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Revali would be the first person to tell you that he respects himself greatly. He's smart, competent, and one of the best archers in this high school and on track to being salutatorian.
"Of course," he notes to Ms. Urbosa, who has definitely been listening intently. "I have no delusions of being valedictorian. Not with Zelda in my graduating class."
Not that it doesn't absolutely grind his gears and makes him want to waste away every night. But he has bigger problems.
Listen. The point is, he's a cut above the rest, for good reason. Revali has multiple prospective universities lined up, with plenty of scholarships to pay for them. He's better than all these losers and wannabes; the jocks who have already peaked and the wallflowers who haven't even tried.
Ms. Urbosa raises an eyebrow at his wording. He ignores it.
"But that… that mindless dolt thinks he can just disrespect me! I'd like to really show Link who's the better of us, but I don't think he'd actually care about anything that would properly show my superiority." Revali waves his wings around, and one of Ms. Urbosa's motivational posters flutters. He pauses in his ranting to let her think of a response.
Truthfully, he doesn't know why he's speaking to her about this. She's probably one of the teachers he knows the best, but barely. Ms. Urbosa does gym classes that he never took, but she watches over the Archery Club when Mrs. Bosphoramus can't make it. Unlike Mrs. Bosphoramus, Ms. Urbosa doesn't take his attitude lying down. It threw him off at first, but it lends her to being great at giving him advice.
But no matter how great at advice she may be, the concept of asking for help on this issue is… embarrassing. It's an issue he should be able to solve on his own, but any attempt at giving Link his dues has only ended with metaphorical brick walls.
"So," She finally starts, breaking Revali out of his thoughts. "You want my help with… What? getting back at Link? What did he even do?"
"He had the nerve to interrupt Zelda and I’s very important discussion, as if he was anywhere near our level!" Revali had been trying to figure out how Zelda has near-perfect scores while continuing to spout her usual gifted kid nonsense. I barely study , as if. But Link had stormed in, and brushed off any of Revali's attempts at making him leave. He quickly took his leave for his own sanity.
Ms. Urbosa raises another eyebrow. "Is this about Zelda?" Revali knows exactly what she's implying and rears back like he's been slapped. Before he can respond, however, Ms. Urbosa gives him a once over then snorts. "No, certainly not. Hm."
What does that mean?
"Well, I've known Link for quite a long time. He doesn't really think of… social things like that, and he likely didn't even mean to interrupt you two. Just talk to him, but there's no need to get back at him or anything like that."
The idea that Link was completely oblivious is certainly believable. But Revali is certainly still going to give him a piece of his mind. He nods to Ms. Urbosa once, then storms out of her office before she can get in another word.
The slam of her door interrupts whatever she tries to say next.
Revali is not an idiot by any means of the word. Link and himself have been slight rivals for years now — though Link's end of it seems entirely made up of blunders and simply ignoring Revali — however, the Rito is sick of it at this point. They'll both be graduating soon, with Revali on his way to any college he wishes and Link on his way to follow Zelda like a lost dog.
Revali exits the school to the student parking and — there.
The parking lot’s mostly deserted. It’s an hour after school, and anyone left is staff or some club members. Unless you’re Link, who drove Zelda home on his stupid motorcycle every day. Revali has no clue what Zelda does, but their system means that Link’s almost always here after school, sitting on the parking lot curb next to his vehicle.
Revali approaches him, talons clacking on the pavement, and Link looks up through his fringe at the noise.
" You, " Revali starts, and Link's eyebrows draw together in what surely must be annoyance. "I am done with you ignoring me. I know you must think so highly of yourself, but I hope you know you're nothing without Zelda." There! Succinct and to the point.
Link blinks at Revali, then shrugs his hands. [What?]
The blasé Hylian Lower Sign grates on Revali's nerves, and he carefully keeps his face neutral.
"Don't act confused. Always attempting to– to one up me! Then acting as if you're above it all." Revali steps closer, forcing Link to look up at him from his shadow. Link blows a section of his bangs out of his face. "I am above you. I always have been, and it's truly time for you to understand."
