Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ravio doesn’t remember much of his parents. He remembers his mom use to sing when she cooked, though he could never name the tune, he remembers his dad use to cheer while watching the TV, though he could never remember what sport was on.

He remembers the day they died. He and Hilda had been with a babysitter, who was trying to get Ravio to play with blocks like a normal kid, stacking them and making unstable towers, (Ravio didn’t know why he much preferred sorting the by shape and color). It was about lunch time when the social worker came. Hilda had been helping the baby sitter find something Ravio would eat (the originally planned chicken raps where to mushy and Ravio would not put it in his mouth) when the men came in. Hilda and Ravio were told to wait in the living room while the adults talked. Ravio didn’t mind, he could finish sorting his blocks, but then they came back in. They said their parents were gone, though no one explained where, and that they had to go live somewhere else.

The first foster house was ok. Ravio didn’t like the bright colored rooms but the lady was nice. She didn’t seem to understand why he didn’t want to talk to her (he only spoke to Hilda and their parents) or why he liked food one day but couldn’t have it the next. Hilda stood up for him, she didn’t let any one scare her little brother. They eventually had to leave, Ravio didn’t like it, he had just settled.

It wasn’t until the third or fourth house when he and Hilda where six did they learn what happened to their parents. About the crash and that they were gone. That night in the room Hilda turned to Ravio. “We’ll stick together.” She said, her voice firm dispute the tears in her eyes. “You promise you’ll stay with me, right?” She asked, turning to Ravio, pinky stretched out for a promise. “Always.” Ravio said, reaching out a small hand and locking their pinky’s. Hilda smiled and hugged him, she was the only one who was allowed to.

Nether yet knew of how that promise would be broken, nether knew how much it would break Ravio. In their child innocence nether knew how hard staying together would be.

Chapter Text

Ravio glanced around. He and Hilda where ten now, and had been through many different foster homes, many of which gave them up because of Ravio’s picky habits, wether with food or the color of his blankets. Hilda promised it was ok, that she didn’t mind staying with him, but it didn’t make Ravio feel like any less of a burden.

The new house was deep purple, much darker than Ravio’s hoodie. He didn’t like it, it looked like a plum. Hilda seemed to like it though, so he didn’t say anything. It had a small front yard with a bike laying among the grass. A woman waited at the door with her husband and their son. Ravio wasn’t sure of how to feel about them. The women smiled brightly but it made her makeup stretch funny and the man’s bright red hair and shaggy beard made him look older that the social worker said he was. Then there was their son. The social worker had said his name was Yuga. He had bright red hair like his dad but looked more like his mother. He also had makeup on but his scowling made him look mad.

“You must be Hilda and Ravio!” The women said, still smiling. “I’m Mrs. Lowe, this his my husband Mr. Lowe, and our son Yuga.” She explained, Hilda smiled back, her dark hair shining in the sunlight along with her very well chosen outfit. Ravio stared at the ground, gripping his back pack tighter. He didn’t like these people already. The first day was rather calm. They left Hilda and Ravio to settle in their rooms (Ravio didn’t like the bright blue color of his walls but didn’t say anything.), before they all came down for dinner. Mrs. Lowe tried to serve the food, but didn’t seem to understand why Ravio didn’t like different foods touching each other. Ravio avoided looking at any of them, though it felt as if Yuga’s state was burning through his skull. When dinner finally ended Ravio immediately went to his room. He could hear Hilda and he Lowe’s talking below. He couldn’t make out what they were saying but Hilda sounded happy.

****

They had been with the Lowe’s for months. Hilda was perfectly happy, she played games with them and made friends at school. Yuga even taught her makeup tips. Yet Ravio remained distant. They didn’t understand why he had to wear certain things on certain days or why having the same food two nights is a row caused him to shut down and not talk to them at all (not that he talked all that much normally). Hilda kept Ravio that he needed to come out of his shell, she then had to explain what that ment after Ravio looked at her funny and said he wasn’t a turtle.

It all came to a head after the Lowe’s decided to have a little fun in town, which ment going shopping. Hilda loves shopping, even if she rarely bought any of the things she looked at or tried on. Ravio hated it. There where to many people, and smells and everything was to loud. People kept brushing against him.

People were too close, no one else seemed to mind but Ravio’s shoulder burned where people brushed against him. His ears rang with the endless chatter and walking, his eyes burned with the bright colors and moving shapes. Quickly he ran to the bathroom, he heard Hilda call out behind him. He hid in one of the stalls, covering his ears and pulling his hood up over his face. He would have stayed there longer had Yuga not been sent in after him. Mr and Mrs Lowe whispered to each other the whole ride home. Ravio didn’t pay attention, he stared out the window and thought of how he’s ruined Hilda’s life again. Hilda seemed to be having the same thought as she stared out the opposite window. 

