On his way there, he spotted none other than Queen Yona talking with Chroma near the statue centered of the plaza.

"Ah, Sidon, may I wish to speak to you in private?" The request came with slight tinge of nervousness within the Zora woman's voice, causing Sidon's own worry to resurface within him. He agreed to the talk. 

... 

Now within Yona's bedchambers, the woman sat herself onto her luminous sky before finally speaking her mind, trying her damnest to appear elegant and yet throughout the years Sidon had lived with her, he noticed a few cracks in her usually well-trained facade. Her eyebrows crinkled slightly, some scales on her right shoulder appearing to be messed with as well as the corner of her once charming smile having a twitchy corner. 

Sidon was after all married to her and Yona already knew of his sharp eye but simply tried to stay strong if not for their people but for her own sake. 

"I have been feeling restless lately regarding this partnership, I'm going to be honest. One of the reasons of our marriage was for my own safety as instructed by my parents during my homeland's 'conflict' with Tethysia. They say how peaceful and loving the Zora Domain within Hyrule were, that I could live a safe and long life here. And it's true. I truly was happy to spend my remaining life here as your Queen." 

Yona looked upon Sidon with a soft look in her eyes before her gaze turned down. 

"But with news regarding this kingdom's partnership with them, I worry regarding how our allies would view us, especially those who had their own ... unsavory past with the military powerhouse. I'm worried... of Zora Domain's image becoming tainted should this continue." 

Sidon's brows creased, he knew it, he had his worry regarding Yona's own personal feelings regarding all of this. Yes this was a way to help establish a relationship with a powerful kingdom if not for their people's sake but as a showmanship of Zora Domain's willingness to ally themselves with those who are not what people may call 'perfect kingdom'. None of them are as all kingdoms have their own ups and downs. But to compare Hyrulean Zora Domain and Tethysian's cons were basically night and day. 

As her friend, Sidon understood exactly why Yona was so worried and yet at the same time, as King, it was his duty to establish strong connections without allowing personal emotions to control his actions. 

"I understand, Yona. This would no doubt not just make heads turn towards us from our fellow Zoras but the other races of Hyrule as well, my family's belief had always to uphold peace, to never conquer, never take advantage of the weak, and to use our powers for good. For that, I would like to believe that so long as everyone understood Zora Domain's core values of keeping peace between all of our neighbors, then their trust in us would not wane." 

Yona listened thoroughly, she knew her fears was directly personal as her own homeland had been devastated through centuries of fighting from the Tethysian armies. To see the stressed look in both of her parents, seeing them fight hard to keep in the hurt while showering her with love and affection any child deserved. 

It broke through her usual cool exterior. Having to see her new home working side-by-side with the same enemies that kept her own parents awake at night. The weapons, the soldiers, how proud they were of their weapons of war. 

It sicken her. And yet, throughout her own disdain for violence and war, she had seen what a good man Triton had been. Though she had her own worries regarding the Zoran Captain, he had shown her and Sidon nothing but warmth and a friendly smile. 

Still, it is never a foolish idea to remain vigilante. 

"If I may suggest, perhaps it would be wise to ... check each of the weapons gifted to us just to make their storagement is safe." 

Sidon nodded, understanding Yona's worry. Even if to himself it felt a little paranoid, he knew not to cause more distress for his dearest friend. 

"Don't worry, I'll make sure to give the orders to our men to keep a strict survey on each and every one of them, you have my word that nothing bad will come out of this." Sidon promised, placing a reassuring hand onto the Zora Queen's shoulder. 

Yona sighed. 

"Thank you, for taking my fear and worry seriously. I just..." 

The Queen hesitated her words before Sidon nodded. 

"I know, thing is, I had been worrying regarding your own feelings regarding this whole thing. When, Triton explained to me the very weapon that had caused your people much pain, it felt wrong of me to continue this. As if, I had consented to the atrocities their people had done to not only yours but everyone else." 

Yona did not say a word, listening in to Sidon with an unreadable expression. 

"But I know now, from all of the information gathered upon them, they are genuinely trying to change from their more colonial beliefs in the past. Not many kingdoms are giving them a chance to change, to make up for their mistakes. I want us to be one of the reasons that not only would our people have their assistance should any danger befell upon my precious home, but to strengthen our bond with our fellow Zorans, should their kingdom require aid then by the Goddess, I will see through if it's within our power to do just that." 

"..." 

The viridian Zora sighed, understanding what Sidon is trying to achieve, despite her own personal feelings regarding the other kingdom, it is what is best for the people of Hyrule's Zoras, not focus too heavily in the past. 

The atmosphere in the room finally gave way to a more relaxed tone now that the situation was dealt with, Sidon does not blame Yona one bit for her own personal experiences. Even so, despite the friend relations it does not mean Sidon would not practice any form of care. After all, his duty lies upon his own domain, no one else's. Walking over to the door, pleased with the talk, Sidon asked if the Queen wanted to leave alongside him. 

"Mmh, I think I'll need some time to think, you go on ahead..." Nodding, the Zoran King understood Yona requiring some time to herself. 

With that, Sidon walked through the hallways, still having both feelings of worry and concern within his heart regarding the Queen but knew as King he needed to conduct his duties without relying too heavily upon his own emotions. 

Something he had slight troubles after acending as King. 

Perhaps, he should ask his father for advice... no, he's on vacation with Muzu, traveling across Hyrule, taking photos thanks to an upsized Purah Pad made by the one and only. The silly and wholesome thought pulled out a sigh of relief from Sidon, feeling the tension in his body finally calming down knowing that his father is happily enjoying his retirement without the entirety of the kingdom's burden and responsibility weighting him down anymore.