Link gives Revali a once over with a raised eyebrow, then a small smirk. [Literally.]
Revali goes to retort back, but something about the look on Link's face, their positioning, the gall — Revali's words stick in his throat. He makes a frustrated noise and quickly turns away.
It's fine. He'll simply rethink his plans.
-
"— And then, he says literally. Like we're joking! Like I was joking! The nerve!"
Ms. Urbosa has a hand on her chin, lesson plans taking up most of her attention. She flicks her eyes up for a moment. "Y'know, when I said to talk to him, I meant it as in… a civil discussion. After planning what you would say to make amends. Being a normal person, if you will."
Revali waves a hand. "As if. My capacity for civility with Link passed in the ninth grade."
"Why?" She looks vaguely amused at the statement, but Revali takes it in stride. He grabs one of the spare chairs in her office, sitting down for once. Most of his time here is spent manically pacing.
"So I'm speaking to the principal after school in one of the hallways, as I had been ashamed to find this school didn't have an Archery Club yet, despite the middle school having one," Revali had been in many arguments with the man about it that year, and it was a debate he only seemed to win due to his wife, Mrs. Bosphoramus, being an archer. "And Link interrupts our conversation to say that he loves archery. Which, while I can appreciate a fellow archer, was insanely rude of him!"
Ms. Urbosa nods absently along. "Like I said, he's not great at being social."
"Regardless," Revali continues, as if uninterrupted, "I point out that hello, maybe you shouldn't butt in important conversations, so he turns to me and goes—"
Revali flicks his hand, palm down, off his chin. He then pinches his thumb and index finger together and twists them by his temple. [I don't care, bozo.]
Ms. Urbosa snorts. Her hand moves from her chin to her mouth, a futile attempt to hide her amusement.
" It's not funny! " He hisses, as she leans forward to press her forehead into her desk. "It was a blatant disrespect in front of the principal, who luckily didn't seem to even know HSL, but he obviously showed himself incapable of having a civil conversation with me. I refuse to attempt again, lest he try to embarrass me further."
"Revali…" She starts, straightening. "I wasn't there," He can tell she only says this in order to placate him, and he bristles in preparation. "But Link can be… Silly. He was probably trying to joke with you. That's why he used Lower then, he knew Bosphoramus didn't know it. He only knows Upper."
Revali pauses, processing that information. "You don't know that. He could have easily been taunting me regardless of the principal's presence."
"Or, maybe, you misunderstood his tone."
Revali grimaces at the wording. Tone. Ugh.
"No."
Ms. Urbosa lets out a single laugh. "Kid. You're sharp as a knife, but sometimes as dull as one too. You know tone isn't your strong suit," He does. "And I know tone isn't Link's strong suit either."
Hm.
"So, I'm giving you homework."
What? "What? You're a gym teacher, and I don't even have you!"
"Don't care." She steeples her fingers, smiling mischievously at him. "Tomorrow, hang out with him. You can tell him I sent you, that you're required to do it, but you have to."
Revali scoffs. "As if I could get him alone for any significant amount of time."
"You will. I'll make sure Zelda knows." Revali blinks, and Ms. Urbosa's smile widens. "I'm best friends with her mother, which is why I know Link so well. It's also why I'll know if you actually did it or not. Now go, get out of here."
Revali leaves swiftly, unable to wipe the grimace off his face.
-
The next day, Revali doesn't bother seeing Ms. Urbosa. Instead, in a cruel facsimile of just a couple days ago, Revali finds himself approaching Link in the school parking lot. Link once more looks up at the sound of Revali's talons, but this time the boy already looks vaguely amused. He waves hello.
"Link." Revali starts, wanting to get this done and over with. "I was instructed by Ms. Urbosa to… hang out with you."
[I know.] Link replies, getting to his feet. [I heard.]
"Well." Revali stands there for a moment, unsure what to do. "I suppose we are hanging out, then."
