Sidon decided to try another approach the next morning. Link had paid no attention whatsoever to his attire the whole day, but that didn't necessarily indicate a lack of interest. Maybe he just was hard to win over, and expected more effort than just fancy clothing.
Sidon knew that he certainly did himself. He had never been impressed with someone just because of the way they looked. He conveniently ignored the fact that he hadn't been impressed by the other Zora no matter what they did, because that would have punched too many holes into his logic.
In the morning he woke up bright and early, just so he could be ready at the inn when Link woke up.
"Good morning, Link", he said cheerfully when the Hylian emerged from his bed, looking groggy and disheveled.
Oh, his hair was out of the ponytail and looked adorably messy! Sidon wanted to touch it very badly, but managed to stop himself. It would likely be rude.
Link looked at him blankly for a moment, then lifted a hand to wave him hello. He didn't look all that awake yet.
Sidon noticed that Link was wearing a long shirt with no pants or shoes, and no other equipment either. It was the first time Sidon had seen him in such a state, and the cuteness of that alone made waiting here worth it.
Was he always like this in the morning? Oh, probably only when he was staying at inns or other safe places; he couldn't imagine Link leaving himself this vulnerable out in the wilderness. Still, was this the sight Sidon could anticipate waking up to if he and Link got together?
Sidon's neck scales flared slightly at the thought. So. Adorable.
Link yawned, and stretched his arms above his head. Then he walked up to Sidon, looking inquisitive.
Oh, right! Sidon had gotten completely distracted by the sheer cute that was Link.
He gave a big grin and brought his present out into the open, holding it out to Link.
"I caught this with my own hands, just for you", he said, using the traditional words for this situation, to distinguish it from any regular occurrence.
Then he handed Link the Hylian Bass he had caught first thing in the morning.
Link took the fish, and stared at it.
Oh, this was it, wasn't it? He knew it! Sidon smiled in anticipation.
Link stared at the fish for a bit longer, then glanced at Sidon, looking… oddly baffled? Then he smiled, and signed 'Thank you', before walking over to the cooking pot.
That was… very anticlimactic. Where was the gushing? The words 'I would gladly share this with you, instead'? Any kind of acknowledgment of his feelings?
Link just cut the head off the fish with the provided kitchen knife, swiftly sliced the fish in half, and tossed it into the pot with some salt.
Sidon was very confused.
He snapped out of said confusion when Link tugged at his forearm fin to catch his attention.
'You want some?' the Hylian signed with a smile.
...It was way too casually asked to actually mean anything. Still, Sidon accepted and ate breakfast with Link, trying not to show how awkward he felt about it.
ooooo
At lunch time, Sidon brought a Mighty Carp, having convinced himself that Link just wasn't impressed with a regular old Hylian Bass. They were literally everywhere in Hyrule, after all, and thus not at all impressive. Sidon wouldn't have been impressed with a Hylian Bass.
Again, Link thanked him, and cooked the fish. Sidon ate with him, swallowing his disappointment along with the fish, and plotting his next attempt.
He obviously needed to step up his game.
ooooo
At dinner, Sidon brought a Hearty bass. It was a really bold statement, one Sidon had been hesitant to commit to, but he was serious about Link. If anyone deserved a Hearty Bass, it was most definitely Link.
Link looked at him strangely, but accepted the fish nonetheless. But still no signs that his affections were accepted as well.
This time Sidon didn't stay to eat with Link, already set on his next course of action.
It might take him a while.
ooooo
Late in the evening Sidon finally returned to Link again, this time bringing a Voltfin Trout.
Now THAT was bound to impress anyone. They were rare to find and hard to catch, unless one knew exactly where to look. Sidon hadn't known exactly where to look – only a general area – so it had taken him all evening to track one down.
"I caught this with my own hands, just for you", he said tiredly, presenting Link with one last fish for the day.
Link looked at it, then gave Sidon a sheepish smile.
'Thank you, but I think I've eaten enough fish to last a while. I don't normally eat just fish all day', he signed, looking truly apologetic.
Sidon felt numb. But after a few awkward seconds of staring at Link, he plastered on a smile for the sake of his friend.
"Oh, I see. I should have expected that. Worry not, though! I'll just give this to Kodah. I'm sure the other patrons of the inn will appreciate it", Sidon said with all the fake cheer he could muster.
He wasn't sure if Link bought the act, but the Hylian didn't call him out on it.
Sidon gave the fish to Kodah with a defeated slump to his shoulders, receiving a sympathetic pat in return.
Maybe… Maybe tomorrow would be better...
