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It was a warm and sunny day, chirpings of small birds daintly scattered across the magnificent city of the Zoras. Zora Domain's beautiful and intricate architecture glistens thanks to the reflection of bright rays from the Sun, giving off an almost ethereal aura to the kingdom. Making his way over to such a beautiful haven became second nature to one particular Hylian, Link, who views this place as his second home. There is however some truth to it, as he is already having thoughts of marrying the ruler of said kingdom for quite a long time ago.
Link thought it would be a great time asking Sidon, the Zora King out for one of their off days with how busy their lives have been ever since the fall of Ganondorf. What use is there for a peaceful Hyrule if not to make use one of its greatest pleasures.
A picnic.
Not that their lives were any different than the norm but with the prosperity of Hyrule reaching at an all time high, no longer were the roads littered with dangerous monsters who would run amok and so businesses for each kingdom were all doing pretty well.
So well in fact that the workload for the leaders of each kingdom almost doubled in order to make up for lost time and rebuilding of Hyrule. Hyrule Castle for one, is no longer in complete shambles or floating high up in the sky. Link continued to work as a knight in order to assist his dearly beloved friend Princess Zelda in restoring their home back to its former glory as well as training the future generations of knights for any upcoming threats within the foreseeable future.
Sidon, now both a King and a Sage , was tasked with working out the diplomatic relationships between his kingdom with that of Gerudo and Hebra much more frequently now. It was all of course, tiring work. The responsibility in itself was huge work but nothing too big to fill in the platter of work that a King must submit their lives to. He was a born ruler after all, already foreseeing the immense workload he shall look over when it was his time to take over the throne.
Still, even with their huge responsibilities, that never did stopped the two from meeting here and there. Sidon was thrilled to see Link already awaiting his arrival at their usual picnic spot, beside a waterfall.
"Ah, there you are my dearest Hylian!"
Sidon said with such enthusiasm that never truly lost their splendor no matter how many times Link may have heard it, the Hylian giving a relaxed and friendly greeting, being so used to the charismatic nature of his Zora friend.
The two began talking regarding different topics while both digged in the meals each other brought from their respective places. Link cooked up some fish pies as well as brought in plenty of fruits to share while the Zora King had brought in well grilled salmon and a bottle of wine to enjoy themselves.
Their picnic spot always did stayed close to a waterfall, hearing the crashing sounds of the water really gave off such calming ambient noise to their usual conversations. It was truly a wonderful and peaceful picnic, that is of course until Sidon brought the idea of... having a kid was it-
"COUGH-"
"L-Link?"
The Hylian spat out the wine in a panic the moment Sidon mentioned about the two of them possibly adopting a child. That or Sidon could try accepting the help of his childhood friend, Lady Yona in assisting them to procure said child which Link had no problems with of course.
Still absolutely confused in all of this, Link signed to Sidon to slow down and maybe give a bit more context and details regarding the matter. It was not that Link was agaisnt having children but, the prospect of having a child with Sidon was just, an intriguing idea that was never within the realms of possibility that the Hylian had dove deeper into before.
However, once Link saw the frown that started forming in Sidon's face, carefully he reached out his small hand onto the bigger Zora's legs in order to assure his partner that he was not all agaisnt the idea. Just taken back from it.
'Sorry, I don't mind having a kid with you but, I never thought you would bring it up ever, well maybe I lied... It's just so soon... I'd like to think about it if you don't mind.'
Finishing his signing, the Hylian man looked directly into the Zora's eyes, wanting to truly let the other know he was putting his entire focus into this topic of their conversation, not wanting to leave it be. Link knew what Sidon wanted to hear was an enthusiastic "yes!" Like any partner would. But to not beat around the bush, Link, had some unsavory thoughts on the prospect of having a child around him let alone one that was his and Sidon's.
"Whatever do you mean by that, Link? Did something happened?"
The Zora King tilted his head, confused of his partner regarding such an experience, wishing to ask the Hylian what exactly happened but Link kept shaking his head, hesitant to tell the actual meat and bones of his reasoning.
'It's... too much. I don't want you to think too strangely of me.'
Sidon simply smiled. His eyes soften at the sight of his partner in a vulnerable state. Gently, Sidon took ahold of Link's hands, gave a weak squeeze, leaned in until his headcrest was touching Link's forehead.
"My love, tell me what happened. I want to help however I can, please?"
Sidon's voice had almost dissipate any worries Link had within himself if he were to tell the truth. Truth be told, he wanted desperately to keep it a secret. But...seeing the display of genuine care and affection in his beloved's eyes, how can one ever deny such a request? Link knew Sidon meant every word he says which makes lying to the Sage of Water all the more impossible.
Breathing in and out, Link decided to finally tell Sidon what exactly happened.
Back in Hateno a few years ago, Link was tasked with taking out the remaining Bokoblins within the outskirts of town. He already helped two people who were caught in an attack by the Bokoblins within the very same woods while they were... scavenging mushrooms was it? Either way he did not want to take any chances.
With such precision and incredible reflexes, Link's mind went to autopilot mode as he made quick work of the smaller monsters there. During the battle, he was quite close to getting a slice on his neck from one of the silver Bokoblins' axe but dodged right in time to put a swift end to the white demon.
Entering back into the peaceful and lively town, Link had put away his weapons back into his Purah Pad, sat down on one of the available stools they had outside, kicked back, relaxed and looked upon the town's people alongside their daily activities.
A woman walking towards the local mart in order to pick up some groceries, children would play with their fake swords together and the men would casually converse with one another as they worked hard on the fruits of their labor.
The peaceful and slow life they live is one he never thought much but had some desires in wanting for himself. In both his old and new life ever since the Calamity, he always toyed with the idea of retirement.
