#botw link fanfiction

[demiboydemon]

You can decide for yourself who’s the husband and who’s the wife here

[sheikfangirl]

Post-BotW - When Paya met Zelda 😅🤷‍♀️

She's hot for them BOTH! Paya is the ultimate Zelink shipper representation lol.

Cheers!

[yandereunsolved]

Breath of a Yandere - ,, Yandere Wild headcanons

tw(s): yandere themes, (Wild) multiple mentions of suicidal ideations/suicide & self depreciation

ꨄ︎ Yandere Wild who met you after waking up in the Shrine of Resurrection. You were a lone traveler from Lurelin Village. You traveled countless months, with many others accompanying you at various points on your journey. You had to know the truth. You had to know if it was true. The rumors about the legendary hero fueled your adventures. You feared the worst, but you found him. He didn't awake at first. You spent weeks traveling out of the Shrine only for necessities.

ꨄ︎ He heard a strange voice coming from the darkness and then saw you. You spoke to him with such a reverence that he wasn't accustomed to. He was incredibly cautious and wouldn't allow you near him. That all changed when you offered him some glazed meat. He shoved it down his throat and suddenly you were his closest companion.

ꨄ︎ Words never leave his mouth. You thought at first it was just the surprise of awakening after a hundred years, but no. He just never spoke to you. He spoke with his hands and through his body language. He taught you most of the Hylian sign language that you know. It is probably better that he doesn't speak. You would be disturbed and greatly flattered about the things he thinks about you.

ꨄ︎ He never leaves your side unless you are both put in a life ending situation. He's like a silent but loyal dog. He is always watching your movements and standing guard over you. You have to cuddle with him before he finally allows himself to succumb to sleep.

ꨄ︎ Guardians? You are staying behind. Shrines? You may stand at the entrance as long as there are no monsters around. If there are then he will kill them and then make you wait. The Divine Beasts? Okay, fine— he allows you in all the Divine Beasts except for Vah Naboris. He allows you to ride with Riju but only because she has the Thunder Helm. However, the Ganonblights? On Hylia's name, no. You go back to the entrance and wait there.

ꨄ︎ Ganon himself? You wait. After your entire journey together, he only speaks one word to you. "Wait." He presses himself against you and makes you hide behind one of the castle pillars. There are tears in his eyes and he is shaking. You are his God(dess). He has killed and sacrificed so much. You saved him. You did. He signs to you. "I face Ganon alone. I can't lose you." His hands get shaky. "I love you."

ꨄ︎ That's the first time he ever says he loves you and his yandere tendencies only get worse from there. More possessive. More obsessive. More puppy-like. He's a wolf in sheep's clothing. He always has an eye on you and doesn't allow you out of his sight. He would never hurt you, but he'll hurt others for you.

ꨄ︎ After the battle you two embrace each other and he sobs quietly into your chest. He allows you to patch his wounds. It's difficult because he's hanging off of you. Zelda is sitting near you both around the campfire. It's a little a lot awkward because she's seen his entire journey. She has seen his feelings for you blossom. A part of her hurts because she won't have her Link back, but was he ever hers? It was just his duty.

ꨄ︎ His memories may have come back but he only has one person in his heart. That person is you. Zelda wants him to come back as a knight. He signs no. He has to stay near you. He will die without you.

ꨄ︎ He thinks the sweetest and most depraved things in his mind. He is constantly praising you within his mind. He wishes he could speak those words but he can't. So he signs them. He shows them through acts of service. His mind is just a constant track about you. Partially this is because of his knight training. He was trained to protect and serve. He was trained to help the princess. His mind still sometimes slips back into that. It's just you, you, you, danger?, you, you, you.

ꨄ︎ On that note, his trauma is constantly fueling his tendencies and how he sees you as his god(dess). He was a child knight, blames himself for failing to protect everyone before Calamity Ganon gave over, and woke up with zero memories and a mission to save all of Hyrule. You were the first person he met. You were and still are his guide to this world. Sure, you aren't fated to be with him. Sure, it could have been just a mistake— but you are the first person that ever got him. You didn't push him to speak. You took your time in learning how to communicate with him. You respected him not just as the hero but a person.

ꨄ︎ He takes interest in whatever you are interested in. He will go so far as trying to replicate what you are doing. He isn't great at art but he'll do his best to draw what you are doing. He shows it you like an excited little kid. He does little poems as well. They are all about his adoration to you and how much he wants to spend time with you. Sometimes they have some blood splatters on them. Don't think about it too hard.

ꨄ︎ He his naturally cautious when all of these goods things become interrupted with the introduction of The Chain. He is like a frightened animal with his hackles up. He has his mastersword pointed to the strange group. They introduce themselves and he relaxes a little. He stays by your side the entire time and makes sure everyone knows that you are taken by him.

ꨄ︎ It's really, really, really hard for him when you say you want to travel with The Chain. His thought process is like this: heartbreak. My God(dess) wants to be around other Links? Why do they want to put themselves in danger? Why? Why? I have to protect them. I have to. I need them near me. Why do they want to travel? Will they still cook for me and me only...? Or will I have to share? You want to travel to different Hyrules and fight monsters with them? You want to see their Hyrules? What if my Hyrule isn't good enough for you?

ꨄ︎ As much as he hates it— he'd do anything for you. He sets some ground rules though. No letting the others get too close. Stay by his side. Tell him everything. And do not, ever, put yourself in harms way. That has been his number one rule since day one. No getting yourself hurt. That scares him the most. He could live without you, but you are alive. He'd barely be alive but he could live. If you died? He'd kill himself and die right next to you. So when you get a scratch he wants, needs, aches to kill the thing that gave you that scratch.

ꨄ︎ You both begin traveling with The Chain and it goes better then expected. Wild is still the same Wild. He may even be getting a little better. The Chain is a bunch of hims. Wild is doing better in a way. He's gotten close to everyone and now knows some of their secrets. He's quiet and he listens. They are unassuming of him. Even the more cautious ones such as Hyrule, Legend, and Time bring their guard down a little. He rarely communicates with them but you know he is acutely listening. He only really signs to you.

ꨄ︎ So, it's perfect. There are a bunch of hims that stay away from you and protect you. He is getting them to trust him. You are safer than you have ever been. Safe. So safe. And if he needs to kill them for you? He's already got the information on them.

ꨄ︎ Wild always buys you things from the villages you all go to. He runs up to you and shoves them into your hands happily. It's one of the few times you see a smile on his usually stoic face. He absolutely adores buying you matching fits. He's practically bouncing on the balls of his feet. He loves matching with you. He even gets you a sword that mimics the mastersword in style. He teaches you how to wield it and everything.

ꨄ︎ He sabotages the others in The Chain if they try to spend time with you. He'll tell you things about them, dark things that he's learned. He'll write them out to you and slip them into your back pocket, your satchel, your bed roll. He'll make them look stupid in front of you. He might accidentally trip them or outbest them in sparring. He makes sure you see the worst of them and the best of him. He doesn't need words to steal your heart all for himself.

ꨄ︎ He always wakes up early and watches you sleep. He tries to resist your warmth to not fall asleep but it's too much. So he wakes up in the morning before you. He watches silently, unblinkingly. He thinks you look so adorable, so pretty, so handsome. You are even more angelic when you are awake. Your smile could even make Ganon fall to his knees.

ꨄ︎ He either makes breakfast for you or with you. He sits guard while you bathe in the river. He wants to take a peek but he doesn't! He's a loyal man. He's tempted. Very tempted though. He loves watching you do your skincare and getting ready though. His eyes rarely leave you while in eyesight.

ꨄ︎ His habits reach their most overbearing after Sage joins The Chain. His life was going so perfect with you. You got protection and he got you all to himself. Now, there's this new version of him. He is acting so... clingy towards you. He just seems so attached to you. Wild begins to get shooed away when Sage is near. You are all about being near Sage. Saving Sage.

ꨄ︎ He refuses to leave your side, even for a moment. He distances himself from the rest of The Chain. He begins to not eat. He begins to not sleep. He gets very nervous and becomes a wreck. He thinks if he does this to himself you'll love him. You loved him when he was like this before. Is this what you want? Do you want someone that needs you? He needs you more than anyone else. He doesn't see any reason to live anymore without you.

ꨄ︎ Like always, you save him. You save him from that dark place and refuse to leave his side. He cuddles into you and refuses to let you go. You feel guilty and you are worried sick about him. Wild almost died and he refuses to tell you why. You were sparring with Sage and suddenly you heard a sword slash in the woods. Wild stabbed himself in the heart with a sword... If it wasn't for Hyrule he'd be dead.

ꨄ︎ You sobbed for hours over his body and you refused to leave. You still do. You are beginning to succumb to his neediness and overprotective ways. Just like Wild wanted. He just needs to be wanted by you. He just needs your love. He just needs one person who will love him above all else.

ꨄ︎ Wild has you, but at Sage's expense. He's extremely irritated that this little boyfriend of yours is taking you away from him. A few of the other Links have mixed, upset, and possessive feelings as well. However, we'll discuss that another time.

tag list; lmk if you want to be tagged: @screaming-until-god-hears-me

[thesadpuffin]

the ending I really wanted from botw 😭

[tagzpite]

some beautiful men

[isaarne]

Surely it has been done before. They totaly got that vibe in botw...

