The Legend of Zelda, its characters and locations are all property of Nintendo. Any and all OCs and original locations belong to me unless specifically stated to belong to someone else.
The Voice
11 - The Cherry on Top
By some stroke of bad luck, Mipha's aim was off. Or perhaps it was entirely by choice that Link landed in in the basin, mere feet away from the pier. He hoped it was the former.
It wasn't the triumphant return from a successful quest that befitted a hero, but in all honesty Link was just happy to have survived the ordeal at all, and he could handle another swim. It must have looked ridiculous, of course, especially with the (manly) scream he'd given when he realised he'd materialised mid-air rather than on solid ground.
Luckily, no one was around to witness the embarrassing landing. Or so he thought. Too focused on getting back on land, he didn't pay attention above him when he reached the edge of the pier and made to climb up on it. That was the reason for the (also extremely manly) yelp he gave when a pair of hands hooked themselves under his armpits and he was lifted out of the basin entirely, legs still kicking as if to keep him afloat.
"Link! Sheik!" Sidon's voice boomed as the prince held Link aloft, beaming up at him with the broadest grin he had seen yet, his eyes glinting in the sunlight, finally shining upon the domain once more. "You're all right!"
"Y-Yeah," Link said, nodding. He felt a little ridiculous, being held like this, but at the same time it was...nice? Fun? Sidon must have been ridiculously strong, given the amount of equipment he was carrying.
"Nothing Link couldn't handle," Sheik replied. His tone sounded forced. Link made a note to talk to him later.
"It was amazing!" Sidon exclaimed. "I admit, I was nervous when I saw you climbing on the exterior of Vah Ruta, but you looked so cool and collected—steady as a rock! And then, when you disappeared inside again, I heard the sounds of battle! It sounded formidable!" He took a breath, surely to yell more praise, but then his eyes landed on the hole in the shoulder of Link's armour...and the blood stains surrounding it. "You're wounded!"
Then Link was suddenly on the floor of the pier, back supported by Sidon's chest, the prince's hands roaming over the tear in the armour, trying to find the underlying wound, moves increasingly frantic as he failed to discover the source of the bleeding.
Link, in turn, was trying not to pay too much attention to the fact that he was, more or less, sitting in Sidon's lap, and definitely not trying to feel the sheer...solidness of the prince's abdominal muscles.
"...aaaaaaand heat spike," Sheik whispered, to Link's embarrassment.
"I cannot find the wound!" Sidon said, poking and prodding in vain.
"Sharky, it's already healed, don't worry," Sheik said after a while, apparently fed up with Link's attempt to spontaneously combust from the heat in his face. "Lady Mipha took care of it."
Sidon's hands stilled, falling to rest on the tops of Link's thighs. Link couldn't see his face, but he could vaguely guess at the expression the prince was wearing. "Mipha?" he asked. "She...she was there?"
"Her spirit," Sheik corrected.
"Is it true?" Sidon asked, leaning down to peer at Link's face over his shoulder.
"Y-Yes," Link said. He expected to be upended out of Sidon's lap, but if anything, the prince only tightened his hold on him, as if afraid he'd leave. "Sh-She w-was t-trapped, but we f-freed her. Sh-She's in c-control of the B-beast n-now."
"Speaking of," Sheik drawled, "where did it go?"
"Hm?" Sidon looked confused for a moment. "Oh...it went downriver after you re-took it, I believe. For a moment, I feared something went wrong, but the rain stopped soon after. I thought I would have to follow it to find you again, but then you reappeared and...well..."
Link turned in his seat and saw that Vah Ruta was, indeed, no longer standing in the basin. The lack of a giant, mechanical beast was almost odd, but it also served as an extra confirmation that Mipha was, once again, in control of Ruta. Exactly where she'd taken it, Link didn't know, but he didn't doubt her commitment to the cause.
"Sharky?"
Link turned his attention back to Sidon, who looked pensive.
"I made my peace with it a long time ago," the prince said. "I never expected to see my sister again, but..." He cut himself off, chuckling a little. "I cannot deny that I harboured just the smallest spark of hope that I would get to see her again."
Link put his right hand on top of Sidon's, trying to show support...which was difficult, given his position, but damn it, he was trying!
"It is a relief, though," Sidon continued, "that her spirit is now free. A hundred years...I cannot imagine the suffering she has been through."
"No point in dwelling on it," Sheik said. "She's free now, and she told us she loves you."
Link blinked, but didn't say anything. They weren't Mipha's exact words, but the sentiment was the same. He nodded firmly, patting Sidon's hand for good measure. Compared to his own, Sidon's hand was huge.
"Thank you," Sidon said. "And thank you for freeing Vah Ruta—you have certainly saved not only my sister's spirit, but the whole Domain. My people owe you both a great debt of gratitude!"
"N-No n-need," Link said.
"Speak for yourself," Sheik said. "I could do with a little gratitude."
His words were as abrasive and disagreeable as ever, but there was no conviction behind Sheik's vitriol. It was really starting to worry Link.
"And you shall have it," Sidon said. "Father will surely arrange a celebration in honour of your success! Our people, from oldest to youngest, shall know of your triumph and victory!"
"That's more like it."
Link, not really sure they had the luxury of time for a party, nodded uncertainly. It was one thing that they had bigger things to worry about, but a celebration like that...it'd probably mean he had to face the Zora who had criticised him, even hated him...and their disappointment in his failure to bring Mipha back... Oh Goddess, what would Muzu say? Or the king?!
"Link? Are you well? Your breathing..."
Sidon's concern was still touching to an unbearable degree, and he nodded silently, trying to calm himself. Easier said than done, given his position. Was Sidon even aware that he was still in his lap?
"It was a hard fight," Sheik said. "He's just a little out of it. I'm sure he'd appreciate a nap."
"Then a nap you shall have, Link!" Sidon proclaimed. And it was a proclamation, given the sheer volume he spoke with. He also stood up as he said it, lifting Link with him.
"I c-can w-walk by m-myself!" Link feebly protested, but Sidon paid him no heed, already describing the magnitude of the celebration he was planning in his head.
So much for my image as a hero, he thought as he gave up. Besides, the gentle up-and-down movement of Sidon's walk was very calming. He caught himself mid-yawn, embarrassed, but Sidon was still talking about the party.
"Could you put me somewhere in the sun?" Sheik asked, interrupting Sidon's tirade. "I need to recharge."
Was that why Sheik sounded so...lethargic? Was he running out of power? Connecting to the command console had probably taken a lot out of him, especially when the system had locked him out and he'd tried to break in.
"Of course, Sheik," Sidon said. "My chambers have a balcony—would that suffice?"
"As long as it's in direct sunlight, it'll work," Sheik said. "I think I'm going to shut down for a bit."
"Shut down?" the prince asked. "Are you certain you're all right, Sheik?"
"Perfectly," Sheik said. "I just have some data I need to go over, and I don't want to wait until I've recharged, so I have to go into low-power mode."