Days later the ‘talk’ came. Ravio was called downstairs. The Lowes sat in front of them, faces twisted to look regretful. (except Yuga who looked pleased.) “We wanted to talk to you two.” Mrs. Lowe started gently. Ravio glanced at Hilda who was standing behind him. “Please sit.” Mr. Lowe said. Ravio quickly sat where he was, Hilda beside him. She avoided looking at him and Ravio looked down at his hands in his lap. “You two have been wonderful” (translation Hilda’s wonderful Ravio messed up) “but i’m afraid we can’t keep both of you.” Mrs. Lowe said. ‘Both’ echoed in Ravio’s head and twisted his gut. Of course they only wanted Hilda, everyone did. “Sorry Ravio but we’re not able to deal with your…… Quirks.” (translation you’re to broken). “Someone is coming to get you on Monday and find a better suited home.” Mrs. Lowe said, though Ravio can tell she doesn’t actually feel sad about it. He’s too broken to feel bad for. “Hilda, we’d like to adopt you.” Mr. Lowe said. Ravio’s stomach flipped, but it would be ok, Hilda said they’d stay together everything would be, “Yes.” Hilda said. Ravio looked up quickly. Hilda was looking at her new family, not the old broken one. Ravio looked away, a sick feeling twisting in his gut. This wasn’t happening, Hilda wouldn’t leave him, she promised. But Monday came, and Ravio was taken away. Hilda  didn’t even come downstairs to say goodbye. It wasn’t until Ravio laid in a bed alone in another group home that what happened really sunk in. He was alone. Hilda had a family. Not even his twin wanted him. That night Ravio cried himself to sleep, his quiet sobs muffled by the blanket. 

Chapter Text

The group home lasted all of two weeks before Ravio has a melt down. Everyone was too close and too loud. Yelling of other children and running of feet wears on Ravio's fragile mind. After that it’s one house after another. Rules change constantly and Ravio begins to dissociate when things begin to bother him. Some homes try, but none can handle his problems, some only lug him home for the extra check. He learns to muffle his cries and not show weakness. To treat his own wounds and hide bruises from teachers and others. Years pass, and Ravio has almost forgotten the faces of the Lowes, all except Hilda. Her face is burned into his mind, not looking at him, her voice repeatedly accepting and leaving Ravio alone. In his dreams her voice twists, telling him what a problem he is and how she can be happy now. Eventually, Ravio’s 18th birthday comes. Paper work is signed and he’s free. Leaving him to find his own path. It takes three jobs and many many applications but eventually he’s accepted to the College of eastern Hyrule.

He chooses business as a major. Numbers make sense, they shift and change but always in predictable ways, always with pattern and reason. He shares an apartment with another boy, but they avoid each other and only interact over leaving things around the house. (Ravio leaves notes on socks and other things left about the apartment, most are ignored).

He also has a boy friend, at least he thinks thats what he is. Arden didn’t come over often, busy with something, he said it was work but he always comes over randomly, drunk, reeking of some kind of perfume and asking for money. Ravio pretended not to notice, because Arden said he loved him. Because Arden stayed. And even if late at night Arden went to far and touched Ravio in ways that made Ravio feel sick, Arden stayed and he said he loved Ravio. That he didn’t care that Ravio was different or that he had to have his closet sorted a certain way or had to schedule and plan every day out ahead of time. 

Classes where different. Most of the teachers where old and had stuck to the same books and routines for years. Ravio liked those classes, they where predictable. He didn’t like his Marketing class. The teacher was new, she had graduated just a few years ago, and seemed to think everyone needed to talk with everyone else. Which ment seating charts that changed and group projects that needed others. Ravio knew he was the weird kid out. He heard the other students making fun of each other when one of them got stuck sitting next to him or put into a group project with him. Most projects ended with Ravio doing it and the other kid pretending to help and doing most of the presentation. 

Ravio had a few people in his class he didn’t mind working with. There was Irene, she didn’t seem to mind him being weird and seemed kind of weird herself, and then there was Link. He didn’t talk much and did his part on the project. Ravio really didn’t know what to make of him. He had spent his whole life learning to read people, to know if he was in trouble or if he needed to run, but not matter how hard he tried he could not figure out Link. 

Not that it mattered, Ravio was just fine as he was. Link could remain a mystery and Ravio didn’t need to know the answers. He was fine, he had Arden. He didn’t need more friends to worry and cause problems for. He didn’t need more people to disappoint. He didn’t need a sister who didn’t want him.