[beesandhoney1219]

Does anyone else start thinking about the fanfics they’re writing and gets really anxious about it? Especially if it’s multiple chapters? Like ‘oh god im taking too long people are going to be upset at me’ kinda anxiety?

[manias-wordcount]

So... I have a request. Can you do a LoZ fanfic- Link x f!reader, but pretty much they are fighting together on their quest to fight the calamity, and things get a little fiery after a big fight while the adrenaline is running high.

Getting Heated After Battle HCs (BOTW! Link x Reader)

𝗔/𝗡: 𝗶 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸. 𝘀𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗰𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆!

𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚!! 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝘅

𝙒𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚? ⇒ 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩

𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙧?

𝙗𝙪𝙮 𝙢𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙚?

It’s definitely a moment where there was a close call and emotions are running super high

There was probably sexual tension present since the get-go but maybe the two of you were keeping things at bay because you both knew that saving Hyrule was the priority

But things happen, y’know…

Like he saved you at the very last second while shielding your body and slaying a monster or something

But moments of silence right after he saved you and just looking into each other eyes turned into rushing at each other and grabbing each other into a heated kiss

Next thing you know, you’re pulling down his trousers and sticking his cock in your mouth while he’s threading his fingers through your hair

In between breaths of air, while sucking him off, you tell him that this is your way of saying thank you for saving me <3

He says fuck that and puts you on your back instead

It’s definitely not the most ideal place to fuck

But boy was this one of the hottest places you both could choose to finally let loose hehe

[keis-slut]

cunnilingus|link

CW: ORAL/CUNNILINGUS, SQUIRTING, FINGERING, OVERSTIMULATION

link being absolutely obsessed with how you taste.

oral fixation to an extreme when it comes to you.

he’d go hours and hours eating you out, drooling against the slick of your cunt, like he’s never eaten a thing in his life.

sitting on his face, sixty-nine, from the back, any position he would do, as long as he could devour you.

he can’t get enough of your pretty moans and whimpering as you’re about to cum on his tongue.

his strong, muscular arms wrapped around your legs, toned and veiny hands harshly gripping the inside of your thighs, keeping them spread just enough to fit his head as deep as he could go.

“c-cumming, fuck… link!”

the lewd wet slurps as he ravenously ate your sweet cunt, sucking perfectly at your clit once you’d scream for climax.

the bottom of his face absolutely soaked after the way he dives into you, he couldn’t get enough of sloppily sucking and licking at your swollen cunt.

think of it as a stress reliever for him, how he’d sometimes practically beg you to ride his face.

and how could you say no.

he was so good at getting you off without even touching you, just a flick of his tongue.

he’d be more then happy to add a finger or two if you asked, but god his mouth was so good.

if he did ever use his fingers though, getting you to squirt just to greedily eat up your mess sounds like a plan to him.

he flipped you over after you’ve cum, laying on your back as he slipped down between your legs once more.

your legs trembled with overstimulation as he caressed and kissed the inside of your shaky thighs.

heaving and whining as he slipped his fingers across your dripping cunt, blue eyes flickering up at you under eyelids to watch how you’d react.

he kept your legs from snapping closed, being much stronger than you, pushing his fingers inside.

he sighed a whimper as he felt you quickly tighten, and didn’t hesitate to curl his fingers immediately.

his calloused hand roamed your thigh, and down to your clit, where his thumb pressed against it.

you squirmed and squealed, but he didn’t let you get away easily, not until he had you make a mess he’d gladly eat up.

he’d prod and prod at the spongy spot against your walls that made you shake, just enough for you to release again.

you’re a slut for him,

but he’s more of a slut for you squirting all over his face, just to then latch himself onto you again to lick it all up.

the stupid innocent look on his face he gives when you’re done, making sure you watch him lick his fingers clean of your taste, none ever gone to waste.

“taste s’ good, sweetheart”

[the-golden-comet]

✨🌈🎉The Wingman: 600 Kudos!! 🎉🌈✨

WOW!!! 😳✨

Over 600 people have dropped a lovely little heart on my TLOZ fanfic!! Y’all are a VILLAGE, let me tell you!! 💛🌈✨

Seriously, I am astounded at all the support so far from Tumblr’s community and the AO3 community. Your kindness has inspired me to keep creating and crafting my stories, and as we approach the one-year anniversary of this fic releasing, I am humbled by all the comments people have left. ❤️✨

I appreciate everyone who has taken time out out their days to check out my works, leave a kudos, or even write a lovely comment of their own. 🌈✨

You guys rock. Thank you so much 🙏💛✨

If you haven’t checked out my fanfic, link is below. Just be mindful of all the tags. It’s explicit.

✨👇Tag list for writing snippets below. DM me if you’d like to be added 👇✨

Tag List for writing tidbits (lmk if you want + or -)

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@glasshouses-and-stones , @alinacapellabooks , @gioiaalbanoart , @tragedycoded , @deanwax ,

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@worlds-tallest-fairy , @rhikasa, @eccaiia , @theink-stainedfolk , @theverumproject

[thezoraprince]

Flowers - Link x reader

Title: Flowers - Link x Reader Words : 700+ (701)

y/n - your name

(i like to imagine Link signing, so the dialogue for him is italicized for that reason)

The light flickered through the tree leaves just outside Link’s bedroom window. You opened your eyes to find yourself laying in his bed with his arms loosely wrapped around you. You don’t quite remember how you ended up here, but you smiled, knowing he must have carried you in after you’d already fallen asleep somewhere. He was pretty good at finding you when you did. It was quite common, actually; the soft grass against your skin made it pretty easy to doze off, not to mention the countless times you’d had to make do while traveling. 

Watching Link as he slept was almost like a dream. It was a rarity to see him so… still. You brushed the hair from his eyes and gently stroked his cheek with your thumb. He looked so handsome when he slept. Not to say that he wasn’t already handsome, but with the Calamity finally being over, he just looked so at ease. 

As you lifted up to get out of bed, his grip on you tightened. But, he was still sound asleep, lightly snoring. You giggled softly at him, untangling yourself from him to get up and make yourself some tea.

You headed downstairs and peeked out the kitchen window. There was Bolson and Karson, sitting where they usually sit in the yard. You figured they had just gotten back from visiting with Hudson and Rhondson. You opened the door and walked out to greet them.

“Care for some tea?” you asked.

Bolson smiled at you. “You know I would never turn down morning tea.”

You went back inside to get the kettle and some cups and headed back out. The three of you sat in the grass with your cups of tea, chatting about how beautiful the the flowers are this time of year. They were both pleased to see that you had planted some around the house. 

“What kind of flowers are those, anyway?” Bolson asked.

“I was wondering the same. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them before.” Karson added.

You were happy to tell them. “They’re called ‘Silent Princess’.”

They both looked at you with a questioning expression.

“They’re pretty rare, but Link had found quite a few on his journey.” You got up and walked over to the flowers to examine them. “Zelda said that with a little help, she thinks they can be domesticated.”

“Well, they’re very beautiful.” Bolson replied, just before taking another sip of tea.

Karson was more than excited to learn about them. “Maybe we could find and plant some at our place!"

Bolson stood up, cup still in hand. “We’ll see, Karson.” He turned to you with a smile. “Thank you for tea, y/n. You’re always a pleasure to sit and chat with.”

“Yeah!”

You took the tea cups from the both of them. “Thank you. You both are so kind. Feel free to come over for tea anytime.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, as always.”

Bolson and Karson made their way toward the town, Karson waving as they left. You couldn’t help but to smile as they walked away. The both of them were a treat to have around. You went back inside, set the dishes on the counter, and headed back up the stairs to find Link still sleeping. 

Gently, you crawled back into bed and wrapped your arms around him. He rolled over to face you, eyes still closed. His hair was surprisingly messier than it was earlier. You once again went to brush the hair out of his eyes. Link wrinkled his nose and slowly opened his eyes. Upon seeing you, he smiled and pulled you in to cuddle.

“Good afternoon, love.” you whispered.

He looked at you with a cheesy grin. “Hi.”

“You missed out this morning.” You started. “Bolson and Karson were here, and they really like the flowers.” 

“Of course they do.” He yawned.

You giggled at his reply before turning to get out of bed again. Link grabbed your hand quickly, just before you got out of his reach. “Yes?”

“Please stay in bed.”

“Link…”

“I just want to hold you for a little while longer.” He pouted, staring at you with those blue eyes. “Please?”

[demiboydemon]

What if Link and Zelda got engaged pre-TotK? They get engaged at the Lover’s Pond and it’s a beautiful and magical moment.

They decide to have a small wedding in secret, with just their closest friends. They don’t want it to be a big thing for several reasons (don’t want to use their money for that when Hyrule still needs rebuilding, don’t want the attention to be put on a wedding instead of said rebuilding, don’t want Link to have the pressure of being king put on him yet, etc.)

They’re so excited. So happy. They pick out fancy clothes, they send the invitations, they decide what cake to serve and what songs to dance to.

The day is fast approaching. Then news comes that something is coming from under the castle. They go to investigate. Zelda falls. Link fails to catch her.