"Ah, I see...well, I suppose that will give me plenty of time to coordinate with father. Things should be ready by nightfall."
"Looking forward to it," Sheik said. "Remember, just put me face-up in the sun. I'll talk to you both later."
"Most curious," Sidon said after a long moment. "I had no idea Sheik had such an ability."
"M-Me neither," Link said. He felt guilty again. He'd never even considered how much the things Sheik did took out of him. Sure, the projection took a lot of power, he had no doubt, but he hadn't even thought about all his other functions. Then again, Sheik had never seemed tired after activating a tower, or opening up a shrine, so...but maybe those things weren't nearly as taxing as breaking into a Beast's command console.
"Is it just me," Sidon said, "or did he sound...tired?"
"He d-did," Link said, pushing at Sidon's chest. "Y-You c-can put m-me d-down now."
Sidon made an uncertain sound, but complied. "And you're certain you're not hurt?"
"I am," Link said. He unclipped the slate and looked at it. The screen had gone blank, and there was no reaction when he touched it. Sheik really had shut himself off (or gone into low-power, whatever that meant). "H-He was t-trapped," he said. "In th-the fight."
"Oh? How? Will you tell me?"
Link sighed, and he began to haltingly tell Sidon about what had happened inside Vah Ruta.
If nothing else, the Zora knew how to throw a party. It probably helped that the entire domain had dropped what they were doing and pitched in, but Link had not expected the complete change in atmosphere when he emerged from the prince's chambers and stepped onto the main platform of the Domain.
For one, it was absolutely packed with people. Most were Zora, but there were a few Hylians and Gorons—visitors to the Domain—among them. The sun had set by now, and the place looked much more different in the orange-pink hue of twilight compared to the drabness of the earlier rainfall.
The platforms were festooned with chains of silver and blue, and large torches burning with green, magical flames illuminated the platforms of the city. There was music, courtesy of a band of Zora musicians (joined by a Hylian, even) playing on the stairs leading to the throne room. The music itself was...a little strange, but Link blamed that on his lack of knowledge in the area.
Long banquet tables lined the edges of the platforms, filled with foods of all sorts. Fish was the predominant ingredient, but there were also some other dishes made with what appeared to be beef and pork, surely bought from a passing trader or kept in reserve.
Link tugged at the collar of his Sheikah armour. He'd thought about wearing the Zora armour, but that might have been considered in poor taste in the wake of the confirmation of Mipha's death. It was one thing to receive the news that their beloved princess was, in fact, dead, but to have Link parading around in her engagement gift was probably another entirely.
The last thing Link wanted was to upset people even more, so he'd gone for the Sheikah outfit instead, sans the mask. It was probably rude, hiding one's face from one's hosts. The moment people spotted him and approached him, however, he sincerely wished he'd taken the mask after all. There were so many of them...but at least they were smiling and looking happy?
He clenched his hands until he felt his fingernails biting into the skin of his palm, hoping they wouldn't bleed, as the crowd of celebrating Zora closed around him.
"Well done, Champion!" a male Zora said, clapping Link's shoulder. "You certainly showed that Ganon what for, eh?"
"I was wrong about you, Hero!" a female then said, bowing her head. "Please forgive me!"
"You saved us all, Link!"
"Thank you!"
"I will name my first-born after you!"
"Please marry me!"
...that one had him choking mid-breath, which led to uproarious laughter from the rest of the Zora.
"Don't laugh!" the indignant Zora who'd proposed said. "I'm serious!"
"Sorry, lady, he's taken," Sheik suddenly said, surprising Link. Last he'd checked, Sheik was still in low-power mode. Now, though, his screen was as bright as ever, the Sheikah eye proudly displayed in the middle. No one seemed to react to the disembodied voice, but Link assumed Sidon had wasted no time in informing them all of the unseen companion.
"Aw, shoot!" she said, looking disappointed. "Let me know if that changes, though!"
"Will do!"
"E-Excuse m-me," Link said, politely disentangling himself from the crowd and heading for the edge of the platform, which was almost devoid of people, taking the chance to steady his breathing. This wasn't good. "Sh-Sheik?" he asked, holding up the slate.
"Present and accounted for," the Sheikah replied. His tone was still not as energetic as before. "Breathe, Link," he added a moment later.
Link did so.
"Good boy."
The Hylian grimaced. "D-Don't c-call me th-that."
"Sorry."
Since when had Sheik apologised for saying the things he did? At least for something so trivial? "A-Are you a-all right?" he asked.
"Yup," was the short answer. "Power's at a hundred percent."
"Th-That's n-not what I a-asked," Link said, glowering at the screen. "A-Are you a-all right?"
"I don't understand the question?" Sheik said. "I'm perfectly all right."
"Y-You don't s-seem l-like it," the Hero said doubtfully.
"Yeah, well, I am, so no point in asking about it," the Sheikah replied a little testily. "Come on, you're wasting valuable mingling time. You're their hero and Champion—enjoy yourself!"
Link gulped. He wasn't sure if he was ready to re-enter the crowd just yet. Sheik must have noticed, because he heard the slate sigh.
"Right, is there wine to be had? A cup of that might help you relax a little—but not too much, you hear?"
Link wasn't sure. He'd never had wine. Or, he couldn't remember having had it. Maybe he'd been a huge drinker in the past? What sort of impression would that give, though, if he was the sort of person to down cup after cup? Hell, would he even like it?
He was too busy worrying about his hypothetical drinking habits to notice the grown Zora woman approaching him with a smile on her face, which only grew bigger as she drew closer. "Linny?" she said. "That is you, isn't it, Linny?!"
Link looked at her, confused. "L-Linny?" he asked. It was all he managed to say before he found himself drawn into a tight embrace.
"It's me, Kodah!" she announced, drawing back and looking him over. "Do you remember me?"
"S-Sorry," Link apologised. "I c-can't r-remember—"
"Aw, that's all right, Linny," she said, still smiling. "The prince explained it all to me. I'm just so happy you're okay! I've missed you so much! We were friends, you know, back then." She chuckled. "I...er...actually wished we were more, but I never really stood a chance against Mipha."
She looked a little sad at that, but the smile was back within seconds. "But things turned out well—I married Kayden and now I have a family!" Still grasping Link by the shoulders, she turned her head towards the crowd and called out, "Finley! Finley! Come here and meet Linny!"
"Heh, Linny," Sheik muttered with a snort.
A Zora child slowly came over, looking up at Link with an expression that seemed a little...unimpressed. She stuck out a hand. "Pleasure to meet you, I'm Finley." Her voice did not match her stature at all, being that of an adult.
Link shook it, wondering if he was hallucinating. "H-Hi," he said lamely.
"Thank you for saving the domain," Finley said before turning to her mother. "May I go now? I have a letter I need to write."