Link stares, eyebrows twitching for a moment. [You have no clue what to do, don't you?]
Revali bristles. "I have every idea, thank you!"
[Oh yeah?] Link swings one leg over his motorcycle, patting the space behind him with his prosthetic hand. The other hand pulls out his phone. [Where to?]
"I am not getting on that wretched thing."
[You're not flying me either.] Link accurately points out. Revali sighs and, quite gracefully, slides onto the seat. Link pauses, then begins rapidly typing. "Can't sign at this angle. Where to?" A feminine voice chimes moments later, and Revali…
He had, in fact, not actually thought about what they would do.
Link waits a moment as Revali sits in silence, then lets out an airy chuckle. More quick typing. "Okay. I'll take us somewhere."
Link puts on his helmet, then he pauses. "I don't have a Rito helmet. Sorry."
Revali waves a hand at the idea. "Rito are built for flying. I will not be bothered by the wind, and I'll take my chances on whether or not we crash." He stops himself from talking about how the Rito have more fragile bones, and that a crash would kill him regardless of a helmet. That's too morbid, even if Revali doesn't actually care.
Link nods. "Wrap your arms around me. Then we'll go." Link then tucks his phone away.
Right, of course. Revali hesitates one more moment, then wraps his arms around Link's middle.
Rito are naturally larger than Hylians, their hands even moreso, and Link himself is small for a Hylian. So it shouldn't surprise Revali that his hands cover all of Link's stomach, and that he has to hold onto his own arms for something resembling a secure grip. Truthfully, he thinks even just one of his hands could span the front of Link's stomach.
Revali huffs, and readjusts how he's sitting so that he feels more secure. Link glances back, takes in Revali's arms and seating arrangement, then nods.
With little preamble, Link starts the vehicle and takes off. True to his word, the Revali does not mind the wind. The sensation is still foreign to him, going at such speeds and being largely out of his control. Revali tightens his hold on his arms, winding them further around Link's waist.
Revali tries to guess where they may be going. At first it seems like it'd be one of the shops within the center of Castle Town, but Link drives past them without stopping. Revali then gets the thought, as they drive through a residential area, that Link is taking him to his home. Which is obviously absurd, and Link does not pull up to any of the homes. Revali only starts getting somewhat concerned as Link starts driving them out of town, out into the expanse of Hyrule Field.
Revali wishes he could simply ask, but there is no way for him to get a reply. As Link takes a left, right at the old ceremony site, Revali decides to speak anyway. “You know,” His voice raises somewhat to be heard, despite his beak being so close to Link’s head. “I certainly hope you’re not planning anything nefarious. Plan on killing me, so far from Castle Town?”
Ms. Urbosa said that Link was silly . So he attempts to endear to the boy’s conversation style, and is rewarded with a laugh. Revali glances at the wall of the town to his left, and the expanse of Hyrule Field to his right. He’s left plenty of times, often visiting family in Rito Village, but he’s never lingered in the field. He’s also never traveled northeast, as they are now.
The drive is leisurely, and Revali gets the feeling that Link is going slower for his sake. But their destination doesn’t seem particularly far, as Link begins to slow. They drive over a bridge, which rattles Revali’s bones a bit more than he’d like, then they come to stop on what seems to be a small wooded island.
Revali stumbles off of the motorcycle, forcing the shake out of his legs. Link steps off with much more experience.
It’s a quaint place. Quiet, besides the noise of birds and water. It’s filled with trees, and the road is covered in moss — much like the nearby ruins of a fountain and benches. Link sits on one, carefully slotting in a gap between flora. He smiles when he notices Revali’s attention.
[I don’t go here often.] Link starts, looking fondly around. [But I go to the Lost Woods a lot. Pass through here. Sometimes I stop.]
“You… Go to the Lost Woods? Casually?” Link makes a so-so motion with his right hand, the prosthetic making a quiet clacking noise with it. Likely meaning more or less.
[It’s nice. I like nature.] He gestures around. [Even small bits, like this.]
