i had a bunch of valentines day drabbles in mind, but this will probably be the only one i get to.
hyrule totally had a saint valentine. shh.
Shad and Link weren't really a couple who did huge romantic gestures for one another. Not that they weren't all lovey-dovey, because they definitely were, but they didn't flaunt their relationship like other couples. Public displays of affection would attract too much attention towards them and both Shad and Link didn't want to worry about social appearances. Even when Link came to Castle Town and spent some time in Shad's condominium where they had privacy, the most intimate thing they did together was hold hands, cuddle, sometimes kiss. That, and there was that thing where Shad was always rather aloof and shy when faced with romance.
So, when Saint Valentine's Day came around, Link wasn't expecting much from Shad, and he expected likewise for him. He didn't mind it, really. He didn't need overpriced chocolate wrapped in a pink and red laced box or a huge teddy bear that could have barely fit through the door to know that Shad loved him.
He had bought a couple red carnations (it's unbelievable how much roses increased in price) on his way to Shad's place since he felt the need to do something for him; at least make some kind of effort for the day. When he showed up at Shad's door with them, the scholar only blushed, mumbled a thank you, and filled a small vase for them which was then set on his dinette table.
He was just only a little bit disappointed when Shad gave him absolutely nothing. Which that little tinge of disappointment was dumb, since he wasn't looking forward to anything in the first place.
But, the day progressed and Shad made absolutely no attempt to acknowledge the holiday– no kiss, no hug, no "happy Valentine's Day, Link". The day went on like any other. Shad reading, talking, and more reading. Maybe he was okay with not getting a gift of any sort, but he was lying to himself when he thought he didn't desire anything.
When the sun set and a tiny curl of the moon hung in the sky, just as Link was about to leave and head back for Ordon, Shad stopped him at the door.
"You can spend the night here– if you want," Shad began, covering his face under the guise of pushing up his glasses, "Actually, there will be fireworks set off in the southern field later tonight, and I would very much enjoy it if we were to see them together."
He continued rambling on about how by the time the fireworks ended it would be too late for Link to travel to Ordon, so he may as well stay the night and something about sharing a bed and other things. Link was honestly only half-listening at that point, only picking up on certain words. He was too busy containing his giddiness from the talk of fireworks.
It wasn't much, but the sentiment was all the same, and that alone made Link plenty happy.
