Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Link had destroyed Ganondorf and returned Zelda to her Hylian form 5 months ago.

And all things considered, things have gone very well since then.

Lookout Landing had developed into Lookout Town, a thriving community that was home to any and every species of Hyrule. As soon as Zelda had heard of the Zonai research team, she was more than enthusiastic to get involved and educate them on the complex history of Hyrule, (as she had seen it firsthand).
A statue of Rauru and Sonia has since been developed and now stood proudly in Lookout Town’s center.

The castle was, once again, going to go under construction, but Zelda decided it should be left be and serve as more a historical sight than a functioning building. She didn’t love the memories that being in the castle brought her. She hadn’t lived there in years anyways, their house in Hateno was her home now.

Teams were starting to research the sky islands, and what was a ruin of a forgotten city was turning into another functioning section of Hyrule as some even set to live up there. Additionally, the mass abundance of sundilions that were native there were swiftly produced into different cures for those who had fallen ill from the gloom.
-Some who were thought to be on the brink of death were now debatably even healthier than before.

On top of that the return of the sages and the now close bond between species has set a new era in Hyrule -an era built on peace.

Seeing the sages and Link together succeed in saving Hyrule one last time made Zelda grieve a little easier on how the past champions had fallen. It finally gave her hope that truly not all was lost after what had happened.

All in all, things really couldn’t be better.

At least… outwardly.

Starting damage control on Hyrule was one thing, damage control on the very much traumatized hero and princesses' mental health was another.

Truth be told Link was battling some separation anxiety.

(And like, after the past 126 years, it was pretty warranted.)

The knight had always followed Zelda around like a duckling, ever since being assigned to her side. But they had both grown to be more independent after the calamity, occasionally spending days or weeks away from each other on their own ventures. After the upheaval however, they were back to square one. Not even square one- square negative three. There was hardly a moment where he was not at her side, which although sounds sweet but had honestly gotten to a point that Zelda thought was…. concerning.
As the pair traveled together Link hardly let her leave his sight, only really being apart when one of them was in the washroom, even then he was never too far away in case of an emergency. (Zelda had gently reassured him that if there was any kind of “washroom emergency”, it would most likely not be the kind she would want outside help with. He softly disagreed saying there was no problem he couldn’t help fix, and they ended up dropping the subject.)

Link also hardly slept, spending the nights sitting by or in Zelda’s bed either watching her sleep or simply staring blankly into the distance, bringing his hand up to feel her pulse now and then.
She noticed this about 2 weeks into it, she woke up one night to his face about five inches away from hers, and in a panic, she yelped and punched him in the nose.

After that, she had gotten more used to it.
I mean, she would insist he get some rest as well, but once she quickly realized there was no use in protesting, she let him do what he wanted. She would attempt on comforting him throughout the night however, the two were no strangers to physical contact with each other and she did her best to try and calm him to the point of sleeping. It worked about half the time, if not for him than for herself.
And I mean, the behavior was only vaguely creepy, and not that odd considering Link's other mannerisms and habits. In addition to that she knew Link had never quite had a normal sleeping habit. She first noticed while observing him during the calamity that he could seemingly go days at a time without sleep. Even when they were living together after the calamity he would sometimes spend all night working on a task only to act the next day as if he had gotten 9 hours of sleep.
So, she didn’t worry too much about it.

Then she noticed his change in eating.

One of the first things Zelda ever found out about Link was that he could never resist a good meal. The man was quite the skilled chef as well and regularly cooked gourmet dishes. Not only did he love good food however, but he also just ate a lot no matter the quality. She had seen him on multiple occasions eating rocks, bugs, and raw meat, he even told her a story of how he had once eaten one of King Dorephan’s scales that he has gifted him for a quest, purely out of curiosity. (She later asked Purah to look into creating a device that could pump someone’s stomach.) -The guy just loved eating.
Which is why it was so concerning he wasn’t.
It’s not that he stopped entirely, but more frequently she noticed him skipping meals or picking at his food as opposed to eating it. He still cooked, but he would usually just serve it to Zelda and watch her eat.
Once again, not a super weird thing for Link to do considering it was….Link.
But it was also food we were talking about here.

Once she was sure it was a definite pattern, she brought it up to him. But he had quickly dismissed it saying he just wasn’t feeling hungry recently. It was increasingly obvious to her that Link was struggling. She knew she had to do something- but she couldn’t figure out what.

That was until…. the Lookout Tower incident.

It was about a week ago, Link and Zelda were at Purah’s lab, she had made some upgrades to her Skyview Towers and was excited to show them the ropes of how to use them.

They walked out onto the wooden deck in front of Lookout Town Tower, and Purah excitedly rushed them both inside. She explained how she could update the Purah Pads so that they could send direct messages to one another, using the towers at a type of satellite. She just needed to connect Zelda and Link’s pad for the update.