Revali finally sits on one of the other benches, carefully finding a space with minimal amounts of moss. “I can’t say I’m used to this particular sort of nature. I’m from northern Tabantha, so most of my flora is coated in ice or snow. But…” His voice drags, and he takes another look around. The afternoon sun through the trees, the calming ambiance, even the smell. Revali can’t say he hates it. “It’s tolerable.” Is what he says instead.
Link smiles a little more, as if he could see right through Revali. The thought makes him shudder. “So,” he shifts the conversation, taking control. “Where exactly are we?”
[Hyrule Forest Park.] Link signs the words individually, then spells H-F-P in quick succession. [It’s abandoned. Like a lot of places. But it’s nice like this. Wouldn’t want to clean it.]
Revali raises an eyebrow. “What’s the point of a park in a field? It’s fine as is.”
Link begins to nod, gaining even more enthusiasm. [Exactly! Waste of resources, waste of nature. I don’t mind the benches, but I don’t want them fresh, or the path repaved. Barely anyone goes out this way t00.] Link points down the path they came from, then his hand drifts to the left. [There’s a more well kept road that way. Longer to the stable by the Lost Woods, and western Death Mountain, but more things in total. Most people take that, since they don’t actually go to the Lost Woods.] Link pauses, then lets out an airy laugh. [Sorry. Too much?]
Revali hums, looking away. The topic doesn’t particularly interest him, but he doesn’t have anything particularly interesting to say. “It’s fine. Not something I can say I’ve thought of before, but it’s not totally mind numbing.”
Link quietly snaps, and Revali looks back over at his hands. He presses his fingertips to his chin, then moves them forward. [Thank you.] Revali nods, but Link seems to be thinking, so he doesn’t look away yet. [I’m glad you’re here. Even if you have to be.]
He scoffs, and a wry look passes Link’s face. “I think this whole thing is asinine. However… You aren’t as miserable to spend time with, as I would have assumed. I don’t think we’ll ever be friends, but your presence isn’t actively chafing me.”
[You don’t?] Link’s face smooths back out into something neutral. [Why not?]
“Our past interactions should really prove how incompatible we are. Obviously we’re not incapable of cordial discussion, but I doubt it’ll last.”
[Yeah?] Link knocks the air with his fist, a sly expression taking form. [Want to bet?]
“ Bet? ”
He nods. [We hang out more. This month. You hate my guts, you win. You don’t, then I win.]
“And when I win, what do I get?”
[I stay away from you. All the time.]
It’s tempting. “And if, somehow, I lose?”
Link smiles like the sun, as if he isn’t betting on their theoretically friendship. [We get to keep hanging out!]
It’s not tempting. “No.”
[It makes sense.] Link stands, brushing off his pants. [If you don’t like me at the end, we won’t have to hang out. Easy.] He begins to walk towards his motorcycle, but he pauses as Revali stands. They look at each other, before Link’s smile turns mischievous. He spreads his fingers out over his chest, shaking his hands slightly. [Scared?]
And Revali wants to fume. He wants to explode, never get back on that infernal machine again. He wants to punch Link’s teeth in, even if the action would only really harm his own feathered hands.
But Revali doesn’t say no to challenges.
(The drive back is incredibly awkward. He could have flown, but he wanted to make a point.)
-
"I mean, a challenge like that?" Revali repeats the scared sign once again. Ms. Urbosa has a flat look on her face, and Revali will admit that he's been bothering her more than usual lately. "I couldn't just say no. Not to his face like that."
"So you're saying yes?" She questions, and Revali pauses. He must do so for too long, because her face seems to twitch. "You… are saying yes, are you not? You told him yes, didn't you?"
"I did…" Revali relents, pressing his hands together. "I was planning on not pursuing further. I have better things to do."
Ms. Urbosa looks exhausted. "Why would you do that?"
"Because it's idiotic! A completely foolish plan, to force me to hang out with him!"