Imagine the devastation he feels when she disappears right before they were supposed to get married. Imagine how tears fill his eyes when he looks in their closet and sees the dress she never got to wear. Imagine the cake arriving and him leaving it to rot because she isn’t there to eat with him. Imagine him looking at the vows they never got to say, sitting on their table as if nothing is amiss. Imagine him looking at his ring and knowing its match is in the past with his beloved.

Imagine him sitting on the light dragon on the day they were supposed to wed. The day they thought would be the happiest of their lives. Imagine him sitting upon her head, running his hand through her mane as he sings the songs they never got to dance to.

[myth0mani-art]

I think it's adorable, how the main Objektive in TOTK isn't to "Destroy Ganon"

It's literally to "Find Zelda"

And yet, Nintendo didn't even let our Boi and his Princess share a hug... :(

[twilight-vivi]

Please Relax 🥀

BOTW/TOTK! Link x Witch!Reader

———————————————————————

It’s late in the night and yet here you are, cooking some kind of stew. You preferred the nighttime; it’s peaceful. Well usually. Ever since that “upheaval” monsters have been coming around more often.

Link hadn’t been stopping by as often. You understand that he’s busy fixing this damaged world but you worried. He’s just one man.

You hummed while cooking before covering the pot. You then glanced out the window when hearing something.

It was Link.

He looked disgruntled as he came toward the cottage. A clear face of annoyance and pain.

You walked out to greet him, trying to make some kind of eye contact.

“Link? Are you okay?” You asked softly while rubbing his shoulder, only for him to shake his head.

“Well… I made dinner.” You said. “You came just in time.”

He gave you a weak smile and held your hand as you led him inside.

He was quick to remove his boots and hood and you put them to the side.

The man sat at the table and waited patiently as you got a bowl ready for him. He was looking at his arm, the Zonai tech giving him a stinging feeling of anger.

Placing the bowls on the table, you sit in front of him, smiling as he excitedly grabbed his fork.

He was starving.

The man gobbled up the food so fast which honestly surprised you. He was practically feral.

“Link… are you alright…?”

He looked at you while playing with the remaining remnants of his food. Only sighing.

“Link…” you sighed while gently taking his hand. “Please, you can tell me…”

“I-… mmm… I just…” he couldn’t seem to get the words out. He was so frustrated that he could barely speak. Which wasn’t too abnormal.

“You can sign, love…”

Instantly, he started moving his hands. His sign was fast and sharp, an indication of annoyance or anger. You could barely keep up but every once in a while he’d add a word or two.

[ I cant stand this. I don’t understand why Hylia would do this?!] he signed.

“Everything!” He said with a loud whisper which startled you a bit.

[I’m back at square one!] He continued before balling his fists.

“Link—”

“Selfish.” He spoke up. “I’m selfish.”

“You’re not selfish.” You sighed while squeezing his hand. “You’re just one man. Too much has happened…”

He couldn’t really make eye contact with you and only looked out the window.

You move to sit next to him and rub his cheek. Why is he beating himself up so much?

He looked at you briefly before looking down, seemingly ashamed of himself.

“C’mon.” You stood up. “Let me see… I have new potions.”

“I’m fine…” he muttered.

“Just routine scar treatment. Please…”

Link nodded and stood up while following you to the bedroom.

You lifted one of his sleeves, noticing a more bruising than last time.

“Link… what happened here??”

He only signed one word. Fell.

You sighed while taking some cream like substance from a small jar.

“It’ll be a little cold…” you warned before rubbing it over his bruised arm.

He winced a bit at the pain but relaxed after you started humming.

To him, you’re voice was soothing. Almost healing. Specifically this song. You often referred to it as a song of healing. A song that has been passed down your family line. But you don’t exactly know it’s origin.

After an hour of healing scars on his arms and back he gets up, buttoning up his shirt, and ready to go.

“Link.” You frowned. “Sweetheart please… you need to rest.”

[I have stuff to do] he signed before putting his boots back on.

“Link…” you sighed. “I guess I can’t stop you. But please. Let me make you some tea. It’ll make you feel better.”

The man nodded, unable to reject anything you make.

You smiled as he followed you back to the kitchen. He sat back at the table and looked through the photos he took on the Purah Pad.

Once the water was boiled you put a tea base in along with some lavender.

You looked over your shoulder, making sure he wasn’t looking before you put some drops of something else in.

After mixing it with a small spoon, you brought the mug to him and set it down.

“There you are, love.”

Link smiled and signed the familiar ‘Thank you’

You kissed his cheek as he blew on the hot drink.

You cleaned up the kitchen as he drank, only coming back when you knew he was done.

Link sat there, staring at the empty cup. His vision was hazy as he was having a hard time keeping his eyes open.

“Love?”

He didn’t answer, instead his eyelids were drooping as he swayed a little.

You waved your hand in front of his face and even snapped your fingers to check. He didn’t react much, only slightly moving his head up.

You were pretty satisfied and took his hand.

“C’mon Linky.” You said softly while leading him to the bed. He didn’t resist, instead just complying with you.

You sat him down before brushing his hair from his face with your fingers.

“Y/n…” he murmured.

“Yes, love?” You replied softly.

“You… you-…” he yawned, unable to finish the sentence as he suddenly got a wave of exhaustion.

“Shh…” you put your hand over his eyes, making them close. “Just relax… get some sleep.”

With his eyes closed, Link started drifting off. He was fully exhausted as you laid him down

You hummed while leaning over him and rubbing his cheek. He seemed to subconsciously nuzzle into your hand.

Once you knew he was asleep, you stood and removed his boots then loosened his belt. You were about to put s blanket over him before pausing to look at his arm, and the scarring formed to attach it.

This was a point of contention for him. Having this foreign arm was useful but also not right. He hated to admit, but it did hurt a little. Not to mention the dark gloom that pulsed through his body. It was causing him to have… darker thoughts…

Slowly, you unbutton his shirt and open it to get s better view of his arm and chest. You’ve been trying to figure out how to get this darkness out of him. For now it seemed that only Hylia’s light could do it but it still hurt him and you wanted to help.

You’ve tried many things but even your own dark magic wasn’t a match for the demon king’s gloom.

You spent a bit looking through some books, surely there’s an answer. So you decided to try something. It may be painful but hopefully it can get it out.

After reading the spell in your head a few times you went back to the man.

You sat next to him and hovered your hands over his chest before whispering the spell you had read.

After repeating it a few more times, you notice a reaction. You could see the essence of the gloom coming out, not much but some. It seemed to transfer to your hands. The more essence that came out, the more intense it got. The tips of your fingers were turning cold and black, an indication of dark magic. You’d know as you’ve dabbled in it before.

But it was getting painful and you winced as your hands were strained and shaking a bit. You took deep breaths to soothe the pain. This was a slow process. But the gloom was coming out! Right?

A tear rolled down your cheek as it was getting very painful, like glass shards cutting into your hands.

But suddenly you felt something grip your wrist. It was Link.

“Stop…” he whispered. He wasn’t fully awake and his eyes were closed but he seemed somewhat aware of what you were trying to do.

“I’m trying to help you…” you whispered, trying to free your wrist, but he’s too strong.

“It’s okay…” he added while letting go and reaching up to grab your arm, indicating that he wants you to lay down.

You look back at your hands, the gloom dissipating from your skin as the spell wore off.

You laid down, resting your head on his chest. Link wrapped his arm around you, practically holding you as you relaxed.

The rhythmic sound of his heart beating had you slowly falling asleep.

You wished you could help him more…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 💚

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[kenneduck]

Sidlink Exchange

Had a funny idea that ended up going longer! It continues under the read more, so I'm not spamming y'alls Tumblr pages haha! Enjoy some BOTW Sidlink!

After leaving Zora's Domain, Link walks down Zora River on the paths back to Central Hyrule. Though, he finds himself smirking and trying to ignore the clear shuffling sounds in the river that have been following him since his departure. Link refuses to make it known that he is VERY much aware that he's being followed, as he wants to know just how far this company of his will travel just behind him.

After finally making it to Lanayru Wetlands, Link hears the water start to splash behind him! Followed by TWO voices in a hushed shouting spat? Two voices definitely threw Link off, causing him to turn around, and spot (unsurprisingly) Sidon, holding (SURPRISINGLY) Tumbo.

Tumbo: You said we'd go frog catching AGES ago! I tried to be patient, but now we're SO far from HOME! Why are we even following Link anyways?

Sidon: I said we would go hunting AFTER! W-We just had to... see him off!

Tumbo: Then why have we been HIDING?

Sidon: Well, we-

Link: Yes, Sidon. Why HAVE you both been hiding?

Sidon: AH, LINK? Well. Hah! Ah, so you've spotted US! *flailing an arm around while his other arm keeps Tumbo in a choke hold* Tumbo here, little rascal, decided to sneak off to join your journey! Ah, but that is NOT something he should be doing, so if you don't mind, we will be RETURNING!

Tumbo: LIES!

Sidon: Ah! Haha! *whispers* Be QUIET.

Tumbo: *trying to wriggle free, but decides to bite Sidon to do so*

Sidon: GAH! *drops Tumbo into the water*

Tumbo: I'm frog catching WITHOUT you! You LIAR! *swims back upstream*

Sidon: *whining as Link just STANDS there at the edge of the river, staring while he holds onto the bite mark, whimpering* Ahah! You can go now! No need to pause your travels over ME!