Much like Link’s first time in the tower, large robotic arms suddenly sprang up from the floorboards, grabbing Zelda without warning. One grabbed her arm and the other went for the pad on her hip, but before any of them could get any further than that panic struck Link’s face and he pulled the Master Sword from behind his back before violently dismembering the mechanical arms.

The machinery fell to the floor, zapping and twitching, as Link continued to frantically stab the poor lifeless metal.

Purah and Zelda watched in a mixture of horror, shock, and concern as their friend went absolute keese-shit on the definitely dead robot arms.

Now being a scholar at heart, (as well as having gone through a plethora of childhood trauma), Zelda had read a handful of psychology books after the calamity and knew the ins and outs of mental health. (Not that she needed a medical degree to know this guy was going through some shit).

But the princess decided that the best way to get Link out of his funk was some classic systematic desensitization, a form of therapy that involves gradually exposing someone to their source of fear in a controlled environment.

She had her plan laid out. She just needed to choose a place for Link to go. Somewhere she could make him stay a while without her there, without being alone. Somewhere he would be able to receive emotional reassurance throughout his stay…

The choice was obvious.

Chapter Text

‘Do you know what activities Sidon had planned during our stay?’

Link signed one-handed, his other on the reigns of Epona.
The pair rode horseback to Zora’s domain, they were almost there just about to reach the Great Zora Bridge around the mountain bend. There were two guarded knights behind them on horseback as well, classic knights' armor adorned.
“I can’t say I’m sure, though I’m positive he has something planned! He’s quite the active event planner.”

Zelda told him that she had made arrangements to visit Zora’s Domaine and that Sidon had taken time out of his royal duties for catching up. She was worried Link would be suspicious, considering that they visit often enough that there would be no need for catching up, but it didn’t take much convincing to get him to see the Zora. He always loved visiting them, and she hoped that being with Sidon would soften the blow that Zelda would not be accompanying him on this visit. If not then Zelda knew that Sidon was also one of the only people in Hyrule that would be hypothetically able to hold Link down from following Zelda back home.

The princess had also alerted Sidon and Yona of her plan beforehand, and as they cared about the knight just as much as she does they were more than on board.

They rode across the elegant cerulean bridge, the midday sunlight dancing on the shiny stone floor.
As they neared the end of the bridge and the entrance to the domain, they saw both Sidon and Yona waiting at the entrance, waving excitedly.

Link jumped off Epona and ran to Sidon’s arms, where he swung him around in a tight hug, laughing happily.

Zelda also hopped off and joined the group, hugging both Yona and then Sidon once he had finally put Link down. Link also went over and gave the tall green Zora a kiss on the hand, to which she laughed and pulled him in for a hug as well.

“Oh, how it’s good to see both of you! I’ve missed you two dearly!”
Sidon gushed, once again bending down to tightly embrace Link. Sidon was a very touchy Zora, and could most likely break the small Hylian's bodies with his crushingly tight hugs.

“I do hope you hadn’t any trouble on your journey! Those paths can get dangerous this time of year.” Yona gushed, checking the two for any signs of injury.

“The ride was perfectly smooth, those new light posts you had installed along the path worked tremendously in guiding us! And the absolutely gorgeous carvings along the side of them- I must’ve made us stop twenty times just to admire it!”

As the ladies were talking, Sidon and Link had begun slightly play-wrestling beside them, as they frequently did.

“Oh, I’m so glad! I hope your trip home today is just as delightful- there’s supposed to be a spot of rain soon.”

Sidon and Link stopped, Links face confused but Sidon’s and Zelda’s eyes widen.
‘We’re leaving today?’ Link signed looking at Zelda.
She looked between the three of them, Yona suddenly realizing her mistake, her facial expression now the same as Sidon’s.
Yona spoke up again.
“I-ah, I mean-“
Zelda stopped her, before taking both of Link's hands in hers and looking at him as if she was about to tell him detrimental news. Which to Link, she was.

“Link? You’re going to spend a few days with Sidon, while I’m going to go back to the castle to help Purah and Robbie with some studies, alright?”

She let go of his hands, so he could sign.
Instead he just looked between the three of them, his eyes narrowed.

‘You were all in on this. You schemed. You schemed against me.’

“No no! No scheming! Just-ah-“
Yona fumbled, suddenly feeling responsible for the sudden confrontation.

Zelda cut her off,
“Link, do understand that it is not that I wish to be away from you, but I believe some recreational time apart would be beneficial to your mental health! Both of ours. You do not need to protect me anymore.”

‘What if something happens- nobody expected the upheaval. I can’t- I shouldn’t risk it.’

The zora stepped back a bit, giving the two a little room.