"Revali," Ms. Urbosa starts, a hand dragging through her hair. "I'm assuming you think he has ulterior motives." He nods. "Right. So could you walk me through what he could possibly gain from hanging out with you for a month?"
Revali clicks his tongue, but hesitates. "Well. He… wants to see me suffer. He knows he gets on my nerves and wants to exploit that. Or, he wants to distract me from my studying, removing Zelda's only competition!"
"Okay." Ms. Urbosa breathes out the words, and the hand in her hair moves to her face. "If I tell you facts about Link, as I have known him personally for a long time, would you believe me?"
"...Maybe."
"Link wouldn't go through all this trouble to get on your nerves. He'd do it in classes if he actually cared that much. He also doesn't care about valedictorian things, and has frequently tried to stop Zelda's own schoolwork."
"Then, perhaps, Zelda sicced him on me to distract him and eliminate her competition! Two birds, one stone." Revali nods with absolute certainty, crossing his arms. Ms. Urbosa huffs a laugh.
"Zelda doesn't even try to be valedictorian, she just tries her best. She wouldn’t do that."
Revali bristles at his shot down ideas. Not that he fully believes her, but he'll entertain her thinking for the sake of discussion. "So then, what do you suggest? What could possibly be his motive?"
"Well I could always ask him. But I haven't, So I'll guess. He probably just wants to be your friend." Revali scoffs sharply, and Ms. Urbosa chuckles. "I'm serious. Even your whole arch nemesis story, with him calling you bozo, sounds like he was trying to be friendly. He expressed liking something that you liked, then cracked a joke thinking it'd endear you. Turns out it didn’t.”
“And tell me, why would he want to do that? He certainly doesn’t need my intellect, as he doesn’t seem to care about such things. It’s irrelevant if he did, he’s already attached to Zelda. Does he want archery tips? Why would he now, if he hasn’t pursued me in 3-or-so years.”
Revali doesn’t see Ms. Urbosa’s expression as he starts pacing. He hears her groan however. “Kid. I’m not a therapist — you should get one of those, by the way — but people tend to make friends out of simple desire to. Not for any particular gain or advantage.”
“So what, you’re saying I take the deal?” A therapist? Not in this economy. He considers the rest of the statement.
“You already said yes, didn't you? Keep your word at least. You accepted a challenge, don’t half-ass it.” She points a pencil at him with a firm look, which melts slightly after a moment. “He likes to throw out challenges. They’re normally not so serious, so relax in the future. This one definitely was though.”
“Fine.” He hisses out, flapping his hands once. “I will, with full genuinity, go through with his challenge. And I will win. ”
-
They meet up again the next day. It’s instigated by Link this time — Revali is at his locker, when the Hylian takes up the empty space to his right with a small wave. Revali levels him with a flat look, but doesn’t shoo him away. He’s doing this.
“Already?” Link nods, lightly tugging on Revali’s elbow with a grin. Revali sighs with as much air as he can muster, closing the locker as he does. “ Fine. I imagine, if you’re approaching me, that you’ve thought of another place to go.”
Link nods again. It’s all Revali can do to even look at him. His flash of anger has calmed, soothed by Ms. Urbosa’s logic, and the (admitted begrudgingly) rationality of the offer. But the goad still leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.
Luckily when Link guides them out of the school, it isn’t towards the parking lot. Instead, they walk along the main street that the building is on. Despite his relief, Revali hums. “No motorcycle?”
Link shakes his head, turning around to walk backwards. He gestures down to his outfit: an ankle-length skirt, dull green but with neon lightning designs on the hemline. It stands out against the black crewneck he wears with it. [Zelda’s dad drove us this morning. He doesn’t like me, but I think he was just glad we were off the Master Cycle.]
Revali stares at his hands for a moment. He has multiple questions. “Can— Can I take that step-by-step?”
Link nods, but turns around to walk forward and not run into an unsuspecting civilian or lamppost.