Link: Mhm...

Link: *Flops down onto the grass. Pulling out his Sheikah Slate to conjure up some healing elixirs* But wouldn't it be out of character for me to walk away from someone in distress? Like how it's out of character for a zora prince to be caught up in a lie?

Sidon: *huffs and takes the elixir, healing the bite mark*

Link: *puts down his Sheikah Slate and shifts over to the edge of the river, dropping his legs into it* What was the plan anyways? Use Tumbo as a means to travel outside the domain? But then just sneak behind me and stare like a creep?

Sidon: *huffing* Well, I-I! I was GOING to travel alone, but when Tumbo tagged along, I couldn't just say "I wanted to see Link off! Again!" Considering I had already JUST done so in front of the domain moments before! So I had to come up with SOMETHING!

Link: And your best was frog catching?

Sidon: *waves his arms around* What was I SUPPOSED to do? Admit to a CHILD that I wanted a private moment with my LOVER? Now he's going to tell everyone what happened, a-and they'll get suspicious of me! Of US!

Link: *about to make a snarky remark*

Sidon: *groans and flops his head on Link's lap, catching Link by surprise* I cannot help but stress about their reaction to us... about father's reaction. Muzu is always in his ear, and he's BARELY favorable to you, despite all your help with Vah Ruta and Zora's Domain.

Link: *gently running his hand down Sidon's tail fin*

Sidon: I-I believe... I believe my father truly would accept my affections for you. Even if it took time, but... I worry the disappointment would be great. That even if he could fain approval... he would be disingenuous about it... H-How I am right now, seeing you off in front of others as my dearest friend and nothing more.

Link: *uses both of his hands to gently have Sidon look up to him from his lap* Sidon... the decision of if or when you tell others about us is yours to make, but know it IS yours... and that if you chose to take it, I'll be right there. At your side. Whatever happens, I'll be right there.

Sidon: *pushes the weight of his head against Link's hands, releasing a deep exhale followed by a soft grin*

Link: And not creepily standing far off in the distance failing to hide while having some random child in a choke hold.

Sidon: *gives Link a little glare, causing Link to snicker*

Sidon: *in a swift motion, Sidon goes from treading the river as Link holds his face, to pushing Link back and pinning him down on the grass. Using his torso to pin Link's body under his own. Making the distance between their two faces ever closer.*

Link: *Gasps from the sudden shock, and is flushed in the face*

Sidon: I've got to head back now. I can catch up to Tumbo and follow through on frog catching before he blathers on what else happened today.

Link: But-

Sidon: I WAS hoping to see you off with a kiss, but it seems you are too creeped out by me to want one.

Link: *rolls his eyes*

Sidon: *continues his glare*

Link: You're NOT creepy.

Link: *looks at Sidon expanctingly, but just sees him STILL glaring*

Link: *mutters under his breath*

Link: Agh, fine! You're adorable. You following me was CUTE, and I didn't make it known I KNEW you were following me because I knew as SOON as I did you'd STOP following me, and I was very much ENJOYING your company!

Sidon: *his frown twitches momentarily, and he leans in a bit closer*

Link: And the fact you FAILED to lie just makes me adore you even more! You're SO bad at it, but that's because your heart is SO pure you don't even know HOW!

Link: *deeply flustered as he AGAIN stares at Sidon expectantly*

Sidon: *really doing his best to keep his glare going, but his tail fin starts to have a little wag*

Link: *can't help but smirk* A-And I LOVE how DIFFICULT it is for you to ACT mad, but your tail whipping around gives it away!

Sidon: *finally breaks with a laugh and closes the space between them with a kiss*

*followed by another, and another, with a few longing pecks as Sidon pulls himself off from Link, bringing him back to the sitting position from before*

Sidon: *reaches to Link and pulls him into one more longing kiss before Sidon sinks back into the river*

Sidon: When will you next arrive?

Link: *grabbing his bag and Sheikah Slate* I'll be traveling to Lurelin village and exploring Necluda for the next while, but... before I travel up north to Akkala, I'll come here for a quick visit.

Sidon: *brushes his hand against one of Link's legs that're sunk into the river* Quick?

Link: *looks down to Sidon*

Sidon: *gives a little pout*

Link: One filled with a handful of days then. For you.

Sidon: Hm... you have me already looking forward to what's in store.

Link: With the eagerness you showed during our last few nights together... I can't say I'm quite surprised.

Sidon: *looks extremely flustered* A-Ah, well, I-

Link: *smirking as he pulls himself up from the river and hoists himself up* I should start heading out, then. The sooner I get going, the sooner the next visit will be.

Sidon: *stammering* Y-Yes! Yes. Very much so, yes!

Link: *turns around and starts walking off, flicking a little goodbye wave before nonchalantly saying* Love you, Sidon!

Sidon: Mhm, yes! I very much-

Sidon: WHAT? Link, what was THAT?

Link: *keeps walking*

Sidon: I-I love you too!

Link: *no reaction*

Sidon: WAIT, THAT'S WHAT YOU SAID, RIGHT? That you-

Link: *whistles as he keeps walking off*

Sidon: *flustered* L-LINK, I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME!

Link: Go catch up to Tumbo before it's too late!

Sidon: D-DID YOU HEAR WHAT I SAID?

Link: *continues to whistle*

Sidon: GAH! Link, you- AGH, dammit Tumbo!

Sidon: *splashes and starts swimming back up Zora River*

Link: *continues whistling with a MIGHTILY red flushed face, doing his best to keep his heart from beating out of his chest*

[erimeows]

Answers

The wedding of King Sidon and Lady Yona is nothing less than beautiful. Link supposes he should be happy- he’s sat at the table with King Dorephan, Bazz, Muzu, and Lady Yona’s parents- a great honor. His best friend is beaming with joy, just as he has been since he was given the title of ‘king’. Sidon is proud of the hard work he’s done to catch up with his predecessors, proud of the new peace he’s provided his domain with, proud of his new wife.

Link wishes he could be just as joyous. He should be. He knows he should be, and hates himself for not feeling the way he knows he’s supposed to feel. Sidon is his friend, and all Link has ever wanted is for his friends to be happy.

Yet, as he sits at the table lined with lacy linen cloth, holding a champagne glass that’s far too large for his small hands and listening to the other guests’ absentminded chatter, he can’t help but notice how shit he feels. His stomach churns and sinks when his eyes land on Sidon and Yona.

He’s jealous. Jealous. Why is he jealous? Link stops to dwell on it, gripping his champagne glass so tightly that his knuckles turn white. 

It’s not like he spent much time with Sidon before, anyway. He was always too busy; fighting Ganon, helping the citizens of Hyrule, protecting Zelda and helping her train to control her powers. Though they’re ‘best friends’ according to Sidon, and though Sidon knows him in a way that most others don’t, Link isn’t justified in feeling jealous. Yona is a kind woman, anyway- it’s not like she’d rip Sidon away from Link entirely.

Link thinks back to the ceremony itself. There were some things about it that were… Off. While Yona and Sidon themselves were beaming with joy, neither of them read any vows, and when they were told to kiss, they only kissed each other’s cheeks. Link assumed it was a cultural difference- at least until he heard Yona’s parents whispering about how ‘odd’ this ‘new age’ wedding is. 

Old, outdated classical music being played by an orchestra echoes through the walls of the well-decorated palace. The piano and harp are played slightly off key, but everyone else is too blissfully unaware to notice. The decorations are gaudy and old, clearly picked by someone with far worse tastes than Sidon and Yona. 

The wedding is anything but new age. The only difference between this wedding and any other arranged one is that Yona and Sidon aren’t trying all that hard to be in love for their kingdom’s sake. That realization fills Link with some relief. He doesn’t want to consider why that might be.

Sidon and Yona dance together briefly before they separate to go greet their guests. Yona’s parents excuse themselves to the dancefloor along with many other Zora who were waiting for Sidon and Yona to finish their first dance. With the open chairs at the table, Sidon and Yona come to sit between Link and Bazz.

Though Link remains silent, sipping on his champagne, Sidon’s amber eyes are less than subtle with how blatantly they’re trained on him- even as he excitedly discusses a new idea for a military squad with King Dorephan. Link is too agitated to focus on the conversation despite the topic being one that would interest him on any other night. There’s laughter ringing in the air. Link briefly hears King Dorephan teasing his son for being so work-oriented on the night of his wedding before turning to Yona to talk.

“Are you alright?” Sidon whispers when no one else is paying attention to them, to which Link nods.

He hopes that will be the end of it.

It is not. 

Still able to feel Sidon’s gaze trained on him following his answer, Link stands up and leaves to go literally anywhere else. Riju, Tulin, and Yunobo hauled ass to make it to the wedding on such short notice. Maybe he could find them and get them to join him for a dance. Hell, people are paying so much attention to the newlyweds that Link suspects he could slip out of the domain and back into the wilderness where he feels he should be. The only person who would notice- or care- would probably be Sidon, in the midst of all of this chaos.

Link finds himself in a nearby corner. When he puts his back to the wall and turns around, he’s embarrassed to find Sidon weaving his way through the crowd to find him. The Zora is so tall that he has no issue seeing over all of the other attendees. 