Chapter Text

Link wasn’t sure what to make of Ravio. He shared a few classes with him (an undecided major really left room to try a lot of things.), and every class Ravio had one ‘seat’ that was his. He alwayse sat there and none of the others tried to take it. He alwayse had neat notes with color coordinated tabs and pens (there was some sort of order though Link could never figure it out). He seemed to have a boyfriend, or at least some one that came over and stayed the night. Link saw Ravio giving him money once at the campus caffie but didn’t question it. He didn’t know why it fascinated him so much, he’d never really said more than a few senctinces to Ravio outside of projects. And as far as Link could tell he didn’t really have any friends.

His twin, Zelda, insisted he had a crush (he did not the last relation ship he had been in ended with Marin moving to the other side of the world with her family), Gully made fun of him and said he had cooties (very mature), and Irene said he should talk to the boy. Like that’s a good idea, what do you say to someone like Ravio? ‘Hi I’ve been watching you for a while and I want to talk to you now’, real smooth way to sound like a creep. Besides when would Link talk to him? They don’t sit by eachother in any of their classes (curse the marketing teacher and her ever changing chart), and he has no idea where Ravio is outside of classed.

Link’s chance came a few weeks later, in marketing. Another group project and everyone was allowed to choose they’re groups, but each group could have no more than three. Link’s friends formed they’re own groups as well as the other students until it was only Link and Ravio alone. Ravio seemed to be trying to disappear into his desk, constantly tugging his sleeves higher over his hands and sinking lower in his chair. So Link had to talk first, per usual. “You have a group yet?” Link asked, Ravio jumped, like he hadn’t relised Link was there. Link cursed his natural quietness. “N-no.” Ravio said quickly looking away. “Nether do I, want to work together?” Link asked, trying to sound friendly, though by Ravio’s wide eyes it probably didn’t have the desired effect. “Sure. umm, what topic do you want?” Ravio asked, still not looking at Link. “I don’t care, what every you want to do.” Link replied, and those wide green eyes finally turned to him. Ravio looked shocked that Link would let him pick.

And so Link got stuck with the topic of marketing technics, and how to make things more appealing through color and design. Link didn’t mind, especially because Ravio seemed very excited about the topic. And if Link spent more time staring at Ravio than doing research that first day, that was his problem and no one else’s.

Chapter Text

Ravio had a partner again. Link even let him choose the topic. However Link seemed to be asking questions, and not even about the topic. He asked about Ravio of all things. Ravio was very unsure if Link was trying to find out something to use against Ravio (wouldn’t be the first time Arden guilted Ravio into many things but that was ok because Arden was just trying to make him better, he said so) or if this was some normal person thing. But by the end of the first day they had gotten exactly zero research in and Ravio had tried to avoid answering Link’s questions. 

The next day was no better. He met Link at the library, per usual but this time instead of immediately going to work Link asked how he was. “Fine.” Ravio said not looking at him. “You sure you look a little tired.” Link said, Ravio jumped, no one was suppose to be able to read him. “I’m fine.” Ravio repeated, luckily this time Link let it go. 

They began research, Ravio finding old books and Link one his computer (Ravio preferred paper books to online ones.). But Link’s questions sprinkled in between and Ravio keeping answers as short as possible. “What’s your favorite collor.” (purple, like the sky as the sun sets and blue, like the day time sky) “Favorite animal?” (Rabbits and foxes). And so on. Ravio began to answer automatically, until the questions started changing. “Planns for after collage?” Link asked and Ravio paused. “I was thinking of staring a business or some thing.” Ravio said. “Neet. I think you’d be good at that. You could probably swindle every one out of there money?” Link laughed. A-a joke? Was Link making jokes and complimenting him? Was Ravio suppose to respond? “W-what  about you?” he asked, face turning red and careful not to look at Link. 

“I don’t know, I was thinking of traviling or maybe like doing volunteer work.” Link said, Ravio looked up, Link did look like the kind of person who would help people. “You could go help one of those first world countries, be a hero to them.” Ravio said. “As if, I’d probably make it worse!” Link laughed. “Nu-uh, Your Mr. Hero!” Ravio giggled. Maybe spending time with Link wasn’t so bad. 

Chapter Text

Stupid Zelda and her stupid always being right. He was so sure he absolutely didn’t have a crush on Ravio, up until the the boy giggled and called him ‘Mr.Hero’. Link can’t even be mad at Ravio for it. The raven haired boy was absolutely adorable. He got exited over research, he liked to sniff books before reading them (Link didn’t say anything as Ravio looked like he was trying to hide it from Link), and he seemed to have no idea what things where ‘ok’ topics and what weren’t. He got nervous when speaking and stoped in the middle of a sentence to check if he was bothering Link.