“You need to let yourself relax. It’s just for a few days, I’ll have all of Hyrule’s army by my side, and here-“
Zelda handed him the electronic pad on her waist.
“Just message Purah if anything happens, and I’ll message you if anything happens. It’s a fool proof plan, really.”

Link took the pad, eyes squinting accusingly at Zelda as if he didn’t fully believe her.

‘Nope. Too dangerous. I’m afraid i’m putting my foot down.’

There was a moment of silence while the three exchanged glances.

…

“Come again soon, princess! We will be glad to host you another time.” Yona sang.

“Ah yes, and safe travels!”

“God fucking-“
Link huffed out from where he was slung over Sidon’s back.

“Well dear Link, I have a few fun activities planned for us to do while you’re here! Or perhaps if you’re tired from the road we could just go down to the-“
Sidon rambled excitedly as the three began to turn around to the domain, but was cut off when his small Hylian friend suddenly lunged and BOLTED down the bridge towards Zelda.

“No NO NO-“
Sidon’s larger body caught Link before he could get very far, and slinged him over his shoulder like a sack of apples once more.

Link thrashed a bit in Sidon’s hold before Sidon picked him up by his armpits and held him in front of him. The man was very capable of getting out of the zora’s hold if he really wanted to, but he didn’t want to risk hurting Sidon.
“None of that! I know it is not that you don’t wish to spend time with us Link. Will it be so torturous to let us have you to ourselves for a few days?”

Link gave him a look that told him that it had nothing to do with them, but guilt washed over his features shortly after. He casted his eyes down.

“Oh, don’t be like that. Come, let me take you somewhere nice. Will you be joining us Yona?”
Sidon changed Link’s position in his arms so that he was now carrying him bridal style.

“I would love to, but I have a progress report meeting with Chroma and Khira. Perhaps we can meet later for dinner?”

“Of course!”
Sidon nuzzled Yona goodbye, and Link couldn't stop himself from laughing as Yona also reached down to nuzzle him as well.

“Have fun you two! And stay out of mischief!”

Link felt admiration for the two Zora wash over him. Affection. The peaceful domesticity of the domain was always refreshing. It briefly over-rid the faint dread and anxiety that pooled in his abdomen at the thought of being away from Zelda.

Sidon looked down at the small hylian in his arms.

“So Link, any preference on our first activity of the evening?”
He gave him a defeated look, and shook his head half smiling.

“You do feel thin, my friend. Perhaps we start with lunch?”

A pause as Link considered the offer.

‘Only if I can cook.’

Sidon chuckled, shaking both of them.
“Obviously.”

Chapter Text

On the way to the veiled falls, Link’s attention never left the purah pad. After Zelda didn’t immediately respond to his first message, he sent another. And then another. And then around 12 more.
Logically, she’s just hasn’t arrived back at Lookout town yet to see the messages. And if anything were to happen on her way back, the entourage of soldiers would have rushed to alert them immediately. Surely.

Link didn’t think he was a paranoid person, even in the most stressful of situations, which he had been in many, he had always valued his ability to stay calm and level headed. He didn’t understand why this was different.

He knew Zelda was right. If he hadn't, he would have left already.
He had been ignoring his behavior, and well, himself for the past few months in favor of not having to deal with… it all. He supposed it was bound to bite him in the ass at some point.

Link was still staring at his messages, contemplating writing another as they arrived at the falls.
It was around 3 pm, the midday sun hitting the clear water made the screen hard to see. He squinted hard at the screen.

“Dearest, I assure you Zelda is alright! Join me, will you?”

Link finally pulled his eyes away from the screen at Sidon’s voice, and the sound of him getting in the water.

Once he looked up he realized Sidon had indeed planned for Link’s arrival.

A large canopy tent had been set up by the water, along with a few luxury seats and a cooking pot. All set up and reserved for them, by the scenic falls.

He sometimes forgot that Sidon was literally a king.

Reluctantly, he walked over to the tent and set the pad down.

‘You didn’t have to do all this for me.’

“Nonsense! It was no trouble at all, my dear. Would you like help cooking?” He chimed, backstroking through the crystal water.

Link shifted through the bag of ingredients laying at the side of the pot.

‘No it’s okay. Any requests?’

Sidon hummed from the water. The sun hitting his crimson scales almost made him too bright to look at, Link had to slightly squint to see him.
“Surprise me!”

And with that they swiftly shifted into the peaceful silence of Link chopping, mashing, and stirring while Sidon basked in the afternoon sun, the sound of the falls and food simmering filling the air.

Usually, Sidon was quite chatty. Not that Link minded, in fact he liked his rambling. His voice was smooth and clear, and his formal enunciation made listening to him therapeutic.

But he was unusually quiet as Link cooked. Not that he particularly minded silence either, but it was uncharacteristic of him.
He slid some chopped greens off of the cutting board and into the simmering pot .