Their eyes meet from across the room, and Link panics. The panic only grows as Sidon gets closer, until he’s right there, bending down to Link’s level and placing a giant hand on one of Link’s shoulders.

He panics because people are watching them, wondering why Sidon isn’t beside his wife or with his family and is instead chasing after Link. Whether Sidon is too oblivious to notice or just doesn’t care, Link is unsure.

He panics because Sidon chasing after him like this, being able to tell that he’s feeling poorly, makes him feel special- no, loved.

And he panics because he wants to feel loved by Sidon. He doesn’t want Sidon to stop whatever this is. 

Of course, it makes sense. It all makes sense now.

Link looks at the ring on his finger with that gorgeous cerulean stone on it and sighs. He leans back against the wall and slides- slides down until he’s sitting on the floor with his head in his hands.

A pang of guilt tears through Link- at least until he sees Yona and Bazz at the table together. From where Link is sitting in the corner, he can see underneath the tablecloth well enough to get a glimpse of Yona’s left hand and Bazz’s right hand, their fingers are intertwined and both hands are on Yona’s left thigh. 

Link puts the pieces together.

That’s why the ceremony was so odd and why the first dance was so friendly…

And he knows that Sidon isn’t a fool. He must know if his leaving them alone and acting so platonically with his newly wed wife is anything to go by. Even during their dances, he was overtly respectful, sure to keep his hands well above her waist and to keep a reasonable distance from her- almost as if they were family, rather than lovers, which Link figures is more accurate. An arranged marriage is more complicated than Link ever could’ve guessed. 

“My dearest Link,” Sidon starts, sitting right next to Link on the floor without a care in the world. It’s almost as if all he sees in this room right now is Link. That fact- that deep bond of friendship they have- is terrifying, especially now that Link is aware of how much more he wants. He doesn’t want to just be friends, he wants… He wants to be Yona right now. How embarrassing. “What is troubling you? Please, tell me.”

So blunt…

Link shakes his head again, trying to keep his face as neutral as possible. There are other Zora watching, confused as to why Sidon is neglecting his queen in favor of the measly Hylian hero who’s dressed in rickety armor. Thankfully, a lot of them are too busy dancing or drinking to notice, but the ones who do don’t make any attempt to hide their judgment- namely Muzu, who would’ve had Link dead on the floor by now if looks could kill. Link quickly comes up with an excuse and gestures to the alcohol bar near the entrance of the room with the best ‘sick’ expression he can manage.

��Oh, you drank too much? I never realized you Hylians were lightweights. I suppose you are much smaller than us… What a shame,” Sidon tilts his head curiously, eyeing the bar and then Link’s champagne glass that he left on the table. It’s still half full. If Sidon puts together that Link is completely sober, he’s at least courteous enough not to call out the lie. “Ah, I’d hate to cut the celebration short, but I could walk you back to your room if you’d like? I don’t mind at all! Actually, I’d prefer to be the one to ensure that you return safely.”

Link shrugs. Sidon takes as indifference as an invitation to lift the Hylian off the floor bridal style. He does it with such ease that Link is surprised. Sidon is so strong, so considerate, so… Perfect. Link watches Sidon’s face- his eyes go to Yona, who winks at him before turning to continue her conversation with Bazz. Link pauses. He must’ve imagined that… Right?

~

Link’s body aches with exhaustion as he walks towards the border of Zora’s Domain with Sidon by his side. Since solving the problems in the domain, defeating that giant monster, attending Sidon’s wedding, crying himself to sleep the same night, and staying knocked out well into the following afternoon, Link has gathered his supplies and readied himself to continue his search. With Sidon being the fourth sage he’s gathered, Link now has to find the fifth- and final- sage.

Link wants to stay. At the same time, his body is itching to leave. Staying with Sidon for the few days that he has has made him realize things that he didn’t want to. For instance, the realization that Link would throw everything away to stay with Sidon in the domain for the rest of his life if saving Princess Zelda weren’t a factor. Or, the realization that Link has been painfully in love with Sidon since that first day he rode on the man’s back. The worst one was probably the realization of how jealous he was during Sidon’s wedding, on what was supposed to be the happiest day of his best friend’s life.

It’s been less than a day since the wedding and Link doesn’t feel much better. All night, instead of standing by his new wife, Sidon followed Link around, trying to drag the information out of him- almost as if he could smell Link’s souring mood from a mile away. Link had to pretend that he’d drunk himself to the point of becoming sick; a lie that’s somehow less embarrassing than the truth. Link is so overwhelmed with the feelings that he chooses not to acknowledge them- at least not out loud. 

He keeps his arms crossed over his chest and pretends that he doesn’t sense Sidon’s eyes on him for the entirety of their walk. One of Sidon’s hands is on his back, cool and reassuring. He guides Link through the terrain even though they both know that Link doesn’t need the help. Sidon doesn’t talk about it, so neither does Link. 

When they reach where Link knows they’re going to separate, he dwells on what to do. He could forget it all, reject his responsibilities and stay here in the domain forever… But, then he remembers that really, he can’t. What would become of Zelda? Just like Sidon, she’s Link’s best friend. And how would someone as noble as Sidon react if Link failed the people he’s supposed to serve? Sidon would surely lose all love and respect for him.

Link glances at Sidon and stops in his tracks, sunkissed cheeks turning bright red when he sees that Sidon is already intently gazing back at him. He knew. Sidon has a terrible habit of staring at others without any pause, but actually meeting his eyes is… Intense. The prince- no, king, now- jumps and jerks his hand away from Link’s back as if the blond’s shirt has burned him. 

Link raises an eyebrow, partially confused, partially concerned.

Sidon looks at Link for a little too long, amber eyes going wide as if he’s also realized something important. His normally pale, cool skin flushes a deep shade of purple around his cheeks. Link pauses, wondering if he should ask what’s wrong, but before he can, Sidon bows.

“I wish you the best of luck, dearest Link,” Sidon grins- that ridiculously big, ridiculously toothy grin of his. Link can’t help but smile back. “Please, travel safely. I believe in you.”

Link’s heart throbs in his chest at the warm, familiar words. He wants to say something so badly, but he just… Can’t. Not without knowing for sure that Sidon returns his feelings. Not yet.

So, he offers Sidon a nod, and then turns to leave. He barely makes it out of the domain before he misses Sidon’s large, strong hand on his back. 

For now, Link is sure that things are better this way.

They have to be. 

~

As much as Link hates to leave Sidon’s side, he finds that it’s easier for him to decompress once he’s out of the domain.

Whether that’s because he’s away from all of the people, because he’s finally ‘working’ again, or because he’s away from Sidon and Yona specifically, he isn’t sure.

Over the next few days, Link spends most of his time occupied, just the way he prefers. Between struggling to help the other sages with the lingering issues in their respective areas, fighting off gloom and monsters, and searching for Zelda, Link hardly has any time to himself. He’s grown accustomed to this, though- since becoming Zelda’s personal knight, it feels as if his life is constant chaos, constant fighting, constantly being on guard. 

Most other men would become insane from the lack of rest, but Link finds comfort in what has become his day to day life. He goes to bed late, wakes up early, eats breakfast, and spends his morning helping whoever needs it. Then, he spends the rest of his day hunting down monsters, fighting them, and- currently- searching for the supposed fifth sage. After that, he eats dinner and goes to bed. 

The four avatars, Tulin, Riju, Yunobo, and Sidon are with him. While Sidon’s walks by his side, far too close for comfort, the other three stay close behind- guarding. Link wonders why they take the positions they do. He wonders a lot of things about the avatars in general. 

Link still isn’t used to having them around. He thinks about them constantly, theorizing about them, all while scolding himself for wasting his mental energy on something so trivial when Zelda is in Ganon’s clutches. 

The avatars aren’t real, he reminds himself. They’re spiritual manifestations of his friends, here as tools to assist him in battle. They’re not living, breathing beings. They’re not feeling. They don’t need to eat, rest, or sleep. And yet… Link finds comfort in them just as much as he finds comfort in being on the battlefield. As if they’re real people.

In Sidon’s avatar, Link swears he finds more comfort than he finds in being on the battlefield- and that fact is terrifying, mostly because it makes Link fantasize about silly, unrealistic things like settling down with the Zora and living the rest of his life out in peace, with Sidon by his side.

That’s something Link tries not to think about. Sidon is married, after all… These feelings he’s had for him are inappropriate, especially considering Mipha… Link shakes his head, trying to clear it of the thoughts. Sidon’s marriage is arranged, and both Sidon and Yona had made it apparent that the two were merely friends who happened to be getting married during Link’s visit. Regardless of Sidon’s marital status… There’s no way it would work out. What’s the likelihood of Sidon returning Link’s feelings, anyway?

Link peers at the man’s avatar, who continues to walk next to him. The avatar stares back, but doesn’t smile. Link frowns. Oh, how he misses that big, toothy grin of Sidon’s… The familiar feeling of a cool hand on his back, guiding him through Zora’s domain. Link just misses him.

It’s late- two, maybe three in the morning. Link wishes he could be like the lifeless avatars surrounding him, constantly alert and ready to go, never in need of sleep or food or anything at all. But, even Link can admit to himself that he is merely a Hylian. As such, he needs his rest. 