No more fighting, no more exploring, just putting down one's roots, and especially no more Bokoblin-
Bokoblin?
In the corner of Link's eye, was a small shadow with a weapon in its hands, pointing it at the Hylian while he was resting. Panicked, Link wasted no time and grabbed the nearest pot lid he found laying around and parried whatever attack the monster had tried to pull on him.
Except, it wasn't a Bokoblin. It was a Hylian child. And the 'weapon' in its hand was nothing more but a wooden toy sword.
The now very confused and scared Hylian child was on the ground due to the impact from Link's parrying, his small hands stretched out shaking, trying to make a madeshift barrier between him and his attacker as tears started forming in his eyes.
Dropping the pot lid, Link's eyes shot wide. How? How did he not know? Slowly, he walked closer towards the crying child, trying to check for any injuries before a woman, the mother of the child he assumed, ran towards her son, angrily demanded an explanation from the 'hero' on why exactly did he harmed an innocent kid who was just having fun. Onlookers appeared by the side, almost waiting for answers from the quiet and guilt-ridden Hylian.
Why.
Why did he do it?
"Why DID I do it?"
Now cut to present day, Link explaining his story to the Zora companion who asked for it all, Sidon's face was filled with both shock and concern for Link's well-being.
"You... thought the child was a monster?"
Link paused, shaking his head furiously to that starement but stopped, wondering exactly if that were the case. Maybe it was, but the fact that the other man was at all correct in his assumption only furthered the worry in the hero's heart.
What kind of hero would hurt an innocent child?
Fotunately, Sidon was no stranger to this sudden change in a person's life.
Sidon knew all too well the signs of this particular dilemma, he had seen it firsthand with his own men, living for so long as Zoras, Sidon had seen many soldiers, those who fought in combat for years, those who had to be wary of their own family and children due to their countless training of self defense, self preservation thanks to countless encounters with monsters especially the Lizalfos.
Usually it tends to happen to Zoras where they tend to get confused to Lizalfos when underwater, ending with some of them accidentally getting friendly fired by their own people. Or worst.
That was it, an easy explaination, right? All Link needed to do was live within an era of peace and the problem should solve itself.
No. It, it was more than that. Link was both an incredible warrior and also a nomad. For him to simply return to normal civilization and expect everything to be all sunshine and rainbows afterwards would be nothing more than wishful thinking. Pure ignorance even, for the Hero of Hyrule to live normally... Link had saved Hyrule twice, yes.
But at the cost of human interactions, human company, so much so the hero has sacrificed that every bit of sanity left in him should be considered a blessing by Hylia herself.
Even so, Link truly does love the people of Hyrule. Loves to protect them, loves Zelda, his dearest friend and loves Sidon, his beloved Zora. The act of hurting them, would destroy him from within.
"I don't want to be a danger to our child, Sidon. That was what I'm most worried about..."
Concerned golden eyes staring back onto ocean blue with visible 'guilt'. Those words alone broke Sidon's heart, the Zora realizing how traumatic the experience was for Link, from the other countless trauma the Hylian had to face. It was easier said than done for Link to ever turn off the awareness and need to protect himself in the face of danger. He had it installed for a reason, to keep himself alive and save everyone, his entire purpose in life and the whole reason he stayed alive.
But...
"But, it's not impossible."
Link's eyes widen, he turned to look at his friend but before he could sign or say a word, Sidon gave the Hylian a sweet kiss on the cheek, effectively silencing and flustering the smaller man.
"You're no longer alone in all of this Link, I will be there to keep both you and our child safe. And you would do so of me and them too, no? I cannot even begin to fathom how you were feeling that dreadful day... it must have hurt you deeply. But it's okay. If you wish to then I shall keep a close eye on our child should they ever try to surprise you."
Placing his huge hand gently on the Hylian's cheek, he sees the changing expression on Link's face, worried eyes slowly fueled by determination in their place.
"Well, that or I'll do whatever I can do in my power so you never have to feel unsafe. Ever again."
Sidon knew that the road to recovery for Link's part would be difficult or even near impossible, but he believes in Link, believes in them both that they can have that family, that future for the two of them.
It was not just a wish Sidon himself wanted, he was great with kids, popular with them in fact, always a favorite for when Zora children would play around under Mipha's statue, always giving advices when needed to and even taking some time off his busy schedule asking if any kids were upset or so on and so forth.
Honestly, kids love him, and he so desperately wanted some for himself whenever he ever settles down with someone he loves.
And that person was none other than Link.
While doing his usual rounds within his domain, Sidon would often spot Link conversing and interacting with the Zora children just fine.
He always had that kind and welcoming smile whenever the young Zoras would ask him different questions out of curiosity. While the Hylian hero may not be the most talkative person, he always did have a heart of gold.
Which is what Sidon wants to remind him of.
Of course what happened can never be changed, learning that a mere Hylian child had activated Link's fight or flight reflexes was disheartening of the pain it must have caused but Sidon knew that the man himself never intended to harm anyone. He knew there was never a single bad bone within the man he loves and adores, and the person he wants to live together with. And to share a family with.
"We can work through this together. I believe in us, my love."
Looking back at Sidon with a face filled with uncertainty, yet the words said by his beloved Zora truly did help ease the anxious thoughts plaguing Link's mind.
Never has Link felt more in love with someone than ever before, the absolute overwhelming feeling of having the support of a loved one in helping Link through his problems. He knew then and there that Sidon and his desires were truly something worth fighting for and the fact the two of them would have a future of taking care of a child together truly does help Link to have a goal in life to continue living. If not for himself, then for Sidon and for their child together.