Hello, I don't know where else to put this information, so here you go.
I've realised that this is going to be a slow-burn and a friends to lovers story. It evolved on its own, I swear.
Enjoy!
Link had taken Epona that same afternoon and rode back home, without Zelda just a few glances were given to him, he had lost importance.
He let Epona make the trip back to Ordon - he was exhausted - and slept while riding. Near dawn, two days later, he arrived to the bridge; he had given a look at Coro's hut, but nothing stroke him as odd and he could feel the tension leaving his body.
He left Epona to freshen up at the spring and walked to his house, it was still too early for anybody to be out, and as he looked towards the village from his house, he left out a breath he had been holding since leaving Ordon. He could feel the tears gathering.
He was home.
His house was as he left it, and he appreciated everyone's respect as he dusted and tidied. The drawings he had made - back when all he was and all he was ever going to be was a farm hand - stood on his desk, and he touched them with sadness. He could hear Midna's laugh in his ear.
He was different than the man who had left.
When he went towards the village - a couple of hours later - Talo was the first to see him. It seemed as if he had made it his duty to be the lookout, just as he had done back in Kakariko. Talo waved and shouted his name, and soon everyone near him was getting out of their homes to greet him.
Link smiled and could feel tears falling. Everyone noticed, because the hugs were longer, the smiles more watery, the welcome homes more stronger. Zelda had been right, he would have regretted not coming back.
As the adults returned to their activities, all with promises of a welcome home feast, Link was left with Talo and Malo, who had rushed to his side as soon as he heard his brother shout. Link was laughing in relief, everyone was crying in happiness. Talo left his post as lookout with such easiness he was surprised; Link's power, he mussed.
They made their way to Colin's house, and people waved from their houses, everyone had heard the news from their neighbors. Beth rushed towards them and Link caught her in his arms, her laugh clear and pure. Colin and Illia caught sight of him at the same time, and by the time they were within arms reach, Mayor Bo and Rusl too, were smiling from their doors.
Link was a snotty mess by the time they finished hugging, Illia patted his arm and Colin lent him a handkerchief; Bo was right behind him and gave him a bone-crushing hug, they escorted him then to Rusl's house, where the man in question stood still, the door slightly open.
"Hi," Link wiped his eyes with his arm, and Rusl brought him to his chest. Link hid his face on his neck and exhaled. Farore, he felt tired.
"Link, dear, come here."
The house was warm and the fire painted everything with a soft light. Uli was sitting on a big chair, looking comfortable even though she was heavily pregnant. As soon as he saw her, Link could only gasp for air.
"Come on, sweetie, come here."
And he did. He kneeled before her, and when Uli patted his head he let his arms snake around her, and squeezed. He wanted to cry and shout about the injustices he had suffered, about the way he felt a sham, and a weakling, about how he knew he was no longer the man they had known, that they loved.
"I'm glad you're here."
But am I?, he worried. He wanted to howl in pain, run away till his legs would give out, till he couldn't feel anymore. And this woman here, the woman who had raised him, didn't need such burdens placed upon her.
He nodded, unsure his voice wouldn't crack, and Uli caressed him, wiped his tears, played with his hair and soothed him.
He was not fine.
He was...
He was...
Rusl gave them space and motioned for everyone to step outside. Colin grabbed his hand and looked worried.
"Is Link all right?"
Rusl didn't say anything, but squeezed Colin's hand harder.
"He-"
"We will do everything we can to help him, right?
Rusl looked hopeful, and Colin closed his mouth.
That hadn't been an answer.