He finds a cave to camp out in, sets out his sleeping bag, and takes in his surroundings. It’s scarily dark and damp, but he knows he’ll manage just fine. He’s slept in worse. 

Sidon’s avatar still stands next to him, far too close, while the other three linger near the entrance of the cave with their beady blue eyes watching over Link’s small frame. 

With him sleeping alone in the wilderness, it’s not uncommon for Link to use the avatars to keep guard of his resting area. He is all too aware that it does take small amounts of energy from the sages to have their avatars active, so he only uses one at a time to guard him when they’re not traveling through dangerous terrain or in active battle. 

Tonight is Sidon’s night, Link’s favorite. It’s nice to feel like he can be alone with the other man for once. Even if it’s not truly Sidon. Whether it be in a cave, in his home, or on a field of wildflowers, being with Sidon(‘s avatar) brings Link peace. And, unlike a real person, the avatar can’t judge him. 

Would Sidon judge him? Link is curious. At the same time, he doesn’t want to know the answer. Not really. If Sidon knew who he was outside of the stoic, impressive hero that he sees behind his rose-tinted glasses, would Sidon still consider him his ‘dearest friend’? Would Sidon still place a hand on Link’s back so carelessly to guide him from place to place if he were aware of Link’s true feelings? 

Part of Link wants to know. Most of him doesn’t, and as that- yet another realization- washes over him, he dismisses Riju, Tulin, and Yunobo’s avatars, leaving him and Sidon’s avatar alone in the cave. It’s just the two of them, alone. 

If the real Sidon were here, what would he do? Would he act like he always does? Or does he also have things that he would die to do if they were alone, together, like this, without anyone or anything to stop them? Images flash through Link’s mind, so vibrant behind his eyes despite them being figments of his imagination; of Sidon, holding Link close to keep him warm through the night, pulling Link close to his broad chest, connecting their lips, and-

No.

Not right now. Not tonight.

Trying to clear his mind of the thoughts, Link lies down in his sleeping bag and sharply inhales. He gives the cave one last scan to make sure he’s safe before settling. 

Then, much to his surprise, Sidon’s avatar is not only sitting on the ground, but digging through Link’s backpack. Link watches with curiosity. Is it looking for something to eat? Something to keep itself occupied while Link rests? A certain tool or weapon to use for nearby enemies? 

Link furrows his brow when the avatar pulls out… A blanket. An old blanket that Zelda crocheted for him God knows how long ago. Link keeps it for comfort, but doesn’t use it often, fearing that it’ll get ruined by the elements or a midnight battle. Link jumps up to take the prized possession from the avatar’s hands, but before he can do so, the avatar is gently ushering Link to lie back down and draping the blanket over him.

Oh.

Oh. 

Link’s face turns bright red. He watches the avatar, whose expression doesn’t change. Instead, it turns around, sitting with its back facing Link, and crosses its arms as it peers outside of the cave to watch for any potential danger.

Flustered, Link turns around in his sleeping bag and cuddles the blanket closely. He swears he can smell Sidon on it where the avatar’s hands touched the fabric. 

No. It can’t be.

The damn thing is just an avatar. It’s not Sidon. It doesn’t have feelings of its own, let alone feelings for Link.

Clearing his head, Link turns around, closes his eyes, and falls asleep.

~

The next morning, Link wakes up with a clear mind, summons the other three avatars back to his side, and continues on his venture. On his search for the fifth sage, he finds himself in Rito village for supplies. He knows that there shouldn’t be any conflicts arising and dismisses all four avatars as to not attract more attention to himself than he already does when he’s in the area.

Link approaches Brazen Beak and is unsurprised to find that Tulin is there, fluttering outside the front and haphazardly screwing around with a new bow and arrow that he has between his claws. To anyone unfamiliar with the boy, it would look dangerous and reckless, but Link knows Tulin isn’t stupid enough to hurt himself with his own weapon- even if he isn’t the most careful. Teba is standing next to Tulin, carefully watching. It looks like he wants to scold his son and snatch the bow right out of his talons, but he manages to restrain himself, merely crossing his wings and impatiently tapping his digits against the top of his chest. It’s apparent that despite Tulin clearly having come of age as a warrior, Teba is still having trouble treating him like he’s fully grown.

Link can’t blame him. Seeing Tulin’s tiny, fluffy body, his big blue eyes still full of so much life, Link realizes that Tulin shouldn’t have to be a warrior- even if he wants to be. There shouldn’t be so many evils for him to have to fight against. A lot of the warriors in Hyrule shouldn’t have to be doing what they’re doing right now… That’s why Link is so grateful for the avatars. With them as substitutes, Link doesn’t have to have Tulin or any of the others there in person to assist him. To know that they’re both by his side and safe at home is worth the pangs of loneliness that hit Link when he has to remind himself that the blue silhouettes aren’t the people he loves, but a small piece of them.

It’s freezing cold. So cold that Link has to wear four layers of thick clothing to feel remotely comfortable as the snow rains down onto his hood. He pulls his coat tighter around him and approaches Tulin. He’s not really in the mood to talk after the wedding and the event that took place with Sidon’s avatar last night, but it would be rude to pass Tulin and Teba without saying anything. 

“Good day, Link!” Tulin excitedly greets the swordsman, his wings fluttering with joy as he returns his newfound weapon to the bow holster on his belt. “I didn’t know you’d be coming again so soon after we met up! I thought I felt you in the area, but it’s a little hard to tell, y’know?”

Link shrugs. He was in the area on his search for the fifth sage and desperately needed to stop for more armor, bows, and food. With Brazen Beak as well as a flurry of authentic Rito markets and restaurants nearby, Rito village seemed like the logical place to stop. Link almost explains his thought process, but then, he processes Tulin’s last question. 

‘Felt’ him in the area…? What the hell does that mean?

“Felt…?” Link mumbles, tilting his head.

“No one explained this to him?” Teba sighs, sharp charcoal eyes laced with exasperation. Tulin doesn’t get the chance to answer before Teba turns back to Link and clarifies. “It seems the sages had a discussion about the avatars they’ve given you. They were trying to find new ways to assist you without having to leave their domains, but all they can do is put small amounts of their energy into their avatars and track your general location.”

“...So, you all know where I am,” Link nods in understanding. He never would’ve guessed. It’s not like he’s seen the sages too often. In the midst of all of the chaos, they haven’t had spare time to sit and chat about the avatars. “Can I ask something else, Tulin?”

“Of course! What is it?” 

“Can you control or see what the avatars are doing?”

“Um, no, I don’t think so,” Tulin tilts his head, pausing to think. He brings a wing up to his chin and hums. “Wait, why are you asking? Did something happen?”

“No,” Link shakes his head and offers the most reassuring smile he can muster even though his face is covered by a cloth mask to keep him warm. Though Tulin appears unsuspecting as always, Teba’s eyes narrow with confusion- as if he’s trying to figure out the same thing that Link is. Thankfully, Teba has no idea about Link’s feelings for Sidon, let alone an idea of what happened in the cave or of the thoughts that Link has had about Sidon and his avatar. “I was just thinking that if you could, it would be useful.”

“Oh, yeah, that makes sense,” Tulin frowns. “Sorry I can’t help more!”

“You’ve done more than enough,” Link quickly replies upon seeing the disappointment on Tulin’s face. Prying for information about the avatars for his own personal use might not have been the best move, especially when his questions were directed at Tulin… Perhaps he should’ve waited until seeing one of the others. Then again, one of the others may have questioned his intentions more than Tulin is now. “Thank you, Tulin. I’ll be on my way.”

Before Tulin or Teba can object, Link ducks into the entrance of the store and lets out a sigh of relief when the warm(er) air washes over his ice cold body.

He reaches into his pockets to count out his rupees, mulling on what all he should buy (or, mulling on what all he can afford)...

~

A blood moon comes later that night. 

After weeks of travel and tedious tasks, doing what he’s meant to do once again fills Link with energy unlike anything else. No more puzzles, no more socializing with people in places he’s not that familiar with, no more riding random horses, no more rotting away in caves, no more constant cooking over a shittily made fire- just fighting to protect the people of Hyrule with his sword and shield. The avatars stay close behind, but Link is the one who carries the battle.

He’s never liked to rely on others. 

Perhaps the malice that the blood moon brings affects Link a little, too. On any other night, he’d never enjoy a fight like this. But tonight, he enjoys it more than anything. The rage, sorrow, and desperation that have been coursing through his veins since Ganon’s return are all released with each monster he strikes down and dissects for meat, weapons, and parts. 

By the time Link finds a camping spot that night, a warm, fuzzy feeling of optimism is coursing through him. He feels as if he’s coming closer to finding the fifth sage as well as finding Ganon and Zelda. 

His mind flickers to Sidon. Why did the avatar put that blanket on him? Was it an act of love? An instinct? Or is taking care of Link something the avatars are just automatically programmed to do? If so, why wouldn’t one of the others have done it previously? Why was Sidon the first? Oh, the things Link would give to know exactly how the avatars work… The things he would give to know Sidon’s true intentions.