"Of course, honey," Kodah said, smiling at her child as she walked away with a slight waddle to her gait. "Poor thing," she said once Finley was out of sight, "stuck in that awkward stage where her body hasn't grown, but her mind is that of an adult."
"How old is she?" Sheik asked.
Kodah blinked, surprised at being addressed by the slate, but recovered quickly. "Thirty," she said happily. "She'll hit her growth spurt soon enough."
"Another few months, I'm guessing."
"Sounds about right," Kodah said, nodding as she turned her attention back to Link, her grin growing as she shook Link slightly by the shoulders. "It's so good to see you again, Linny! I can't even describe it!"
"P-Please s-stop sh-shaking m-me," Link said helplessly.
"Just go with it, Linny," Sheik said.
Sidon found them soon after Kodah had gone to find her husband, with whom she ran the local inn. Apparently, she was quite keen on introducing Kayden to her childhood crush...for some reason. Link wasn't sure how to interpret that, and chose to simply ignore it until it happened. Denial was such a wonderful thing.
The cup of wine he'd managed to procure for himself was helping too. He didn't care much for the taste, but it put him somewhat at ease. Plus, it gave his hands something to do.
"Ah, Link, there you are!" Sidon said, striding over with a gaggle of Zora children in tow, having apparently been in the middle of entertaining them all. "Are you enjoying the celebration?"
Link nodded, smiling. He was actually enjoying it, even if the amount of people made him nervous. The wine was more effective as a social lubricant than he'd thought. Sheik was, despite his subdued state, infuriatingly smug about it.
"And you, Sheik?" Sidon said. "Have you recovered from your ordeal?"
"Fully recharged, Sharky," Sheik replied.
Sidon's stare was just a little longer than necessary. He must have noticed something was off about the slate too. "That is very good to hear. I trust, you too, are enjoying the celebration? Father spared no expense, claiming it was the first good thing to happen to the Domain in years!"
"It's a pretty good shindig," Sheik replied. "Linny's certainly being kept busy."
Sidon blinked. "Linny?" he asked.
Link wanted to sink into the ground.
Sheik quickly regaled the prince with the story, which had Sidon chuckling.
"Ah, that certainly explains why Kodah was so eager to see you, Link," he said with a grin. Behind him, the flock of multi-coloured Zora children were growing impatient, practically pressing themselves against Sidon's legs, staring at Link with curiosity and excitement. Sidon noticed, smiling widely. "But where are my manners?" he asked, pulling Link closer. "Link, some of the children were wondering if you would join them for a game of tag?"
"He certainly would!" Sheik replied with enthusiasm which had so far been lacking. "Right, Linny?"
Even if he hadn't been put on the spot by Sheik and the damn prince, Link wouldn't have been able to say no to the adorable, big-eyed piscine children, who'd joined his two other tormentors in a chorus of "Please!" and "Play with us, Mister Champion!"
When the adult Zora around them noticed the commotion, they too gave Link pleading looks, begging him to indulge them.
"H-How c-could I s-say n-no?" Link said, smiling back. He could handle this. Kids didn't expect much—they just wanted to have fun. He held up Sheik awkwardly. "Er..."
"You can leave Sheik with me in the meantime," Sidon volunteered, plucking the slate out of his hand, the other one gently pushing Link towards the kids, who immediately grabbed the Hylian's hands and dragged him away.
Sidon smiled at the sight of Link more or less being kidnapped by children who barely reached his waist. He was gone almost immediately, gone among the party guests.
"Alas, poor Hero," Sheik said. "Defeated by his one weakness: cute children."
"Aren't we all?" Sidon asked, leaning against the railing. He held the slate carefully in his large hands, like he was afraid of accidentally breaking it. "He looked uncomfortable, so I thought it would do him good to have a little fun."
"Good save," Sheik said.
Sidon's smile fell a little. "So, are you planning on telling either of us what is bothering you, Sheik?"
The screen dimmed. "I have no idea what you are talking about."
Sidon shook his head, slumping against the railing a little. "I will admit I have not known you very long, Sheik, but I can easily tell you are not being yourself," he said firmly. "And if I have noticed it, I can promise you that Link has noticed also...and you know how he worries."
"I'm fine—"
"You're not, and I want to help you," Sidon interrupted, holding the slate closer to his face and lowering his voice. "I can keep a secret, if you do not wish to tell Link."
"It really is nothing," Sheik said, sighing. "Nothing worth bothering you with, at any rate."
"So there is something," Sidon said triumphantly. "No matter is too small, Sheik. I am your friend, and I will gladly help you."
"Tch, friend," Sheik muttered. "Fine, you want to know so badly? I fucked up, all right? Inside Ruta."
Sidon nodded. "I see...what happened?"
Sheik quickly recounted what had happened when he'd been inserted into the command console. "...and I couldn't do anything," he finished. "Link was there, fighting for his life against this...this thing, and all I could do was watch...and it nearly killed him! Ran him through with its spear, and he said he was fine but he was bleeding and...and I could tell he couldn't move his arm. Without Mipha's healing...he could have been crippled, Sidon. Link could have been killed or crippled, and I was just...sitting there, watching." He chuckled bitterly. "Some companion I am, huh? What's even the point of me?"
Sidon listened patiently, but when Sheik said that he stroked a finger along the edge of the slate. "Sheik, please do not say that. You are an invaluable companion to Link, and not just for your ability to communicate with the Beasts and towers."
"He still relies on me to provide him with tactical suggestions and advice during fights," Sheik protested. "I wasn't even able to do that!"
"What could you have done, even?" Sidon asked.
"Shouted to him, called out the monster's weak points...but all I did was...watch."
"And how would shouting at him have helped?" Sidon said. "That would just force him to divide his attention between you and the monster—which he surely was already because he was worried. For all we know, it could have distracted him and gotten him even more hurt. Possibly even killed."
"I...maybe..." Sheik said uncertainly.
Sidon continued stroking the edge. "You were trapped, Sheik, and it wasn't your fault. There was no indication that something was different about that console, right?"
"Well, no, but the room was empty, and that should have tipped me off!"
"A million other things could have happened, a thousand different traps been laid," Sidon said. "If it weren't one, it would have been another. And how else would you have awakened the monster so Link could fight it in the first place? At some point, he would have had to plug you in it anyway, correct?"
"...yeah..."
"So, it was unavoidable," Sidon concluded, scratching his chin. "Therefore, not your fault."
"But—"
"And Link proved himself the monster's match, in the end," the prince continued mercilessly. "And Ruta was freed, my sister's spirit released...all in all, I would say it was all a success. And Link wouldn't have been able to do it without you and your support, Sheik."
"That's a cop-out, and you know it," Sheik said weakly. "Even without me, Link could work the slate and its functions, so all I am is just a...a stupid voice, yelling at him. Maybe I help him feel less alone, but that is literally all I can do." His screen dimmed considerably, and Sidon continued running his finger along the edge. "I just...I just wish I could do something more, you know? I don't want to see him get hurt ever again."