“So, I’m assuming, through context, that you were talking about Zelda there. But, that namesign–” Revali repeats it, if rather clumsily. Rito hands can’t mimic some Hylian signs particularly well, even if Revali was fluent in understanding it. “Was that omega nerd? ”
Link starts giggling, pressing a hand to his mouth and puffing his cheeks to muffle it. After he gets his laughter under control, he twists his torso to face Revali. [Was meant to be Z-Nerd, even if she wasn’t a fan of being called a nerd. Accidentally stumbled onto omega, which is similar. Ending. It stuck, even though she hates it.]
Silly. Right. He takes a deep breath, not bothering to argue against how similar Z and omega were for name purposes. “I see. Next, Mr. Bosphoramus doesn’t like you?”
A so-so motion. [Tolerates me. He’s bossy. I don’t listen. Princess Zelda’s weird rebel friend. Bad influence.]
“That I can see.” Link grins, blowing fringe out of his eyes for a moment. Revali rolls his own. “Finally, Master Cycle? Really?”
[Master Cycle Zero.] It’s signed with pretentious emphasis, likely as much as he can muster.
“For all your eco-friendly talks before, you’re mighty proud of your vehicle. Aren’t those things bad for the environment?”
Link shakes his head. [Unsure about regular motorcycles. M-C is old Sheikah tech, turns anything into fuel, if it fits in the tank. No bad fumes. I just use it like a trash can.]
“I didn’t know you were familiar with Sheikah tech.” Obviously it looked Sheikah, but many bits of technology did nowadays. Aesthetics, or something of the like. “Didn’t take you to be so… retro.”
Another so-so . [Not really. Zelda and her mom are, they study it a lot. Gave me the M-C, help me with upkeep but I’m learning. It was already named that, by the way.]
“Never took her to be an engineer. But I suppose I don’t know her all that well.”
[Only know her from eating her dust.] Link’s eyes fill with mirth, but he pauses when Revali bristles. [Joke.]
Revali forces his shoulders down, prevents his voice from snapping or hissing. “I don’t need you to tell me that.” It did, startlingly, help him cool down quicker.
Link nods. [Okay. I like when people tell me when something is serious. But I get it if you're not the same.]
He turns away, and they approach a building. Revali raises an eyebrow. A welcome topic change that Revali quickly uses. “Bowling, really?”
Link nods, holding open the door for him. He nods back to be polite. When the door shuts, Link raises his hands again. [Good place, accommodating for non-humans. They have those balls that work with talons. I go here often, with a few Zora friends.]
Revali’s never been bowling, but he knows the concept doesn’t particularly agree with Rito physiology. There is no way to make a ball that fits with their hands, so ones must be made that can be rolled with their talons instead. Though from what he’s seen, it’s still clumsy and stiff regardless.
But it’s just aiming, and Link must be good if he comes here frequently. He will prove himself, then.
-
No. Revali hates bowling. Link smiles bashfully as Revali stares at the scores. 6 to 100.
“I was warming up.”
[Naturally.]
“You bought an hour, right?”
A nod.
“Rematch.”
-
Partway through their third — and final, given the time constraint — game, Link raises his hands with the most reluctance that he had seen on the boy yet. [Do you want the gutter guards up?]
“Link,” Revali begins, very carefully keeping his cool. “I am being serious right now. Absolutely not, never ask that again.”
Link nods, but he smiles like an idiot anyway. Revali loses 14 to 89.
-
[It’s okay. I don’t think I’d have been able to bowl like that. Accommodations don’t solve everything.]
Link’s obviously trying to placate him as they leave, but Revali simply huffs at the empty words. Link pauses, but his eyes catch on something behind the Rito, and suddenly he’s running off with Revali’s arm in his grip.
“What are you—” They come to a stop in front of a claw machine, a cluster of various cheap plush figures within it. Revali raises an eyebrow as Link points to the single Korok within it. It’s not in a particularly hard spot to get, but Link pushes green Rupee into Revali’s own hands. “What, can you not play these?”