The worst part go of the situation is Link now new for certain that Ravio did in fact have a boyfriend. Now he was certain he had a crush and coulden’t even tell Ravio because then Ravio would feel bad for not being able to do any thing and some how convince himself it was his fault. But it’s fine, Link had hidden crushes before. He didn’t even tell Marin he loved her until she said it first.

Link had also discovered (by accident) that anything relating to Ravio’s past was strictly off topic. He still felt bad after he asked Ravio if he had any siblings, the boy had completely frozen and just nodded. No other explanation but the stricken look on his face. Link wanted to know more, wanted to know what happened, but he would never force Ravio to tell him anything.

Link glanced at the time. It was almost three, he was suppose to meet Ravio in the library at three thirty. And so with thirty minutes and nothing else to do Link decided he should bring some thing. Twenty minuets later he was standing in the library holding two coffees and a bag of pastries as well as several sugar packets (he didn’t know how Ravio liked his coffee, or if he even liked coffee) and feeling like an idiot. Way to hide your crush, by fricking lunch and coffee for them.

Link was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he didn’t even relize Ravio had come in until the boy was right there. “H-hi.” he said nervously, causing Link to jump. “Hi. I brought coffee and food, didn’t know what you liked though.” Link said, all in one breath. “Oh… thanks.” Ravio said quietly, taking one of the coffees and sniffing it before adding several sugar packets, taking a sip, and adding more. So he had a sweet tooth. Link stored that information away for later, unsure what to do with it.

They worked and ate. Link kept noticing little things about Ravio. He avoided the pastries with blueberries and seemed to love the cream cheese ones. He also seemed to have finished his coffee and Links, (Link only drank half of it before giving it to Ravio who promptly dumped in the rest of the sugar packets), and seemed to not be caffeine overloaded. And the more Link watched the more he relized how much he would do for this boy. Zelda was going to tease him so much.

Chapter Text

Ravio finds he’s actually been looking forward to meeting up with Link. He enjoyed the talking and coffee (Link seemed to like his plane but didn’t mind Ravio dumping sugar in his.) Link didn't even seem to mind his need to have physical books to study and research with. But time was passing much too quickly. The presentation date loomed over Ravio like a storm cloud. Once it was over Ravio would be alone again, just like always.

This haunted Ravio’s mind, and the closer they got to the date the less he responded to Link. Ravio felt bad about it, but he couldn’t handle losing Link if he got closer. He also found he was getting much too interested in Link, he didn’t want Arden to think he was interested in Link. 

Either didn’t notice or didn’t care. He asked questions, brought coffee, and did his part. They made a poster (not too brightly colored) and a power point. They still had a week left until presentation day. So they practiced. Ravio found it nice. He could do everything fine when it was just him and Link. He didn’t stutter or get mixed up. He could remember everything he was supposed to say. But he knew that all went out the window when he got up in front of people.

It was after one of these practice sessions when Link asked. “So Ravio, are you doing anything tonight?” he said, Ravio froze. “No?” he responded hating how his voice broke. “Cool, you want to come hang out with some of my friends?” Link asked, smiling. (Ravio thought he was like the sun when he smiled, but he never said that.) “Ummm, sure?” Ravio said. He didn’t want to hang out with Link’s friends (he didn’t like groups of people he didn’t know) but there was no way out without sounding mean. “Cool, I’ll pick you up around 6ish, good?” Link said, still beaming. “Ok.” Ravio responded. Link seemed to smile brighter as he walked away. 

****** 

Ravio sat in his room. It was only 5:00 and he was already panicking. He had changed outfits five times, trying to decide what was ok around other people. Link hadn’t told him what they were doing so he had settled on black soft pants (he wasn’t sure the brand but he owned five pairs.) and a long sleeve purple flannel. He was currently debating earrings, he liked his purple jewel ones but they were too bright purple to go with his shirt. So he settled on the green ones that Arden said went with his eyes. Now he was waiting for Link, an hour before Link was supposed to come. 

Nervous Ravio immediately moved to one of his hobbies. He had had many of them over the years, his current one was wire wrapping. He had made many things, from his own earrings, to rings, to charms, but his favorite was little versions of weapons. He had made little intricate swords and daggers. His favorite was his hammer earrings. They had little wire bunny outlines on the side and had purple beads he had bought. Ravio sat down and began to work. Not sure what he was making at first the minutes passed and soon there were two small swords. Each had a little jewel on the hilt and vines wrapped around it. Not sure what to do with them he added earring backs. Now he had more earrings.

 Unsure of how much time had passed Ravio glanced up at the clock, causing his heart to drop. It was 4:57. Link would be here in a few minutes. Standing Ravio began to pace, rehearsing what he would say. He was so focused he jumped and almost fell over when there was a knock at his door. He quickly righted himself and answered it. Link stood there, looking a little awkward. “Hi, you ready?” The boy asked. Ravio nodded, not trusting his voice. 