Sidon smiled gently. "Ah...I believe I understand now."
"What?"
"There's nothing wrong with it, Sheik," the prince said, echoing Sheik's earlier words to him.
"...it's fucked up is what it is, I'm just a voice!"
"And? It is unconventional, certainly, but just as valid," Sidon said. "I'd even say Link would feel the same, were you to ask him."
"...are you drunk?" Sheik asked. "Are you even listening to yourself? Besides, you were there firs—er..."
Sheik clammed up, and Sidon took a moment to ponder his words. "I don't have many memories of my sister," he said slowly. "She left me with more...feelings than anything else, but I do remember her telling me to always pursue happiness, wherever I found it. I assume it was after one of her arguments with father. It's one of the things I have taken to heart."
"Your point?"
"Sheik, can you show me your face now?"
The question clearly caught him off-guard. "Wh-What?!"
"You said before venturing into Vah Ruta, that you were...compiling data? That your...image wasn't finished yet?" Sidon spoke haltingly, unsure if he was using the correct terms. "Did you finish that process?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Sheik asked.
"Please answer the question."
Sheik was quiet for a long moment, allowing the silence to be filled by the ambient sounds of the celebration going on behind them. Sidon glanced back towards them just in time to see Link racing past, the flock of children on his heels, all shrieking happily. Their eyes met for a moment, and Link grinned happily and waved to him. Sidon returned it. And then the Hero was gone, still being pursued by half the kids in the Domain.
"...it's finished," Sheik finally said. "I finished it while I was recharging."
"Will you show it to me?" Sidon asked eagerly.
"Why are you so insistent on seeing my face?" Sheik asked gruffly, sounding embarrassed.
"Because I wish to see the face of one I have fallen for," Sidon replied smoothly.
Sidon waited patiently for Sheik to recover from that. He hadn't planned for the confession to go like this, but he couldn't stop himself anymore.
"...what?"
"I believe you heard me clearly," Sidon said. "But I can repeat it, if you wish. I wish to see—"
"I heard you!" Sheik shouted, drawing the attention of the nearby partygoers. Sidon gave them a reassuring smile and waited until they had turned away before looking at Sheik. "I just...I thought you...you liked Link—"
"Hence why I said one," Sidon said. "I believe you and I share similar feelings for our Champion...but I will gladly admit that you have ensnared my heart just as much."
"...why?" Sheik asked quietly. "There's nothing special about me...and I'm just a voice. I can't do anything...can't return anything." He sighed. "I get it...you don't have to say it just to cheer me up, I—"
"Can you feel this?" Sidon asked, touching the slate carefully.
Sheik's voice shuddered. "I...yes, I can feel that. My sensors register the touch and translate it so I can experience it—"
"Then you can probably feel this, too," Sidon said, lifting the slate to his face and placing a careful, closed-mouthed kiss on the slate's screen. "Please don't belittle my feelings for you, Sheik," the prince said. "They are very real, just like you are very real."
"I...you...what..."
Sidon was amused by the long string of spluttering sounds coming from the slate, waiting for Sheik to recover from the shock. It took a long time. Just when he seemed to compose himself, another string of aborted sentences and smothered expletives issued forth from the slate.
"Th-There's two of us!" Sheik finally shouted, apparently arriving at a conclusion Sidon hadn't anticipated, which only made the prince chuckle.
"I'm a prince," he said simply. "I can do whatever I wish."
"...you're the worst," Sheik muttered.
Sidon held the slate gingerly in both hands, looking down at the screen. "If you do not return my feelings, that is perfectly all right, Sheik. If you are not comfortable at the idea of possibly sharing—"
"I do!"
Once again Sidon had to assure the other Zora that all was well, glad that Link hadn't been near to hear it. The last thing he wanted was to mess this up. It was a fragile situation as it was.
"I do," Sheik repeated quietly. "And...I would not...be opposed to...you know...but what will Link—"
"We will speak with him about it," Sidon assured him. "Communication is key, after all."
"...how long have you been planning this, anyway?"
"That is a secret," the prince said coyly. "Now, back to my original question—may I see your face?"
"You're persistent, aren't you?"
"I was once swallowed by a giant Octorok," Sidon said, as if that was a natural thing to bring up in this context, "I only escaped thanks to my persistence."
"Oh, yeah, we read that story. What was it like—"
"Don't change the subject, please."
"...fine, you can see my face. Point me at the floor."
Sidon did so, unable to fight the thrill he felt as Sheik's projection began to appear.
"...gonna have to recharge again after this," Sheik grumbled as the image grew more and more visible. "And Link's not going to like me showing it to you first..."
"I am certain he will forgive us," Sidon said conspiratorially.
"Hmph, you say that now," Sheik said as he crossed his arms, tapping his foot impatiently. "Eugh, it always takes so long to load in new assets."
"I have nowhere else to be," Sidon lied, knowing he should have been mingling with the other guests, but he was more than happy to suffer the scolding from his father later as long as this moment with Sheik wasn't interrupted.
The image gave one final flash as it grew in vividness. The blue tint wasn't as strong as before. Was it another adjustment Sheik had made? The image—no, Sheik scratched his neck nervously, hands reaching for his mask.
"I...it's just an image," he said haltingly. "No idea if this is even what I look like..." Sidon only smiled encouragingly. "Eugh, fine..." In a fast, smooth movement he yanked the mask down, revealing...
"Oh," Sidon breathed, reaching out, chuckling in embarrassment when his hand passed through the image.
He couldn't help but compare Link and Sheik in his mind, aware it was probably very rude to them both. Where Link was handsome and cute in a very soft way, Sheik was sharper. More angular. His cheekbones could have cut glass, Sidon was sure. The stare of his red eyes was...intense, surely capable of reducing their targets to ashes if angered enough. His skin was a darker hue than Link's, almost golden in this light. His lips looked soft, surprisingly plump. He was chewing on the lower one nervously, waiting for Sidon to finish his appraisal.
"So...yeah...this is me," he said hesitantly. "Not much, I know—"
"Sheik, you are absolutely beautiful," Sidon said. "Do not believe otherwise."
"...thanks..."
Sidon had to wonder if Sheik purposefully made his image's cheeks redden in a blush, or if it was some sort of quirk the slate's functions that did it.
"My Prince, I—oh, my apologies." Muzu looked uncertainly between the two of them, eyes narrowing in confusion. "I did not mean to disturb you."
Sidon very much wanted to tell Muzu to go away, if only for the fact that his interruption had made Sheik pull his mask back up, hiding that lovely visage from him. That was unreasonable of him, though, so he gave the royal advisor an expectant look. "Muzu, this is Sheik—I believe you have already met."
"Mhm, indeed we have," Muzu said, nodding. Sidon tried not to grin when he thought of Sheik's nickname for the advisor. Pancake head indeed. He wondered if Link knew how to make pancakes... "A...pleasure, Master Sheik."
"Likewise," Sheik said.