Link lies out in the middle of a field on his back. It’s not snowing where he’s at now, but it’s still chilly. The coat on top of the layers of sweaters and wool pants he’s wearing keeps him at a comfortable temperature, but none of the clothing replicates the warmth of a body. He wishes Sidon were here with him now, abandoning his responsibilities to stay with Link, lying beside him and holding him close to keep him warm through the night. Even if Sidon is cool blooded, anything- anyone- is warmer than this frigid cold. Lying with Sidon would be heaven right now…

Link flushes at the thought and sits up. He’s surrounded by yellow grass and dead wildflowers. Though he’s cleared out most of the monsters in the area, the signs of the blood moon remain, drops of crimson on nearby blades of grass and a metallic scent lingering in the air to accompany the ruby moonlight that shines down on his sunkissed skin. 

He dwells on the issue of the avatars as they interact on the field. Riju and Yunobo’s avatars sit in the grass to study the wildflowers while Tulin’s flies around above them. Sidon’s avatar watches them, but doesn’t smile or join them. Link doesn’t command them in any way for now, instead choosing to observe for as long as he needs to in order to figure out the answers to the many questions he has.

It doesn’t take long- at least not after considering the other information he’s collected since being gifted them.

Link quickly starts to suspect that the avatars will only do things that their respective sages would. They’re not uniform, soulless beings who are programmed to perform a strict set of actions. They’re spiritual representations of their sages, and while they aren’t capable of any actions that are especially complex, they can act of their own accord as long as it doesn’t go against Link’s commands.

Link would normally dismiss three of the four avatars before settling down for the night. This time, he allows them to stay for a little longer.

Tulin’s avatar flutters over to Link and ruffles his hair. It’s another sign that the avatars not only act for practical purposes such as combat, but of their own free will- or, of their sage’s will. While not nearly as expressive, they do have… Personality, even if it’s not very much. 

Though Link has known that the avatars aren’t directly controlled by the sage’s themselves, he supposes it makes sense that the avatars would do things that their sages would despite that, such as fighting alongside him in battle or guarding him during his travels. They’re more like spirits or manifestations than they are like machines.

The same night that Tulin’s avatar ruffles Link’s hair, Yunobo’s avatar starts to cook Link a meal over a fire made by Riju’s. Admittedly, Yunobo burns the food into a big black heap, but Link isn’t sure whether that’s a result of it being made by an avatar or an inevitable happening with Yunobo being the chef.  

Meanwhile, all Sidon’s avatar does is stand near the others with its beady blue eyes on Link. 

Link never thought he’d miss the color amber so much… Never thought he’d miss Sidon so much.

Link wants to know what Sidon is doing right now. He wants to know if Sidon is thinking of him, too.

But, currently, he’s stuck in the middle of the wilderness with the four wisps of blue still by his side. He supposes it could be worse. At least this time, his friends are doing a good job of staying alive. 

…Hopefully it stays that way. 

Link forces down the food that Yunobo’s avatar ‘prepared’ (AKA decimated with fire) and sets up his sleeping bag in the middle of the field. 

Technically, if he follows the rotation he’s been using, it’s Riju’s night to keep watch as he sleeps. But, Link figures he could probably get away with using Sidon’s avatar again. Sidon is a king now, anyway, busy with days full of paperwork, meetings, and other political crap if Zelda’s career as princess is anything to go by. Surely, Sidon won’t notice a little more of his energy being sapped than what he’s used to… A mere night’s worth. 

Link gives all four avatars a once over before dismissing three of the four of them. Now, it’s only he and Sidon’s left, standing alone underneath the cool air of the night.

The avatar approaches Link on its own, but it doesn’t do anything. Just stands there.

Link is curious. The smart thing for him to do would be to go straight to bed. Rather than doing that, though, he finds himself tempted to test the many theories he’s concocted regarding the avatar- regarding Sidon’s avatar, specifically. What would it do if Link touched it? Held it? Loved it? Would it react at all- and if it did react, would it react kindly? More importantly, if it did react kindly, would that reaction be a reflection of Sidon’s true self? 

…Would using the avatar get him the answers he’s been craving since Sidon’s wedding night?

Link takes a step closer to ‘Sidon’.

Sidon matches the action and takes a step closer to Link. 

Link commands him to kneel, so he does.

And then, Link is practically throwing himself into the avatar’s arms. It catches him, holds him tight, and pulls him into its chest for a tight hug. Link melts into the touch, a shaky sigh of relief flowing through him as he’s affectionately spun around in the cool night’s air. Then, ‘Sidon’ is gently placing Link down on his sleeping bag, sitting next to him, and pulling that same crochet blanket over his frame. 

Link sighs. His heart races, pounding hard and fast against his chest. He can’t remember the last time someone has hugged him, let alone in a way so… Affectionate. So close. There are so many things he wants to ask, but he knows that the avatar won’t answer the questions Link has for the real Sidon.

Link tries not to overthink this like he overthinks everything else. It’s an avatar, and from his understanding, the sage’s connection to them is minimal. They don’t know what the avatars are doing at any given time, just their general location, so Link could use them for any purpose. With the information provided by Tulin, Link is fully aware that Sidon has no way of finding out about what happened. Link should feel better, but he doesn’t, because the hug from ‘Sidon’ isn’t the answer he assumed it would be.

Friends hug each other all the time. 

Link wants a definite, concrete answer. A kiss, maybe a verbal confession- even though the avatars can’t talk. He wants something that, if he were to gather the courage to bring it to Sidon’s attention, Sidon wouldn’t be able to deny the romantic implications. 

The only solution is for Link to test the avatar again… In a different way.

Right?

~

Link puts it off forever. He runs around, doing meaningless tasks; fighting Yiga clan members, helping a little girl trying to travel to Gerudo Town, taming different kinds of horses, the usual things. 

Finally, on another one of ‘Sidon’s’ nights, Link decides that it’s worth pushing his theory about ‘Sidon’- or, about the avatar of him. The hug, while not too suggestive, was intimate and intense for Link. Maybe it was a hint to Sidon’s true feelings- maybe, if Link takes this further, he’ll get confirmation that Sidon is in love with him- that is, if his theory about the avatars only responding to situations the same way their sages would is correct. 

Link decides to test the avatar a second time. He tells himself it’s merely to confirm his theory. Deep down, he knows it’s because he wants that intimacy again. He’s getting greedy. He can’t bring himself to care. The avatar doesn’t smell like Sidon, and it certainly doesn’t speak like him, but the avatar is part of Sidon regardless and Link loves it for that.

Perhaps it’s wrong of him to abuse Sidon’s ‘vow’ like this, but Link has done many questionable things since the calamity and figures that there’s no harm in continuing to do so. The avatars aren’t people, anyway. This isn’t hurting anyone except for Link himself. Best case scenario, the avatar reacts the way that Link hopes it will and returns his affections. Worst case scenario, the avatar doesn’t, and though it will hurt, Link will at least have his answer. 

The others are gone and Link is alone with ‘Sidon’ in another cave he’s found to set up camp in during his travels. Sidon is sitting by the entrance, his back facing Link as his broad, blue frame blocks any potential enemies from coming in.

Link commands Sidon to come and sit by his side, so he does, blankly peering down at Link.

Link doesn’t remember when ‘the avatar’, ‘Sidon’s avatar’, and ‘it’- turned into ‘Sidon’; into ‘him’, but it’s already happened and he can’t stop it, can’t keep himself from getting out of his sleeping bag and climbing into the avatar’s lap. His logical mind screams at him to stop, reminds him that he will regret this forever no matter how the avatar responds, tells him that he’s stupid for fawning over Sidon when Princess Zelda is still out there somewhere. But, the part of him that loves Sidon, the part of him that’s so illogical, manages to win for long enough that Link has the time to throw his arms over Sidon’s shoulders and pull himself up to kiss the Zora.

It’s odd- bizarre, really. The avatar’s lips don’t feel like lips, rather like wind ghosting over Link’s own. Link doesn’t question it, though. If this is the only way he’s going to get to kiss Sidon, he’s going to relish in it; relish in the way that Sidon’s big hands thread through his hair, in the way that Sidon kisses him back and easily puts him on the floor of the cave- wait, what?

Link breaks the kiss to admire the position Sidon has gotten him into. He’s on his back, with one of the avatar’s knees between his legs. The other knee is beside one of Link’s hips, keeping him pinned. Sidon’s elbows are on the ground on either side of Link’s shoulders and his hands remain in Link’s blond locks. Link realizes that, if this were Sidon and not the avatar, he wouldn’t be able to get out of this position. 

The avatar opens his mouth, as if to say something, only to fall silent.

Link curses to himself.

The avatar can’t speak.

What would it say if it could?

…What would the real Sidon say right now?

‘Sidon’ leans down to kiss him again. Link kisses him back, only to feel one of those large hands slipping underneath his shirt and groping his chest. Link gasps and curls into the touch.

When was the last time someone touched him like this? 

Sidon looks up at Link, but it’s not him. Not really. The amber eyes that he’s used to, sparkling and full of so much life, are pools of emptiness. The blush that he imagined would be there, the big toothy grin, they’re both nonexistent. Reality slaps Link in the face. 

This isn’t Sidon. And whatever he wants, he’s not going to get it out of Sidon’s avatar. He has to get it out of the real Sidon. The hug, the kiss, neither of them are ‘true’ answers like he thought they would be. His theories, while probably correct, haven’t brought Link any peace. Not this time.

Link panics and scrambles to dismiss Sidon- no, the avatar- as fast as he can, before this situation gets any worse.