Link’s car smelled like coffee and vanilla. Ravio supposed it was partly due to the air refreshener and partly due to the empty coffee cups in the cup holders. “Where are we going?” Ravio asked, he wanted to know what he was supposed to do for this ‘hang out’. “Well we were gonna go watch a movie at the theater then maybe grab dinner or something.” Link responded, his eyes still firmly glued to the road. “Ok.” Ravio said. Mostly to himself, very relieved it wasn’t anything crazy. 

Zelda, Irene, and Gully met them outside the theater. Ravio glanced at the building, he hadn’t been out to watch a move since his first foster family without Hilda. They had chosen to watch a scary move and Ravio hadn’t slept for days afterwards. “So what do ya’ll want to watch?” Zelda asked, smiling brightly. “Not something scary, Gully hated the last one like that.” Irene said, Gully squawked in protest but quickly stopped when Irene threatened to take him to the newest scary move. Ravio was very relieved he wasn’t the only one who was scared. “What do you think, Ravio?” Zelda turned to him, catching him off guard. “I-i don’t know. I don’t really go out to watch movies.” Ravio said, looking at his shoes. “Well then we need a happy move to start!” Zelda declared. “Well today they’re playing a rerun of several Studio Ghibli movies. Those are usually happy, except for Grave of the fireflies, that one was just down right heart shattering.” Irene said. “How about Howel’s Moving Castle?” Zelda said, the others agreed and Ravio found himself dragged into a world of popcorn, fantasy, magic, and random people making comments.

That night Link took him home again. He even walked Ravio to his door, it felt too much like one of those dates Ravio had read about in school (Why the teacher had assigned those books Ravio will never know). “Well see Ya later.” Link said, smiling at Ravio as he left. “Y-ya, Bye!” Ravio called back, and for the first time Ravio thought maybe he can have some kind of friendship with Link outside of projects. Ravio went to bed smiling that night.

Chapter Text

Link’s perspective of the ‘hangout’ 

Ravio looked much too cute in his purple button down. Cuter that anyone had the right to be. Link was so done for. Why did he have to go and ask Ravio out? It wasn't even a real date, Ravio had a boyfriend already. But all Link could think about as they drove to the theater was just how dang adorable the boy sitting next to him was. He shuffled and rubbed part of his sleeve between his fingers, looking out the window at the blurring lights with wide green eyes. Then they got to the theater and Ravio said he didn’t really go to movies and all Link could think was what kind of boyfriend did Ravio have if he didn’t take him to movies? 

Then there was getting snacks. Ravio seemed very shocked when Link offered to pay for him. He tried to order the smallest cheapest thing he could find but Link kept insisting until he got a drink (lemonade) popcorn (a medium) and a small box of sweet tart fruit chews. Ravio said he’d pay Link back to which Link scoffed, insisting Ravio would not pay him back. (Ravio had tried to pay him back for the coffee during one of their research sessions in the library and Link didn’t let him then either.)

It was even bad during the movie. Link tried to watch, but he found himself watching Ravio. The way he lit up or got excited over it or how he got so absorbed in it he almost spilled his drink. Zelda kept shooting him looks that said ‘told you so’ and Link flipped her off. After the movie Ravio chattered excitedly, seeming very happy. Link was so done for. Dinner wasn’t too bad, they went to burger king so nothing fancy.

Then he took Ravio home. The boy still had half a thing of popcorn and the unopened box of candy. Once Link got back home he was met by Zelda at the door. “So, how was your first date?” she asked, smiling smugly as if she wasn’t there the whole time. “Zelda it was not a date!” He yelled back, swatting at her. He missed as she dodged. “Link, you are so infatuated with that boy!” She giggled, Link’s face turned red as he sputtered. “Zelda! You can’t say that!” He yelled. “Yes I can, and it’s true.” She laughed. “So what if it is?! He has a boyfriend!” Link muttered. “Sure, a boyfriend who’s never around and hasn’t even taken him to a movie for pete’s sake.” Zelda shot back. “He’s probably busy or doesn’t like movies Zel, besides Ravio talks about him like he’s some kind of warrior hero or something.” Link said miserably. “Link, you like the boy, tell him. If he says no, then that’s that.” Zelda said. Link glared and went to his room. That night his dreams were full of green eyes and dazzling smiles.