"Was there something you wanted, Muzu?" Sidon asked.
"I was hoping to speak with the Champion," Muzu said, looking very awkward. "I...believe I have a lot to apologise for. Regardless of what happened a century ago, he came through for us this time. I should thank him for that."
"Damn right you should," Sheik said sharply.
"I believe he is playing tag with the hatchlings," Sidon said. "I am sure you can find him on your own—just listen for the shouts."
Clearly realising he was not entirely welcome in this company, Muzu nodded and turned to leave. "Then I shall search for him. Thank you, my prince. Master Sheik."
"Hmph, he always picks the worst times to show up," Sidon said. He felt guilty the moment he said it. Muzu had been loyal to his family since before he was born. The old man had his...habits and unfortunate opinions, but that was hardly enough to deserve such enmity. "I should apologise, later."
"Or not," Sheik said, arms still crossed. "Pancake Head could do with an attitude adjustment. Frankly, he should be begging for Link's forgiveness."
Sidon laughed. "Somehow, I do not think it will be very difficult for him to gain that. Link is very kind."
"Too kind," Sheik said. "I've tried to warn him about it, but it just won't sink in."
"But then he wouldn't be Link, would he?"
"...I suppose not."
"And he wouldn't be the man we fell in love with."
"Yea—hey wait a minute! That doesn't count—that wasn't fair!"
Sidon couldn't help but grin widely at his victory. "Let's go find him, shall we? We have much to discuss!"
"Wait, Sharky, I'm not ready!" The image flickered as the projection shut down, which was a little disappointing, but Sidon supposed it drained more power than it was worth when they were moving anyway.
"Nonsense, now come along!"
"Sharky!"
To Link's own amazement, he found himself enjoying the celebration a lot more than he thought he would. Sure, the crowds still made him nervous, but running around and playing with the kids seemed to alter their perception of the Champion. No longer was he either the Champion who'd failed a hundred years ago, or the Hero who just saved them all from disaster. He was just...a person, who was kind enough to take the time to entertain their children during a party that was, basically, to celebrate him and his success.
As a result, the Zora were less rigid when approaching him, which in turn made him feel a lot more at ease. He didn't even need any more wine than the one cup he'd had, which was, to him, a great relief.
By the time he'd managed to disentangle himself from the flock of Zora hatchlings (which seemed to increase exponentially in number for every time he looked away), it was near midnight, and the children were shooed away for their bedtimes, to their great disappointment (and Link's quiet relief—he'd severely underestimated their stamina).
He'd taken a moment to catch his breath and cool down, at which point he'd been more or less confronted by Bazz, the guard captain of the Domain. He'd demanded the secret password for their club, as proof of Link really being who he said he was. At first Link had had no idea what he was talking about, but after taking a moment to search through the fragments of disjointed memories he'd regained at Mipha's statue, of running with a group of Zora children, laughing and swimming, practicing with swords...and a single phrase had come to mind.
"Fluffy white clouds!" Bazz had recited. "Clear blue..."
"Z-Zora," Link had replied uncertainly.
That had been, more or less, the catalyst to Link being taken around and meeting with each and every single one of the Zora guard regiment, many of whom had also been in the club. Apparently, he'd taught quite a few of them how to handle swords, which just seemed unlikely to him, but he wasn't about to ruin their fun with his own self-doubts.
...and if he felt a little proud for helping Bazz reach the position of guard captain, who could blame him?
When Muzu came along and offered a quick, embarrassed (but sincere) apology for the way he'd treated him, Link's legs were feeling a little shaky. He'd accepted it, told Muzu there were no hard feelings, and then excused himself. He was just about ready to return to Sidon's chambers (he blushed, which he couldn't stop himself from doing every time he was reminded that he was, basically, sharing the prince's quarters) and sleep like a log...
...but there was something else he had to do before the night was over, he knew, and he excused himself from the gathering of the guards soon enough, promising to stop by the barracks and say goodbye before he left again, and headed for the throne room. That too was almost packed completely full of guests, but Dorephan, upon spotting Link entering, quickly clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.
"My honoured guests, I would like to confer with the Champion alone for a bit. I would appreciate it if you gave us some privacy," he said, voice booming through the room.
The guests quickly filed out of the room at the king's request, a few stopping to give their thanks to Link, which he liked to believe he accepted with grace...albeit slightly marred by the way he was wringing his hands. He should have come to the king right away, he knew, but he had been surprisingly tired after Vah Ruta, and then Sidon had come to him at the party, and then the children, and and and...
"Link, my boy, please come a little closer," Dorephan said, beckoning Link forward.
Given that he was already standing at the edge of the platform meant for audiences, that meant Link ended up standing right in front of the throne, at Dorephan's feet. It only served to illustrate how enormous the king was in comparison to most of his subjects. Would Sidon grow to such a size, if he lived long enough?
His thoughts were interrupted by one of Dorephan's massive hands suddenly resting lightly on top of Link's head, carefully ruffling his hair. It was...a paternal gesture, and one Link found his heart melting at immediately.
"Thank you, Link," Dorephan said with a smile that definitely confirmed him as Sidon's father in its honesty and broadness. "You have saved us all. I and my people cannot thank you enough—but rest assured we will do our best to repay this massive debt to you."
"I h-had h-help," Link said, smiling up at the king. He could easily see how he could have considered the king a second father, growing up here. "Sh-Sheik and S-Sidon...I c-couldn't have d-done it w-without th-them."
"And their parts will also be celebrated, have no doubts," Dorephan said, nodding. "But forgive a father for wanting to focus a moment on the son he had thought lost."
Link felt his chest warming at that. He'd forgotten that part...
"And...I hope you will forgive me for asking, but...did you see Mipha?"
Link nodded, and shared with the king his last words with Mipha, and their parting. Dorephan listened with rapt attention, and towards the end his smile was tinged with sadness.
"I see..." the king said, leaning back in his throne, contemplating what he'd been told. "Thank you for telling me, Link," he said after a little while. "It fills me with grief to know my daughter has been trapped all this time inside that metal Beast, but it brings me relief to know she is now free...and more than prepared to strike back at the creature who trapped her in the first place. Ganon will find her a fearsome opponent, I have no doubt. She is already making preparations, even."
Link cocked his head to the side, confused.
"My scouts report that Vah Ruta has scaled a nearby mountain top, its head pointed towards the ruins of Hyrule Castle. Surely Mipha is planning something, though I know not what." Dorephan chuckled. "She always liked to keep us all guessing, didn't she?"
Link nodded. "Sh-She c-certainly caught m-me by s-surprise."
Dorephan laughed. "I have no doubt of that, my boy." As he wound down, he looked Link up and down, still smiling. "Words cannot properly convey the joy I feel at seeing you again, Link...nor the sadness I feel knowing you must depart again soon. After all, the rest of the Beasts won't free themselves...and Ganon will not simply roll over and let you stab its heart without a fight."