[Can you?] Revali takes a deep breath. Another goad, but he forces himself to believe that Link hardly means it.
“Yes, obviously I can. Move out of the way.”
Because this is aiming, not whatever the Hell bowling claims to be. Revali gets the plush first try, ignoring Link’s quiet clapping to extract it from the dispenser. “See? Easy.” Link gives a nod and thumbs up, but blinks owlishly when Revali presses it into his hands. “Don’t stare at me like that. You’re the one who wanted it, and I certainly have no use for a thing like that.”
Another airy laugh. Link turns away, and Revali finds himself staring for a moment. Link's hair — down around his shoulders for once — and absurdly long skirt trail behind him as he begins to walk out of the building. They flare around him as he spins to sign hurry with one hand.
Revali blinks, shakes away the odd fog, and resigns himself to following Link.
-
They don’t hang out for a while. Revali has archery, and then it’s the weekend and they cannot contact each other. After that, Revali can’t find him in the parking lot for once.
It’s Tuesday when Revali is cornered by his locker again. Link taps a nail gently on the metal, but — judging by the wince — the prosthetic still makes a sharper noise than he seems to have wanted.
He waves when Revali’s attention is fully on him. [Sorry we haven’t met up. Zelda wanted to do M-C maintenance, then I was worried about how often you would want to meet.]
“We never did work out a schedule.” Revali closes his locker, thinking on the subject for a moment. “I, for one, am busy most Fridays. But as for a schedule… I do wish for free time for studying.” Link nods along slowly. After a moment of thinking, he raises his hands.
[Two weekdays and a weekend day? So three days a week. No Fridays.] Revali thinks on it for a moment, then mutters an agreement. [Okay. Now?]
“Now?” Link nods, and tugs on Revali’s arm. “Alright, fine. Now.” Revali follows Link’s pulling, but trails a wary gaze down his outfit. He’s wearing baggy pants, tucked into bulky boots. It’s paired with a sleeveless turtleneck that shows off spiraling tattoos around his prosthetic. Revali forces his eyes away. “Am I at risk of a motorcycle ride?”
Link turns his head to stick his tongue out at Revali. He gets the urge to grab it and pull. Link shaking his head no dispels the thought before Revali can truly ponder why on Earth he’d think something like that.
[Walking. You pick the place.] He signs with one hand, keeping his loose grip on Revali with the other. The material of the prosthetic is odd, stone-like, and Revali is struck with the realization that it’s probably Sheikah tech. Likely the work of Zelda and Mrs. Bosphoramus. He hums, refocusing.
“That’s a relief.” They exit the building, walking the opposite direction than they did before. Link lets go. “I will admit, it’s not unlike flying. But it’s a disquieting sensation.”
[You’re probably not used to it.] Link notes, turning to him with a neutral smile. His face then twists into something thoughtful. [Though, maybe it’s like uncanny valley? Psychology stuff, basically like something being close but not the same. And it makes you feel weird. But I think it’s only for faces?]
“I know what uncanny valley is.” Revali says, though he waits for Link to finish regardless. The definition wasn’t even that good. “I’m likely just unused to it, but don’t see any appeal.”
Link nods slowly, eyes drifting down to avoid cracks in the pavement as he steps.
“As for where we’re going, I do have an idea.”
Link’s head snaps up, and he fully turns around. (At a speed which makes him stumble, and Revali nearly throws his arms out to catch him. Luckily Link rights himself before Revali can do so.) He holds a fist up, waving his index finger. [Where?]
“Well, I tried to think of an idea similar to bowling. I assumed that was a safe bet.” Link hums an affirmative. “So, we’re going golfing. Mini-golfing, that is.”
Link lets out a quiet ohh noise. [Good idea! Though maybe we should coordinate after this. Space out activities and chill times. Like the forest. Might become too much soon.]
Revali nods. It’s a fair assessment, one he hadn’t considered before. “If, or rather when we are to do something casual like that again, I think I’d like to study during it. I don’t mind environments like that, I just prefer to be doing something with my time.”