Chapter Text

It was 4:38 when Arden showed up. Ravio knew it was him before he even opened the door because Arden always banged on the door so hard it rattled when he knocked. Arden smelled like coffee and sweat and was not happy. “You went out with someone last night. Your roommate told me so.” he growled. “S-sory, Link just wanted to hang out with his friends and asked me to come.” Ravio said, standing back from the door as Arden pushed his way inside. “Ravio, no one asks you to ‘hang out’ just because. We both know that.” Arden said. Ravio looked away. “I can make friends!” He protested. “No you can’t, you can’t even talk to a waiter to order food at a restaurant without practicing it, at least in your head.” Arden countered, then his face softened. “I’m just trying to keep you safe, Ravio, I don’t want you to get hurt.” Arden said, holding out his arms. Ravio immediately hugged him back. “Ok.” he said in a whisper. Arden always wanted to protect him. From eyes on dates (they rarely went out) from weird people in school (he said not to talk to them) and now apparently from Link. “What do I do if he asks again?” Ravio said, Arden’s face turned back to a scowl. “Tell him you’re busy, or tell me to come get you.” He said firmly, as if he ever responded to texts unless he texted first. “Ok.” Ravio said. “Now, can I borrow a 20?” Arden asked, walking further in the apartment as if he owned it.

*******

Ravio sat in the library. It was his and Link’s last practice before the presentation tomorrow. Ravio fidgeted, terrified if Link would ask him to come out again, or comment on the turtle neck Ravio wore. It rubbed uncomfortably against his neck but he didn’t want other people to see the ‘love’ bites Arden left on his skin. He didn’t like them, he hated being touched but Arden insisted that's how you show you love someone, and he needed to let Arden do what he wanted. So he did.

Ravio was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn’t even notice Link coming in, holding coffee and a bag of cream cheese pastries. “Hi.” Link called. With a very indignified eep Ravio fell off the chair. “H-hi.” he said, not looking at Link. “I brought coffee, got you a vanilla, that ok?” Link asked. “Yes.” Ravio said, picking himself off the floor and taking the offered cup. 

For a while everything was fine. They practiced and Ravio felt he actually had it down, up until Link asked the question. “You wanna hang out with me and my friends later?” it was all innocent, Link was just being nice, but Arden said to say no. “I-i’s busy, sorry.” Ravio said not looking at Link. Link seemed a little stunned by it. “It’s fine.” Link said. 

*******

The presentation was a little awkward. They made it through though. Ravio avoided Link after it, he felt bad about it but he didn’t want to upset Arden. Link kept looking at him but Ravio avoided the other boy’s gaze. Link had tried to invite him to several more things but Ravio turned him down every time. Arden even made a point to come pick him up once after class so Ravio wasn't totally lying. Ravio hated it. He liked hanging out with Link. But he couldn't lose Arden. Even if Arden didn’t show for weeks, or take him to movies, or sometimes came over smelling like someone else, Arden said he loved Ravio, and Ravio needed that like oxygen. 

Chapter Text

Link wasn’t sure what he did. One day he and Ravio were fine, friends and hanging out, the next the boy barely looked at him. He tried to think what he did wrong, but the only thing he could think of was the night out to the movie. Maybe someone had told Ravio he had feelings for him, and Ravio was uncomfortable. His friends swore up and down it wasn’t any of them. But Link couldn't figure out how Ravio could know. He also found he snapped much more often at people now.

It was Marin all over again, well not really. Marin and him had been in a relationship and she had moved, Ravio was still here and they’d never been past awkward friends, but still, it felt the same. He had loved someone with his whole self and now they were gone. Stupid feelings. Link put his whole self into everything he did, Loved with a burning passion so hot he very often got burned by it. But it was fine, Link had friends, he could still see Ravio, he hadn’t moved to some island in the middle of nowhere.

By the third week of being avoided Link noticed more about Ravio. The boy wore turtle necks every time his boy friend came over. He also seemed very uncomfortable in his seat those days, shuffling and pulling the sleeves and neck up further. He also noticed that Ravio didn’t eat, at least during lunch time.. He always slipped off to a tree on campus with a text book or two, filling out notes in his little arrangement that Link could never figure out. 

Link tried to stay away, to respect Ravio’s distance, but he found he was drawn to the boy. His boyfriend (Ar-something) seemed to be dependent. He asked for money, randomly appeared at Ravio’s apartment, and seemed to think he could drag Ravio out of anything to hang out if he was bored. Link didn’t like the guy at all, and would do something if Ravio didn’t look at him like he hung the stars in the sky. So Link stayed close and watched. He didn’t know what he was watching for but he watched anyway.