When Sidon turned a corner in the hallway, his eyes caught glimpse of a sight that had almost caused him to shout out loud.

He saw Triton happily wrapping his arm around Link's neck, seemingly on friendly terms whileas Link seemed rather annoyed at his overly-friendly display. 

"..." 

A disgustingly amount of jealousy boiled within the Zora's stomach, churning his insides, his ears felt piping hot, feeling a heated yet stinging sensation he had not felt before in his life. 

Not when he was but a naive brat, jealous of Link taking time away from his beloved sister. But even then was nowhere NEAR the sheer magnitude of both the feelings of jealousy and betrayal swirling within his thoughts at thay moment.

He had thought such a feeling was foolish, misplaced, he KNOWS Link loves him and only him after all. 

So now... 

Why? why was he so upset? Why was he so angry at Link for not pushing the man away as soon as Triton came into his personal space? And why was he currently stomping away from the two, unsure of who to be upset at most? Triton for getting too close to his man? Link for 'betraying' him and allowing another to be so close to him? 

Calm down... calm down, it must have been a simple misunderstanding. 

That must be it.

Chapter Text

The empty royal corridors echoed with the steady footsteps of a particular blonde Hylian, he had finally taken a break training the soldiers for the day as adviced by none other than Bazz himself, stating just important it was for the Hylian to not overdo it as they will have a joint training with the Tethysian soldiers scheduled for tomorrow. That and how Bazz was no doubt relieved the Hylian did not had to see his poor swordsmanship that had rusted with age from switching to mastering spears. He must not know.

Taking his chance to spend more time with none other than his beloved Zora King, Link went ahead and ran over to the direction of Sidon's office when he spotted Triton just door away from his destination. 

"Mmh? Oh! If it isn't the man himself, were you also looking forward to seeing the King?" Triton leaned forward, exuding an aura of friendliness as his sharp teeth glinted, smiling like when Sidon had met him for the first time. 

How familiar. 

"Yes, I simply wished to check up on the King, nothing too special." 

"Hahaha, a casual check up with the King? How quaint, you're a humble fierce warrior, aren't you?" 

Link rolled his eyes, no doubt under the impression Triton was simply messing with him. Curious, the Hylian decided to ask what business the Zoran Captain had with the King, figuring his reasoning must undoubtably be far important than his. He also took note of Triton's unease at the supposedly normal questioning.

"Oh, I gotten words from my men that my kingdom's weapons had been confiscated for further examination. While the act itself bears no resentment from me, I would have been more than happy to showcase their safety measures. It... gave me the impression I had failed in showcasing them thoroughly." 

Mmh? Sidon had them confiscated? Understandably, it is better safe than sorry upon receiving such valuable military weaponary from another kingdom. It would be quite the stir had a spy been implanted in a canon had the interior not been thoroughly checked. 

Though Link can also understand Triton's dilemma of not fully gaining Sidon and in turn, the whole domain's trust just yet. Despite the man's own bombastic and charismatic approach, the Hylian could see just how much Triton prioritized in following his own King's wishes to establish more relationships after they had ended their decades long war with the others. 

"Don't take it too personally, had Sidon received the weapons or gifts from anyone else then he would still went through with the inspections. He prioritize his citizen's safety above all." The Hylian tried to reassure the Zoran Captain, hoping he does not get the wrong idea. 

"Haha! It's quite fine, though I do appreciate your concerns. I can see why the King would be in need of your wisdom!" 

Triton tried to joke about, easing the tension he had noticed was rearing its ugly head, one of the reasons he was sent as basically a diplomatic envoy by his kingdom was due to his natural friendliness and open-mind towards differing cultures and beliefs. He had many trials of his own regarding other kingdoms shutting doors agaisnt him and his people. 

And how can he blame them? 

His kingdom had practically made enemies upon the neighboring kingdoms all for the sake of spreading their power and influence. While he was simply following orders as a promising soldier, he saw the atrocities and countless fellow Zorans fallen as if they were flies. 

Perhaps, Zora Domain of Hyrule may be too far away from the rumors and influence of other neighboring domains' reach but alas, words spread fast. Despite changing their ways, no one wants to welcome a kingdom built upon the blood of others. 

... but that does not mean Triton would back down. 

"I'm sure whatever choices Si- ahem, King Sidon makes, it would be beneficial to both kingdoms. He said it himself..." 

Link looked around the corridor, not wanting his words to be spread outward and so leaned in closer towards Triton to whisper in his ear, albeit making the Zoran General blush a bit. 

"He knows of the countless rumors regarding Tethysia. Yet instead of believing them especially ones from the Queen's kingdom, King Sidon wished to do his own research personally. That... everyone deserved a fair chance." 

Triton's eyes widen slightly, this was a first. He cannot even begin to be grateful to both the Zoran King and Consort Link for such reassurance. 

"... thank you for sharing this with me. I..." 

Link blinked, finally seeing a far more genuine smile from the Zoran Captain, while he knew that Triton had been genuine with how he wished to interact with them all, to see a far more softer side was... quite nice. 

However, the touching scene got ruined by Triton wrapping his arms around Link, almost going back to that act of a charismatic envoy. 

"I knew you were a good fellow! My eyes never lie! Ahahaha! Come now, why not after my audience with the King, we go out to the bar? Drinks are on me!" 

Link sighed out annoyedly, if Triton was acting before then by all means he was trying to get the annual award for best performance. Still, he was happy to see the man's worries staved off, for now. 

Then, his sharp pointed ears picked up the sound of someone storming away. Who was it? A nearby soldier rushing towards the castle door? 

Either way, the Hylian was just happy he could avoid any form of misunderstandings.