Almost as if he weren’t there in the first place, Sidon’s avatar vanishes into the cool night’s air in a flash of blue light. 

Link sits up and hangs his head in shame. 

Just what has he done…?

~

A week passes. Link desperately tries to keep himself occupied. He has so much to do that staying busy isn’t hard. He manages to find the fifth sage, Mineru, and defeat the Seized Construct with her help. Now, he has to find wherever the hell Ganon is hiding. Despite all of it, Sidon lingers heavy in the back of his mind. The other avatars circle around Link as he tries to find a good place to settle down for the night. 

Sidon’s, however, is noticeably absent. Link can’t look at him- at it- after what they did in the cave that night. So, he hasn’t used Sidon’s avatar since then. He’s too embarrassed, too ashamed, too… Too scared that he’ll push this further than he should.

Link sees a cave in the distance and feels heat consume his body from head to toe.

He doesn’t want to sleep in a cave ever again, even if it’s much, much safer than sleeping out in the wilderness. He thinks he’d rather sleep in a pool of gloom than sleep in a cave again after that night…

He raises a single hand up to his face, brushing his fingers against his bottom lip. Even if it was the faintest sensation, he swears that when he dwells on that kiss for too long, he can still feel the avatar’s lips.

The climate in Central Hyrule is at least decent at this time of year. As the night falls, it’s pleasantly warm with a peaceful breeze. The next blood moon shouldn’t be for a few more days and despite the gloom that lurks here and there, the area is more peaceful than it has been. Link lays out his sleeping back and gets ready to dismiss the avatars, only to hear heavy footsteps.

He braces himself for combat, placing a hand on the butt of his sword only to further tense up when he sees a blur of crimson red and bluish grey in the distance. 

Sidon…?

“Link!” Sidon calls out as he runs closer.

Link takes his hand off of his sword and stands there, confused, all while dismissing the avatars. Sidon is notably alone, running through the night with flushed cheeks and sweaty scales. He pants as if he’s out of breath from running for a long time.

“Link!” Sidon doesn’t hesitate to run to Link, practically collapsing onto his knees in front of the Hylian so they’re eye level. Link is too stunned to do or say anything, especially when he notices tears in Sidon’s amber eyes. As Sidon reaches forward and places his hands on Link’s shoulders, the tears fall from his eyes and down his cheeks. “Link, you’re okay-”

Link nods, furrowing his brow. Why is Sidon here? Why is he crying? Was he… Under the impression that Link was in danger? Before he can talk himself out of it, Link reaches forward to wipe the tears from Sidon’s face with his thumbs. 

“Link, my lo- I mean, my dearest friend,” Sidon starts. “My scouts informed me that you were spotted nearby, so I came right away!”

“What?” Link questions. He can’t remember the last time he’s seen another Zora, meaning that they must have been hiding from him on purpose if they were nearby. Why were they even sent this far out? Link can’t think of a good reason for them to be away from the domain right now. “Is there something going on?”

“No- well, yes- I couldn’t sense your location with my avatar for days!” Sidon explains. His voice is shaky with relief. He manages to stop crying for long enough to smile. “I was so worried. Thank Hylia you’re safe.”

“Wait,” Link pauses, struggling to process that Sidon has been actively tracking his location with the avatar to the point that he freaked out and traveled across Hyrule upon noticing that he wasn’t able to. “Why are you here? What’s going on?”

“Oh, w-well, um-”

As Sidon struggles to explain himself, which is already unusual, Link notices the blatant lack of royal guards. Normally, when he’s at the palace, Sidon is allowed some freedoms, but especially now that he’s king, the council would never let him leave the palace unattended. Link understands the need to get away, but for Sidon to leave with no protection… God, he could’ve been assassinated and no one would’ve had any idea.

“Where are your guards?” Link demands. 

“Not here. I sent the scouts away after they reported your location to me as well,” Sidon confesses rather sheepishly. “I may or may not have snuck out. Lady Yona is covering for me back home. That being said, what is going on with the avatars? I’ve been able to feel where you are almost every day since I gave you my vow… This is odd.”

Link winces.

Sidon was unable to find Link’s location, and thinking better of Link, assumed that it was some sort of malfunction. Link wants to lie to him more than anything, but he just… Can’t. His conscience aside, he needs answers. They need to have this talk. And if it goes poorly, he can leave, and they can both pretend that it never happened.

“I dismissed yours.”

Sidon’s eyes go wide.

“Did I do something wrong? My dearest Link, I-”

“No, no, it’s nothing to do with you, I-” Link interjects. “I did something stupid.”

Sidon waits for Link to explain for a ridiculously long amount of time. Two minutes, maybe three, pass by. Link can’t find the words to explain his actions, let alone his logic behind them. Thinking about it in depth, the way he tested Sidon’s avatar was actually quite violating, even if it’s not technically a person.

Sidon pulls away and sits down on the ground. Link sits by his side. Silence, again, and then Sidon is placing a hand on Link’s back and asking-

“Are you alright?” 

“I’m fine,” He answers. “I, uh, I hugged your avatar. Sorry.”

“And? That is fine,” Sidon, bless him, continues to see the best in Link. He practically beams with affection and rubs Link’s back. Link’s skin burns at the contact. Now, with everything that’s happened, with the avatar, and tonight, Link realizes that the hand on his back was never platonic. He has his answers. The hard part is going to be giving Sidon an answer of his own. “The conditions you travel in must be lonely. I’m honored that you wanted my avatar as your company.”

“Right…”

“I came out here to make sure you were well. It seems you are fine, but why did you dismiss my avatar over a… Hug?”

“It’s not-” Link clams up, squeezing his hands into fists and placing them in his lap. How does he tell Sidon about how he found out? How does he confess his feelings? He’s never done anything like this before. Hell, he’s never felt like this before. “I’m not…”

“What is it? There’s something you’re refusing to tell me,” Sidon frowns, shaking his head in disapproval. “Honestly, it’s dangerous of you to dismiss my vow for so long. The Link I know would never act so foolishly, especially with you searching for Ganon. If you would’ve found him without me by your side… I don’t even want to imagine it. So, what is it that’s important enough for you to have dismissed me? Was it the wedding? I knew something was off, but you wouldn’t tell me-”

Link sighs.

“It made out with me,” He mumbles, and then clarifies- “The avatar, I mean.”

“Made… Out?”

“Kissing,” Link covers his face with his hands. Even through years of being defeated in battle, doing embarrassing things for his job, being in uncomfortable medical situations due to injuries, and so much more, he’s never been this humiliated in his entire life. “We kissed.”

“Oh,” Sidon whispers at first, and then yells. “Oh!”

Link clasps his hands together and bows his head. His bangs cover his eyes to spare him from having to look at Sidon.

“I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry? I’m sorry! Why, I don’t know why my avatar would do such a thing! To violate your autonomy like that, what a heinous-”

“Sidon,” Link cuts Sidon off before he can finish the guilty, apologetic ramble Link knows he’s about to go on. “I… Kissed it first.”

Sidon tilts his head in that oh-so-curious, oh-so-adorable way that Link fell in love with all those years ago.

“Excuse me?”

“The avatars- they, um, they act like you would in most situations. I figured that out. So, I tested it… Tested you… By kissing it. And it kissed me back, and I’m sorry.”

“But why?” Sidon whispers.

Link can’t tell if the man is horrified or merely confused. 

“Long story,” Link murmurs. “If it were the real you, would you have done the same thing?”

“My dearest Link,” Sidon’s eyes fall shut as he reaches over to place a hand on Link’s knee. It’s so warm, so strong, so reassuring. Link would kill to melt into his touch right now, but he can’t bring himself to do so without hearing the answer he needs said out loud. “You must know the answer to that by now.”

“You think I would’ve done any of what I did with the avatar if I knew? I need to hear it.”

Sidon reaches forward to hold Link’s face in his hands once more. He tucks a loose stand of hair behind Link’s ear. Such large, strong hands, yet so gentle, they caress Link’s cheeks and handle him like he’s something to be cherished. Sidon leans closer, leans further down, and rests his forehead against Link’s.

“Then, I’ll tell you the truth… I’m in love with you. If it were me rather than the avatar, I still would have returned your affections, and quite frankly, I’m jealous that that thing got to kiss you before I did.”

Link shrugs, averting his gaze to the grass beneath them.

“You still can… Kiss me, I mean,” He tentatively offers, and much to his surprise, Sidon doesn’t hesitate.

Their lips are connected again in an instant. Link reaches up, grabs Sidon's cravat for purchase, and kisses the Zora back. As much as he loved that kiss with the avatar in the cave, he loves kissing the real Sidon much more; loves the sensation of Sidon’s gentle hands cradling his face, of Sidon’s thumbs stroking his high set cheekbones, of Sidon’s soft and solid lips tenderly moving against his own, of the real Sidon. By the time Link pulls away, he’s breathless. But before he can say or do anything else, Sidon is speaking.

“Please, come home with me,” Sidon pleads as he stands up and pulls Link to his feet. “Just for tonight, so you can rest and so I can know that you’re safe. Then, in the morning, when you’re well rested and fed, resume your search.”

Link nods, and with that, the two are walking side by side and hand in hand back to Zora’s Domain.