Chapter Text

Ravio was struggling. Arden came over more often now, but always to ask for money or drag Ravio into some game. Last time it was scaring the cats that lived on campus. Ravio didn’t like it, the poor animals looked terrified, but Arden laughed like it was a carnival. Ravio kept forgetting to eat, between classes, work he didn’t have much time and some nights after Arden was over he just felt too sick with himself. Arden also kept coming over smelling like perfume. Ravio tried to ignore it but after a night with Arden where the other boy called him Mary or something Ravio felt horrible. Arden stayed but only barely, and he’d pushed Link away. He had not family, he didn’t even know if Hilda remembered him. 

As the days passed Ravio spiraled. Arden probably stuck around out of pity,  Link gave him distance, and no one else really cared about him. Old habits came back, he bit his hands when he got overwhelmed and scratched at his arms to distract himself from his thoughts. But it didn’t really help. He couldn’t sleep but he couldn’t buy coffee, it reminded him of Link, so he survived on energy drinks and infrequent snacks. Days passed in a blur. Arden asked for money, Ravio gave it without thought. Arden asked for a night, Ravio let him. Arden didn’t show up for a week, Ravio ignored the feeling of loneliness. It was fine, Ravio was fine. He’d been alone before, he was fine on his own again. He had someone now, no matter how infrequent or demanding.

***** (Link’s POV)

Link was losing his mind. Ravio looked half dead in class, usually had an energy drink in hand, and always wore long sleeves. He couldn’t figure out the problem and Ravio stayed very far away from him. Ravio’s ‘boyfriend’ seemed to be oblivious to the problem or a part of it because Ravio looked worse on days he came over. But Link couldn’t do a dang thing about it because he couldn’t get close to Ravio. Link wanted to punch something, preferably that ***hole Ravio called a boyfriend, but the punching bag in the gym would have to be enough for now.

****(Ravio’s POV)

The world was too much. The lights were too bright, Arden was tired of his need to organize things. Classes were too loud and too quiet at the same time, and Ravio’s thoughts wouldn’t leave him alone. The little voice in his head whispering how everyone would be better off without him was back. It had been there since the first time he ruined his and Hilda’s chances of being adopted all those years ago. It had gotten louder after Hilda left (Or stayed and made Ravio leave), and now it was back in full vengeance. Ravio found he agreed. Arden was spending more time in someone else’s house than actually talking to Ravio (outside of asking for money), and no one else really cared about him. 

Ravio stared blankly up at the ceiling. He hadn’t gone to class in two days. Arden hadn’t texted in two weeks. And Ravio’s thoughts, the little voice, seemed to echo off the very walls of his room. 

He was done. He couldn’t do this anymore. Dragging himself to his feet, and steadying himself on the wall when the world swayed, Ravio dragged himself to the bathroom. He opened the cabinet and pulled out every old pill he could find. His vision clouded and water dripped on his head and he poured the pills into it. Ravio touched his face to find tears. He laughed, he really was pathetic wasn’t he? He was scared of dying and here he was trying to. Swallowing the pills, Ravio slumped to the floor and waited for the emptiness in his mind to swallow him. It only took a minute but as the world faded he heard a slam of the door. It was fine, no one would care anyway.

Chapter Text

Link was worried sick. Ravio hadn't shown up to class for days, and he usually never missed class, he even came while sick once and the professor had sent him home. He hadn’t seen Ravio’s ‘boyfriend’ either, so he wasn’t the reason Ravio was gone. 

Worry sat in Link’s stomach like a pit. He looked at Ravio’s empty desk, and wondered, often zoning off and missing whatever the teacher had been saying. His friends asked if he was ok, and told him he was being dramatic and Ravio was probably sick or something. Link tried to convince himself but he couldn’t. Finally he decided to just go over and check, then he would know. 

Going to Ravio’s house was harder, Link worried Ravio would get mad at him and they would be even further away from each other than before. But he had to know. No one answered his knock, but the door was unlocked. Link had no intention of going in without permission, but then he heard a faint thump from inside, and after his knocking was again ignored he pulled the door open. The place appeared empty, and Link was about to leave when he saw the light in the bathroom on. Curious, he walked over. Nothing could have prepared him for the sight of Ravio limp and pale on the floor. 

Link immediately rushed over to the other boy, no idea what to do. Ravio’s breathing was faint and Link had no idea how to take a pulse. Pulling out his phone he immediately called the emergency services.

 ‘911 how can i help you?’ the voice said from the other side. “I-i need an ambulance, my friend’s not moving and barely b-breathing.” Link stuttered tears filling his eyes. ‘Ok honey, I'm gonna need you to tell me your address, Ok?’ the woman on the other side said, sounding much calmer than Link could ever hope to be right now. “I’m in the west side of the apartments for the College of eastern Hyrule, n-number 18. Please hurry, i-i don’t know what to do!” Link said, his voice breaking as the first few tears slipped free. ‘Ok, people are on their way, I need you to stay calm, do you know what happened?’ The voice said. Link looked up from where he had been running his fingers through Ravio’s messy hair. “I-i don’t know. I just…” then Link spotted the empty pill bottles on the floor. “There are empty pill bottles. I think he swallowed them. Oh gosh he swallowed them” Link said, panic entering his mind again. Ravio had done this to himself. Ravio was trying to die. ‘Honey, I'm gonna need you to calm down, ok? Deep breaths people are on their way to help you.’ the woman said, and Link realized his breath was much quicker than normal. 

