Chapter Text
Link ran through the circular pools of water, heading straight for Sidon. The Zora prince was still doing his best to purify the sludge water at Mipha Court, doing everything he could to protect his people.
At the sound of splashing water, Sidon glanced back at whatever had made the noise. He knew there was no threat, considering the multiple guards he had nearby, but he was still curious.
At the sight of Link running toward him, Sidon grinned. Ever since they had worked together to calm Vah Ruta, Sidon had considered Link to be his number one.
“Link! My dearest friend! Is there anything you would like to inquire about?” Sidon questioned, watching as Link fell into his typical hands-on-the-hips pose. “Ask me whatever your heart desires, and I shall do all I can to help.”
Yona? Link signed, lightly chewing on his bottom lip. Sidon’s grin faltered ever-so-slightly, but he quickly recovered from it.
“Lady Yona? She is… Well… my fiancee. My intended. My bride-to-be,” Sidon explained, trying to sound enthusiastic about his engagement. “We were quite close when we were children. I remember those days with utmost fondness.”
That was true, at least. He and Yona had always gotten along swimmingly, and they had been expected to marry once they were both of age. Sidon had known for years that this was coming, but that didn’t mean he had to be happy about it. He loved his childhood friend, of course, but that was the problem. He loved her in a friend way, not…
…Not in the way he loved Link.
“I must admit I have been a tad awkward around her. We were apart for so long, yet we have barely spoken since she arrived,” Sidon continued, shaking his head in frustration. “Now she is lending a kind hand at the domain because of our current situation. And I… I can’t bring myself to face her.” He sighed, letting his arms flop weakly.
After a moment, Sidon straightened up, returning to the princely posture that was expected of him. Even if he was yearning for someone else, he had to keep up appearances.
“Ahem. Sorry, Link! It seems my mind has gotten away from me…” Sidon grinned, although it wasn’t genuine. “Is there anything else you’d like to inquire about?” Link stared up at him, hesitating before signing.
You seem upset.
“I-” Sidon’s eyes widened, taken aback by the Hylian’s observation. He wasn’t quite sure what to do. Of course he trusted Link, more than anyone. But he was the Zora prince! It was unbecoming for him to unload his troubles on someone who wasn’t involved in the matter…
…But Link was involved in the matter, wasn’t he? Whether he knew it or not…
Sidon sighed, nodding. “Yes. I’m afraid so, Link. You see, Lady Yona was my childhood friend… and I know we’re getting married soon, but I still don’t view her in such a way. To me, she is just my childhood friend!” He exclaimed, waving his arms around dramatically. He really hoped none of his guards could hear this…
“I am the Zora prince. And Lady Yona is soon to be my queen. However…” Sidon hesitated. Was he really going to-?
“... I’m afraid I have eyes for another.” He admitted, hanging his head solemnly. “But it is strictly forbidden.”
Link tilted his head, signing. Forbidden? He wondered. Sidon gritted his teeth, mentally cursing himself for letting that slip. He wasn’t sure how much Link knew about Zora culture, but for his sake, he hoped it wasn’t much.
“Ah- yes. Forbidden,” Sidon repeated, nodding.
With another boy? Link questioned.
“Link! No! Of course not!” Sidon exclaimed, placing a hand on his chest in surprise. “I know some Zora are old-fashioned, but that would never be forbidden!”
Then why forbidden? Link signed curiously, frowning. Sidon sighed, glancing away from Link uncharacteristically.
“Because... a Zora is not supposed to have such relations with a Hylian,” he finally admitted. “Especially not the Zora prince.” It was silent between them for a while, Sidon still avoiding Link’s gaze.
Slowly, gently, a hand was slipped into his own. Sidon gasped, the shark tail on the back of his head thumping against his back with excitement. Link was holding Sidon’s hand, a flustered pink blush painted across his cheeks and nose.
Sidon turned his body so he was fully facing the Hylian, taking Link’s other hand as well. This one was colder, less natural. Sidon loved it all the same because the arm was a part of Link. And how could he not love that?
“Link…” Sidon murmured, voice uncharacteristically quiet. He gently turned Link’s hands over, cupping them lovingly. Link’s hands were so small compared to his own… he had never noticed the full extent of the size difference between them. Link was so adorably tiny compared to his large Zora frame.
Link tapped Sidon’s hands, pulling away to sign. Forbidden? He asked again. Sidon’s face fell.
“Forbidden,” he repeated. “No. I believe… maybe if I talk to Father…” Link gently rubbed Sidon’s arm, smiling up at the Zora prince.
No rush. I will wait.
“Link, my treasure, I appreciate that, really I do! But I refuse to keep you waiting over some silly tradition! I may be prince, but why shouldn’t I be able to marry for love? There is much I need to work out here…” Sidon grinned, bringing one hand around to cup Link’s face. “I will do everything I can to make this happen, my pearl. But first I must deal with this sludge… perhaps once things get back to normal I can discuss matters with my father.”
Link nodded determinedly, leaning slightly into Sidon’s large hand against the side of his face. Sidon smiled, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to Link’s forehead.
“I cannot wait to work things out,” he murmured. “My Link.” The Hylian shuddered, goosebumps running down his chest and arms. Sidon smirked, removing his hand from the side of Link’s face to return to his duty of purifying the water at Mipha’s Court. He winked at Link, grinning brightly at the slightly dazed look on the Hylian’s face.
Sidon couldn’t wait. His Link .