For the first time in over 100 years, the kingdom of Hyrule was at peace. Calamity Ganon's reign had come to an end, the Divine Beasts were at peace, and the princess Zelda returned. It seemed as though Hyrule was entering a newfound era of prosperity.

Unfortunately, not everyone in Hyrule was happy.

In the days after the end of Calamity Ganon, Link began to act increasingly strange. He started regularly secluding himself in the wilderness, as far away from human contact as possible. He would stay in the wilderness for days at a time. Whenever he was in the public eye, he always acted anxious and aloof.

Zelda was quick to catch on to these strange behavioral patterns, and, true to her curious nature, wanted to know more. Could Link be collaborating with the Yiga Clan, in an attempt to destroy Hyrule? Could he be trying to hone his fighting prowess for an even greater foe on the horizon? Could he be seeing someone? Whatever the answer, Zelda had to find out.

…

As Link returned from one of his regular excursions, he anxiously scanned the environment to make sure he wasn't followed. As he nervously stepped up to the exit to the Shrine of Resurrection, he clutched his satchel with an iron grip, making sure that nothing could ever possibly open it. Before opening the door, he made one last glance around the area, to ensure that no "sudden surprises" were to occur. Finally, confident that he was safe, he walked out the door to find-

"Zelda?!"

"Oh hey, Link," Zelda replied in a slightly bitter tone. "What have you been up to?"

"Wh-What are you doing here?" Link said, clearly worried that his big secret was out.

"Link, half of Hyrule knows about your little disappearances," said Zelda, notably angrier than before. "What the hell is going on?"

"Look I swear I have an explanation for this," Link responded, sweat beaming off of his face.

"Then let's hear it," said Zelda, growing tired of Link's efforts to stall the conversation.

Link nervously diverted his gaze away from Zelda, hoping to find an excuse somewhere around him. "You see, the truth is… Uh… I…"

Suddenly, Zelda's ire turned to genuine concern. "Link, you're my friend, right?"

Link nodded solemnly.

"And friends don't lie to each other, right?" Zelda continued.

Link nodded again, with even more shame.

"So then why won't you tell me the truth?" Zelda asked.

"Because I'm scared!" Link shouted, barely holding back tears.

It took Zelda a few seconds to process what she had just heard. Whatever Link was hiding, it was clearly personal. "Link, I-I'm sorry. I didn't realize how-"

"It's fine," Link interrupted, before beginning to sniffle.

"Link, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to," Zelda said, now just wanting Link to be okay.

"No," said Link, struggling to regain composure. "I have to be honest with you. You deserve to know."

"Okay," said Zelda, both glad that Link was being honest, and concerned for Link's mental health.

"Back when I was taming the Divine Beasts, I had to sneak into Gerudo Town. Unfortunately, they don't let men into Gerudo Town, I had to disguise myself as a woman to get in," Link explained.

"O-Okay," said Zelda, somewhat confused.

"When I was dressed as a girl, I felt new things that I had never felt before. It was like, for the first time, I was in harmony with myself. I just felt right." Link said. "And so, every now and again, I go out into the wilderness, and live life as a girl for a bit."

Zelda was stunned by this news. Zelda never could have guessed that Link had this whole part of life that she kept to herself.

"Wow," said Zelda. "Just, wow."

"Well, now you know my dirty secret," said Link, not even making eye contact with Zelda. Link felt so ashamed, she began to walk away from Zelda

"Link, wait," shouted Zelda.

Suddenly, Link stopped dead in her tracks.

"Do you have your Gerudo outfit? I would love to see you 'dolled up' so to speak," said Zelda, beginning to radiate positivity.

"So you can make fun of me?" asked Link, still insecure.

"No, silly! I just want to see you in your little outfit!" replied an eager Zelda.

Genuinely shocked by her friend's understanding and compassion, Link began to blush

"Okay," said Link.

…

"Open your eyes…" said a slightly nervous Link.

Zelda opened her eyes, only to be stunned by the image of Link, her childhood best friend, looking absolutely adorable in traditional Gerudo garb. The smooth, blue-green linen complimented her body perfectly. In addition, the green bra and blue-green veil managed to scream Gerudo, while still feeling very "Link."

"You're beautiful," said a star-struck Zelda.

"Y-you really think so?" replied Link, struggling to hold back tears of joy as she began to shake with excitement.

"Of course!" yelled Zelda, ecstatic for her friend's newfound happiness.

Unable to control her happiness, Link immediately ran up and tackle-hugged Zelda, crying tears of joy the whole way.

"Easy there, Link," said Zelda.

"I'm sorry I just-I, I'm so grateful to have you in my life," said Link.

"Me too," said Zelda, happy that their friendship can survive anything from gender dysphoria to a 100-year coma.