The time before the ambulance arrived felt like an eternity. Then the world was full of flashing lights and questions. Someone was yelling, someone was trying to talk to him, but Link could only focus on the still boy in his arms. Then someone was pulling him back, and the weight was lifted from his hold. The only thing that registered then was that they were taking Ravio. And Link fought. He fought until Ravio was gone from his arms and someone was trying to talk to him and calm him down. Link could only stare blankly after Ravio as they took him away. 

The rest was a blur after that. There were questions that Link answered, still not fully present. Then he was laying in his own room staring blankly at the wall. He vaguely registered Zelda trying to talk to him, but he couldn’t make out what he was saying through the ocean crashing through his head. He didn’t even know if Ravio was ok. He didn’t know if he was still breathing or if he was awake and scared and alone. But no matter what he wanted to do, Lik couldn’t get himself to move. So he stared blankly at the white of his wall and was only half aware of the door closing signaling Zelda’s departure or the tears running down his face. 

Link was worried sick. Ravio hadn't shown up to class for days, and he usually never missed class, he even came while sick once and the professor had sent him home. He hadn’t seen Ravio’s ‘boyfriend’ either, so he wasn’t the reason Ravio was gone. 

Worry sat in Link’s stomach like a pit. He looked at Ravio’s empty desk, and wondered, often zoning off and missing whatever the teacher had been saying. His friends asked if he was ok, and told him he was being dramatic and Ravio was probably sick or something. Link tried to convince himself but he couldn’t. Finally he decided to just go over and check, then he would know. 

Going to Ravio’s house was harder, Link worried Ravio would get mad at him and they would be even further away from each other than before. But he had to know. No one answered his knock, but the door was unlocked. Link had no intention of going in without permission, but then he heard a faint thump from inside, and after his knocking was again ignored he pulled the door open. The place appeared empty, and Link was about to leave when he saw the light in the bathroom on. Curious, he walked over. Nothing could have prepared him for the sight of Ravio limp and pale on the floor. 

Link immediately rushed over to the other boy, no idea what to do. Ravio’s breathing was faint and Link had no idea how to take a pulse. Pulling out his phone he immediately called the emergency services.

 ‘911 how can i help you?’ the voice said from the other side. “I-i need an ambulance, my friend’s not moving and barely b-breathing.” Link stuttered tears filling his eyes. ‘Ok honey, I'm gonna need you to tell me your address, Ok?’ the woman on the other side said, sounding much calmer than Link could ever hope to be right now. “I’m in the west side of the apartments for the College of eastern Hyrule, n-number 18. Please hurry, i-i don’t know what to do!” Link said, his voice breaking as the first few tears slipped free. ‘Ok, people are on their way, I need you to stay calm, do you know what happened?’ The voice said. Link looked up from where he had been running his fingers through Ravio’s messy hair. “I-i don’t know. I just…” then Link spotted the empty pill bottles on the floor. “There are empty pill bottles. I think he swallowed them. Oh gosh he swallowed them” Link said, panic entering his mind again. Ravio had done this to himself. Ravio was trying to die. ‘Honey, I'm gonna need you to calm down, ok? Deep breaths people are on their way to help you.’ the woman said, and Link realized his breath was much quicker than normal. 

The time before the ambulance arrived felt like an eternity. Then the world was full of flashing lights and questions. Someone was yelling, someone was trying to talk to him, but Link could only focus on the still boy in his arms. Then someone was pulling him back, and the weight was lifted from his hold. The only thing that registered then was that they were taking Ravio. And Link fought. He fought until Ravio was gone from his arms and someone was trying to talk to him and calm him down. Link could only stare blankly after Ravio as they took him away. 

The rest was a blur after that. There were questions that Link answered, still not fully present. Then he was laying in his own room staring blankly at the wall. He vaguely registered Zelda trying to talk to him, but he couldn’t make out what he was saying through the ocean crashing through his head. He didn’t even know if Ravio was ok. He didn’t know if he was still breathing or if he was awake and scared and alone. But no matter what he wanted to do, Lik couldn’t get himself to move. So he stared blankly at the white of his wall and was only half aware of the door closing signaling Zelda’s departure or the tears running down his face.