"N-No," Link said in agreement. "It w-will n-not."
"Rest assured, however, that you are not alone in this fight," Dorephan said, leaning forward to stroke Link's head again. "My soldiers will cleanse the Domain of Ganon's creatures and foul presence, and once the other Beasts have been freed, we will march on Hyrule Castle. We cannot do much against Ganon itself, but we will certainly do our best to provide a distraction while you enter the creature's lair."
Link shook his head. The last thing he wanted was for the Zora to put themselves at risk like that, but Dorephan silenced him with a look.
"I have given the matter some thought, Link, and I will not have it said about me that I simply sat back and watched as the last Champion risked his life by single-handedly challenging the Calamity. You have my support, son, whether you want it or not. Sidon will agree, I am sure."
He probably will, the big lug, Link thought. I'm almost surprised he hasn't already packed his bags and insisted on coming along for the rest of the quest.
If Sidon did that, Link imagined it would be a hell of a time trying to convince him otherwise.
"And I would also like to add, and this goes without saying but I still feel it should be, that you will always be welcome here," Dorephan finished. "This was home to you once, Link, and I would very much like for it to be that again."
This is really bad for my image, Link thought as his eyes grew wet once more, and he nodded gratefully to the king. He hadn't really given the matter a lot of thought until now, but he...didn't really have a home in Hyrule, did he? Not anymore, at least. Perhaps he'd lived in city below Hyrule Castle, at some point, but he could not remember it, or his Hylian family. All he had were the Zora, and their king had just offered him a home with them. It was a little too much, and he rubbed at his eyes in embarrassment.
"Th-Thank you, your g-grace," he said.
"No, thank you, Link," Dorephan said warmly. "For returning to us."
It had been a long day, and while Mipha's healing had done wonders for both his wounds, his aches, and his energy, it was all catching up with him now, especially with the wine he'd had...which was why a question occurred to him, and he found it impossible not to ask—because he was curious, damn it, and who else but Dorephan (or the other Zora) would know?
"D-Did I a-always s-stutter?" he asked.
Dorephan looked confused for a moment, before nodding. "Yes," he said. "The stutter has always been with you, Link. You found it very embarrassing as a child, which meant you didn't speak much at all. It was a rare thing for you to speak more than a few sentences in an entire day, as I recall."
That was...Link wasn't sure if he liked the answer or not. If he'd stuttered before, that meant it wasn't a side-effect of the Shrine of Resurrection's healing him, which meant there was likely very little to do about it...but at the same time, it meant that he had retained one of the things that made him Link in the past...and he was desperate to regain that.
"Of course, the refusal to speak cultivated your image as a strong, silent warrior," Dorephan said with some amusement, "and I do believe it earned you a great deal of admirers from all corners of Hyrule. Princess Zelda once told me you had to run away on horseback from an entire group of fans who'd ambushed you in Castle Town."
That...was worrying. Link highly doubted that was the reason he'd stayed silent.
"The entire thing irked the princess a great deal, especially when you would not speak much to her, either. Then again, your relationship with her had a very rocky start."
"Oh?" Link asked, looking up at the king, not even realising he'd sat down on the floor, legs crossed. He felt like a child. And it wasn't...a bad feeling, and he wanted to indulge in it for a little while, at least.
"I do not know the details, of course, but the princess was—is—a...headstrong person," Dorephan said, seemingly far away in his mind. "She was not happy when you were assigned to protect her—she didn't need a bodyguard, she could look after herself."
That wasn't very encouraging. Had he and the princess been at odds the whole time?
"She warmed up to you after a while, of course, especially after something had happened in the Gerudo Desert. I have no idea what that event was, but your bond was certainly a lot stronger afterwards. I daresay you were inseparable, in the end."
"A-And th-then G-Ganon..."
"Yes," Dorephan said sadly. "But if King Rhoam was right, then she can still be saved. I only pray it is not too late, like it was for Mipha." He sighed, looking down at Link. "A monumental burden rests on your shoulders, my boy, and I do not envy you it one bit. All I can offer is my support, which I hope you will take every advantage of. I have utter faith in you, as do my people."
"And their prince!" Sidon announced, stepping out from behind a pillar. So much for his promise not to eavesdrop, Link thought, unable to bring himself to anger over it. Really, seeing the prince only made his heart skip a beat...and that was how he knew the time for denial was over. Not that he'd ever act on it, but what was the point in exhausting himself by denying its existence.
He liked Sidon. More than he should, really, but there it was.
"Hmph," Dorephan grumbled, "I thought I taught you good manners, Sidon. It is rude to listen in on the private conversations of others."
"I apologise for my rudeness, father, but not for actually hearing what you were speaking about," Sidon said, grinning and sitting down next to Link, towering over him. Sheik's screen shone brightly from his place on Sidon's belt, the Sheikah oddly quiet. "And I must affirm our dedication to support Link on his quest. You may call on me any time! In fact, I was wondering if you would accept another companion on your—"
Link threw Dorephan a look of pure panic.
"Sidon, I will be requiring your help in scouring the Domain and uprooting Ganon's influence," Dorephan interrupted quickly, seeing Link's signal. "I'm afraid you will have to stay here for the time being...but Link is, of course, encouraged to visit."
"But father—"Sidon began, but the king stamped his foot.
"My decision is final!" the king boomed.
"Listen to your father, Sharky," Sheik said.
Yes, please do, Link thought. I don't know what I'd do if you got hurt because of me. It's bad enough that I put Sheik at risk.
Sidon gave Link a helpless look, to which the Hylian could only give a shrug. Who was he to go against the word of a king, after all?
"Oh well, the prince said with a pout, "it was worth a shot."
"Consider it a blessing, Sharky," Sheik said, sounding more chipper than he had before. Link hoped Sidon had managed to, for the lack of a better word, cheer Sheik up. "I don't think you'd have done well in the Gerudo Desert, which we have to visit. All that sun, heat, no water...you'd be miserable."
"You make an excellent point, Sheik," Sidon said, nodding sagely. "Thank you for taking that into consideration."
What the hell is going on between those two? Link wondered, raising an eyebrow at them. Sheik's screen simply blinked on and off, and Sidon gave him a wink. Something was definitely up, and Link wasn't sure if he wanted to know. At least Sheik was feeling better—that alone was worth the weirdness of it all.
Dorephan didn't seem to understand much either, but he took it in stride and decided to resume the celebration, at which point the guests and servants with more food and drink quickly poured back into the throne room.
If nothing else, the Zora knew how to throw a party.
The doors slamming shut behind them felt like a cue, and Link felt his shoulders slump with exhaustion as let his (admittedly poor) Hero's posture fall. Here, in Sidon's chambers, he was safe from the world, if only for a little bit. He'd offered to sleep at the inn, braving Kodah's enthusiastic reminiscing about their childhood, but Sidon had insisted he spend the night, once more, in his bed.