Despite the tranquil surroundings, his thoughts quickly began to spiral as he finally took in the situation, alone with his thoughts.

He shouldn’t be here.
He shouldn’t have to be here.
He’s made everyone worry about him, and now it’s forcing Sidon and Yona to have to make time to accommodate for him. And what if Zelda gets hurt while he’s gone? He’s here canoodling with the fish while Zelda’s all alone?
And why is Sidon so quiet? Why isn’t he saying anything? Maybe he’s upset he’s stuck here babysitting the hero of Hyrule while he could be doing literally anything more important. Link had lived in the wild, hunting elk and boars with his bare hands. He had been stabbed completely through the arm, wrapped it in a korok frond, and went sledding an hour later. He had single handedly taken down the actual embodiment of evil, TWICE! He shouldn’t have to be here having a day off. He’s stronger than this. It’s honestly pathetic, he should just leave while-

slice

Link’s breath hitched.
He looked down to see the knife he was holding had missed the hearty radish he was cutting, and made a long, three inch cut across his fingers. Any harder and he could have easily chopped the ends of his four top fingers clean off.

Blood dripped down into the stone cutting board, and seeped into the radish.

“Link?”

Tears began to fall from his eyes. He dropped the knife with a CLANG, and brought his hands to his eyes in frustration.
He foggily heard the sound of splashing, his hearing impaired by the dreadful sadness that pooled in his head and poured out through his eyes.

He suddenly felt cold scaled hands on his arms.
He refused to look at the figure in front of him, until those scaled hands pulled his from his eyes.

Sidon kneeled in front of him, face contorted with concern and slight horror as he studied the other’s face with wide eyes.
He let out another broken sob.
“Oh dearest…”
He tenderly brought a hand to wipe at the tears, and probably trace amounts of blood, off his face.
“Come here.”
Link couldn’t help but accept the tight hug Sidon wrapped him in. His mouth tasted like salt and his eyes felt overwhelmingly dry.
His arms felt heavy as he brought them around the other, carful to mind the gills.

Link hated crying in front of people. It wasn’t often that he cried at all.
The first time he had cried in front of anyone was Zelda, when he hugged her after the calamity. The second was actually with Sidon, after talking together about both their slim memories of the late princess Mipha turned a very emotional bonding moment between the two.
Most of the instances he had shown that kind of vulnerability, however, had felt immensely less pathetic than this did.
This was a self-pity cry. A cry of defeat.
His hand dripped a little more blood down onto Sidon’s back.

They stayed there another minute as Link sobbed, until he finally pulled away and brought his non injured hand to his chest, signing.
‘I’m sorry.’

“It’s perfectly alright, my dear! We can-“

‘For everything, I mean. I barged in, and now you have to take care of me, and I just-‘
He tiredly smiled and huffed out a laugh, trying to hide his embarrassment.
The laugh broke into another sob, much to his dismay.
Sidon waiting another moment to see if he would finish his thought, before speaking up again.
“Dear little warrior, you have absolutely nothing to be sorry over.”
He placed a hand on his shoulder, leading them both to sit down on the ground as he spoke.

“You’re under a great amount of stress at the moment. I… to be quite honest, I’ve been worried on how I can convince you to open up to me. I’m just so concerned about you. When Zelda told us that you haven’t been well, I… I was so frightened, Link. You’re so strong. And I….”

He gently took both his hands and held them close.

“I hope you do forgive me for going behind your back with Zelda and Yona to get you here- Just please know there is nothing more I wish to do than try and help you. You are never a burden.”

Link gazed at him, and couldn’t help the smile that crept back onto his face. Genuine, this time.
He just barely noticed a light blue light had casted onto both their faces.
Startled, they both looked between them to their hands that held together.

In awe, Link brought his previously bleeding hand in front of his face. The cut had perfectly healed over, not a single sign of the incident that happened just minutes ago.

Sidon looked just as in awe as he did.

“I’m not quite used to my magic working on direct healing yet…..”
The last time Link had seen Sidon display magic similar to Mipha’s, it had been when he was cleaning the sludge from the waters of the domain after the upheaval. He had obviously mastered the use of it for cleansing and purifying, but healing was a territory that was mainly left to Yona.

The tingly feeling the healing magic left on his hand made him feel a rush of dejavú. He huffed a laugh.

Before Sidon could say anything else, Link rushed into another tight hug, wrapping his arms around the other.
Sidon smiled, and reciprocated the embrace, bring his hands to the back of Link’s head and gently stroking the tied back blonde hair at the nape of his neck

They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other.

-Before the thick smell of something burning filled the air.

They both instinctively pulled back and looked to the cooking pot behind them, which had very much lit fully on fire while unattended.