"What's the point in moving all your gear out when you're leaving soon anyway?" the prince had asked cheerfully, more or less pushing Link towards the chambers. Sheik had been no help whatsoever, choosing instead to engage Sidon in conversation about the giant Octorok...which, Link had to admit, was an exciting tale.
So there he was, once more in the prince's bedchambers, feeling awkward. Was it proper etiquette to just dive into the bed, which his body more or less demanded that he did, and enjoy the way the mattress would bulge and wobble beneath him...or was he supposed to wait for the prince's go-ahead? Once more it struck him how strange it was for Sidon to have a bed in the first place, since most Zora apparently slept in water, only their heads above it.
"Wh-Why d-do you have a b-bed?" he found himself asking without really thinking, and immediately felt like an idiot.
"Hm?" Sidon asked. "Oh—that is mostly for the sake of visitors...though I will admit that I occasionally sleep in it myself, especially if I have been injured in some way, and the wound should be kept dry and clean."
"Bit strange for a prince to host guests in his bedroom, isn't it?" Sheik drawled. "Unless they're special guests, huh?"
"No comment," Sidon said, looking bothered as he sat on the edge of the bed, holding the slate in his hands. "And I thought you promised to behave?"
"No comment," Sheik echoed, causing the prince to grin.
"I suddenly understand why Link sometimes has the urge to leave you in a field."
"Wait, what?!" Sheik sputtered. "Link, is that true?!"
"A-Are you s-surprised?" Link asked cheekily, sitting beside Sidon and looking at the slate. He tried not to pay too much attention to how close he was to the prince. So close he felt the heat radiating off Sidon.
"Traitor!"
"I'm certain he was joking, Sheik," Sidon assured him. "For the most part, at least."
"I hate you both so much!"
"Now, now, you know that is not true, Sheik," Sidon said. "In fact, it's quite the opposite, isn't it?"
"I...er...no comment!"
"So shy, isn't he?" Sidon asked Link, placing the slate in Link's hands.
Link wanted to say "No", that shy was the last word he'd ever use to describe Sheik...but then, Sheik was usually very loud about impersonal things. When speaking of more...intimate matters, like when he volunteered his voice-imitating function to act as Link's voice for him, he had always been...well, if not directly shy, then somewhat hesitant.
...and what did Sidon mean, quite the opposite?
"Answer that question, Link, and I will never be your alarm clock again," Sheik threatened, which had the Hero chuckling and stroking the edge of the slate.
"I-I'm j-just glad y-you're okay again, Sh-Sheik," he said.
"I...I have no idea what you're—"
"Oh, c-come off it," Link interrupted. "Y-You were a-acting all s-strange a-after Ruta."
"He felt guilty for being unable to assist you in the fight against Ganon's creature," Sidon said. "The fact that you got hurt has been at the forefront of his mind the entire time, and he couldn't let it go. He never wants to see you hurt again."
Link looked down at the slate. The screen was almost completely dark now. "I-Is th-that t-true?" he asked.
"...yeah," Sheik admitted eventually. "So what? What of it? I'm not allowed to be worried about you?"
"O-Of c-course you a-are," Link assured him.
"He can feel that, you know," Sidon said, gesturing to Link's thumb, which was continually petting the edge of the slate. "He told me."
"Shh!" Sheik hissed.
"He likes it."
"Shut it, Sharky!"
Link grinned a little and ran the tip of two fingers along the edge of the screen, almost laughing when Sheik made a sound that could, with some liberal application of imagination, be interpreted as a purr. Almost like a cat. He did it again.
"Link, I swear..." Sheik warned.
Link didn't stop. He'd wondered how he could show Sheik some affection as thanks for all his help, and now Sidon had revealed he'd been on the right track the entire time. He wasn't sure how Sheik was able to feel what he was doing (or even what it felt like), but he certainly enjoyed the reactions he got from his companion.
"I do believe you have lost the battle, Sheik," Sidon as crawled further onto the bed, making himself more comfortable. Link felt himself rise and fall as the mattress adjusted to the sudden shift in weight. "Give in."
"I haven't lost a damned thing, Shark-face," Sheik muttered. The words would have been harsher had there not been an immensely pleased undertone to them. It was, in Link's tired mind, cute. Very much so. "You give in, if you're so eager."
"Don't mind if I do."
Link barely had time to register the prince's words before he found himself picked up, carried through the air, and then deposited, in a manner very reminiscent of earlier that morning, once more in Sidon's lap. And this time the prince drew him closer, until his back was definitely resting against those solid muscles. Then Link felt Sidon's fingers deftly undoing the clumsy ponytail he'd gathered his hair in for the evening (the hair sticks from the Sheikah had proven frustratingly difficult to work in due to his nerves).
"U-Um..." he said, not really able (or willing, to be honest) to move. "S-Sidon...?"
"Just make yourself comfortable, Link, I will be done in a minute," Sidon said happily, letting Link's tresses fall free, running his hands through them. "So soft...are all Hylians' hair like this?"
"I...I..."
"Smooth move, Sharky, you made him crash."
"Crash?" Sidon asked. "I do not understand..."
"Look at him!"
"Oh...my apologies, Link, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable." He made to lift Link out of his lap, making a confused noise when Link's hands were suddenly on his thighs.
"Th-This is...f-fine," Link said, quite amazed that his tongue was even functioning at this point. His face must have looked like a tomato at this point, ready to burst. He was honestly quite surprised by the lack of mocking from Sheik, who seemed content to just...watch?
"Ah, glad to hear it," Sidon said with a chuckle. "Do let me know if you want me to stop, though."
"S-Sure..."
The way Sidon talked, he made it sound like they were doing something else entirely. The worst part was that Link was slightly sad they weren't...which was a set of thoughts he immediately banished to the very darkest recesses of his mind, where they belonged. Some friend he was, fantasising about Sidon like that. He was just being nice to a fault, which seemed to be the prince's default setting. He still wasn't able to suppress a purr of his own when Sidon's fingers began to gently massage his scalp, which felt so much better than it had any right to do.
"That's better," Sheik commented. "Good job."
"Thank you," Sidon said.
...was that a compliment? From Sheik? To someone else? Was the world tipping over, the oceans drying up and the deserts drowning? He was about to ask something to that effect when Sidon's weight leaned a little forward, his arms wrapping around Link in a secure embrace. The prince's chin came to rest on his shoulder, his breath ghosting over Link's cheek.
"I've been trying to plan how to go about this for hours now," Sidon said in a low voice, his chest vibrating against Link's back. "But no matter what, I find it...lacking. The words simply do not properly convey my intent. I never was particularly poetic, but then I realised that you, Link, are a person who appreciates action more than words. Am I wrong?"
Shivering at the way Sidon's breath tickled his ear, Link needed a moment to collect himself. "Ah...n-no, y-you're not w-wrong."
Given how difficult he found it to speak in the first place, he was definitely fonder of physical expression than anything else. What Sidon was getting at, however, he wasn't sure...
He felt the slate being plucked out of his grip, while Sidon's other hand gently pushed at Link's chin, turning his head so he was looking back at the prince, whose eyes were filled with nothing but...he wasn't sure what it was.
"S-Sidon...I—"
He wasn't able to say anything else, as the prince's lips were suddenly pressed against his. It wasn't forceful or demanding—just careful, curious. A mere peck. Then Sidon drew back, looking at Link with searching eyes, hopeful.
It was like a dam had burst. All his attempts to hold back were batted aside, and Link leaned forward, kissing Sidon with more insistence. The prince made a happy noise, pulling Link closer and deepening the kiss, a hand coming to rest at the nape of his neck, a nail scratching at the sensitive skin there with just the right amount of force to feel pleasurable. Link whined a little, embarrassing himself. Only when they were running out of air did they part, the Hylian and the Zora staring deep into each other's eyes, identical idiot grins on their mouths.
"Aw, how cute," Sheik said, his voice somewhere between mocking and disgusted. "Someone get me a bucket."
Link turned around, ready to give Sheik an earful, gasping when he found his vision filled with Sheik's face instead. His body gave a jump, but Sidon held him in place, laughing.
"Sheesh, and here I thought my face wasn't that bad," Sheik said, frowning.
...wait, frowning?
Link's eyes widened. The mask that had veiled Sheik's face was gone, replaced with the visage of a young man who was...gorgeous. Link had no other word for it. It was exactly the way he'd (secretly, shamefully) imagined his companion to look like beneath it all.
Sheik's projection, which was sitting cross-legged on the bed in front of them, looked at Sidon doubtfully. "I don't think this was a good idea," he said, chewing on his bottom lip. "Maybe I should—"
"Sheik, please, just give him a minute," Sidon said.
"Sh-Sheik," Link said, reaching out to touch the image. His hand passed through it, of course, so he pulled back a little, letting his fingers trace the air around the contours. "Pretty." How that word slipped out past his rebellious tongue was a mystery.
"Pretty?!" Sheik snorted. "If anyone here's pretty, it's you. I'm handsome!"
"W-Wait," Link said, confused. "Wh-What is g-going on?"
Sheik's mouth opened and closed several times, a definite red hue coming to the dark skin of his cheeks. "I...er...that is...Sharky, you tell him!" he finally managed to stutter, looking away.
Sidon cleared his throat. "Link, we—that is, Sheik and I—reached something of a revelation earlier tonight, when you were playing with the children. We both came to realise that we care for you—and each other—in a manner that is not quite befitting a friendship. Nay, it is in fact, something far deeper. True, we have not known each other long, but I feel a connection with each of you that is much stronger than any other. We were hoping that, perhaps, you felt the same?"
Link tried to digest the words Sidon had, more or less, dumped on him. The prince's speech was probably meant to be given in an even and calm manner, but the prince's nerves were apparently giving out, his face glowing a vivid red and mouth moving faster than he meant it to, slurring a few words here and there. Link certainly understood the gist of it, however, and the revelation made his heart beat wildly in his chest.
They were...with him? And...each other?
Granted, he'd known about Sheik's interest (and his own, for that matter), but Sidon's own had eluded him entirely...though that was to be expected—he'd never known Mipha's interest either, until she'd proposed. Was he that blind? But was...was Sheik...
"Y-You're...?" he asked, pointing between himself and Sheik, unable to even summon the words to his mind, much less speak them. He half-expected Sheik to shriek with laughter and announce it all as a prank, but when the Sheikah just refused to meet his eyes and muttered something unintelligible... "P-Pardon?" he asked.
"I said," Sheik said with an exaggerated sigh, sounding annoyed, "How could I not? You've been nothing but kind to me since we met, even when I berated and mocked you. You listen to me, you respect me, you worry about me...you treat me like I'm a person, and not just a voice. And I realise how fucking pathetic it is of me to feel this way about you, a real person, and him, a fucking shark-prince, but there we are! The cherry on top of this utter mountain of ridiculousness!"
"Shh, Sheik," Sidon said soothingly, reaching over to pat the slate, which was on the nightstand. "You're doing wonderfully. I have tried to reassure him there is nothing weird about it, but he will not listen," he told Link with a sad grin.
"It is weird," Sheik insisted. "Only you are so nauseatingly nice you won't even acknowledge it."
"I will concede that it is unconventional, but not weird," Sidon said with a sniff. He looked down at the Hylian in his lap, grinning hopefully. "So, Link, I hope we have not scared you away. What do you say? Will you be with us?"
There was only one answer to that. Link hadn't imagined in his wildest dreams that something like this would happen when he left the Plateau and embarked on his quest...but then, what had he expected? He'd learned early on that planning too far ahead or imagining how things would turn out had a negative effect on him, which was why he tried to take everything one day at a time. And that had led him to this moment...and he found himself absolutely at peace with it. Eager, even. There were no one else he trusted more than the ones currently with him...and he'd be a liar if he said Sheik's voice had only been the gateway to an infatuation with his companion, which he'd assumed would only ever be fulfilled in his dreams, a shameful fantasy he firmly locked away in the morning, when the real Sheik woke him up.
And Sidon...well, it was impossible not to harbour a crush on him, wasn't it? Who else had given him such unconditional support from the moment they'd met, encouraged him and believed in him the entire time? Never mind that the prince was a beautiful creature in looks alone, his words alone had Link on the hook from the moment they'd met, and the Hylian had finally allowed himself to be pulled out.
...that metaphor did not work nearly as well as Link had hoped, but the sentiment was there.
And that was why he could only look between his two precious people, and nod, smiling widely when both of them looked ecstatic.
Link turned his attention to Sheik. For a moment, he felt unsure if he should be looking at the slate or the projection, but figured the image was the best bet since Sheik had worked so hard on it.
"Y-You are a r-real p-person, Sheik," he said firmly (or as firmly as he could be, all things considered. Sidon's hands were making it rather difficult to focus, on account of their suddenly eager exploration. "A-And th-there is n-nothing weird a-about th-this. I c-care about y-you—I h-have s-since we m-met." He blushed a little brighter at the next bit. "A-And I've...d-dreamed a-about y-you..."
"You have?" Sheik asked, surprised. His image leaned forward, almost crawling into Link's lap. He looked mindful of this for a moment, before shrugging and actually doing it, making his image straddle Link's legs. It was odd, not actually feeling the weight of him, but Link found himself excited nonetheless. "What sort of dreams?" Sheik asked.
"Yes, what kind of dreams?" asked Sidon eagerly.
Link barely made it halfway through the first description before his voice died in an embarrassed whine, to their amusement. Sidon kissed him again, and he kissed Sidon back, growing bolder as he took his turn to explore the Zora. Things...escalated from there.
It had been a long day for Link, and a long night...but he didn't mind that it dragged on just a little longer.
I'm OT3 trash. Please put me out on the curb to be collected on garbage day.