Link gives a thumbs up. [I’ll have to Google coolest teen hangout spots, see what the middle-aged article writers think. Maybe the next activity is a roller rink.]
Revali makes a noise somewhere between a squawk and a gag. “Bowling was bad enough, now you wish to torment me with roller skating?! ”
Link pouts. [Roller skating is fun. Very hip. You could ride on my shoulders if you don’t like the shoes.] Revali scoffs. Link looks away, eyebrows drawing together for a moment, before he looks back and the frown smooths out. [But we’ll do less activities. I know you like to fly, and you like to do archery. But you also like to study. I like to do things like that first day — sit in nature, or in my garage, or someplace else. Chill. We can think of places where we can do stuff like that.]
Revali slowly nods. “I don’t mind the occasional activity, but all at once is…”
[A lot.] He finishes. [But that’s later. Today is golf!] Link signs golf with a great amount of enthusiasm, spinning his whole body with the swing of the sign. His hair, fully down for once, spins with him.
So they golf.
(Mini golf. They both get perfectly average scores, but Revali wins.)
-
[We’re going to my house.] Link doesn’t bother with any sort of greeting the next day, and Revali raises an eyebrow. [I was given more work to do on M-C, you can study in my garage. Just chill.]
“Your garage.” He knows that the Sheikah nonsense with his motorcycle means that it likely won’t have the gas smell most garages do, but he can’t help but be hesitant.
[Zelda and her mom are there a lot. It’s clean.] Link seems to read his mind, and he hums.
“...Fine.”
He grimaces when they enter the parking lot, but doesn’t stop walking. “I’m not arguing with this due to. But I am upset, for the record.”
Light laughter. [Noted.]
Revali doesn’t bother to tell him his tone.
-
Revali once again stumbles off of the Master Cycle. He flaps his hands a couple times for balance, ignoring Link spluttering as his own hair gets in his mouth from the wind.
Link begins setting up… whatever it is he’s doing, so Revali looks around the garage. It’s nice. It’s only meant for one car, but the Master Cycle and what Revali presumes is its maintenance equipment only takes up half of it. The other half has a small patio table and chairs, well kept with a nice tablecloth. There’s a handful of yoga mats rolled up in the corner, along with workout equipment and swords (?) against the wall. The string lights, the type that’re LED but meant to look like Edison bulbs, give it a cozy feel. Even if they’re not turned on.
Really, the only mess is a couple of full trash bags on the other side of the garage, but Revali assumes that’s the fuel that Link had mentioned when explaining the tech. Otherwise, it’s well-kept. Not even an odor to set Revali on edge.
Link leaves the garage door open, snapping his fingers for Revali’s attention. [Weather is fine for me, but tell me if it’s too cold or windy.] Revali nods, and Link turns away to get to work. He’s opened a hatch near the front of the cycle, and seems to be looking over a printed out list on the floor. Likely the work he was given by Mrs. Bosphoramus.
Revali takes a moment to look at Link as well. He’s wearing cargo pants, tucked into boots in a way that Revali is beginning to think he prefers. Along with it, he’s wearing a shirt with lantern sleeves, though he has gloves pulled up to his mid-forearms.
The thing that truly catches his eyes, however, is the apron he threw over top of it all once he was set up. It had beadwork — a style that certainly wasn’t Rito, but also definitely not any other race. He wonders what an apron with Rito beadwork would look like.
He hums silently to himself, tearing his eyes away to pull a textbook out of his bag. Perhaps Revali is finally getting into fashion.
The day is pleasantly quiet.
-
And so their hangouts keep being pleasant . Link respects Revali’s schedule and their agreed-upon frequency, and they begin taking turns choosing spots. It had been three weeks, nearing the end of the month given that they hadn’t started this bet at the very beginning.
Link tends to show Revali pockets of deeper nature in the generally empty expanse of Hyrule Field. He rambles about what little he knows of technology, and his far greater knowledge of the wild. They go back to his garage, and Link shows him his (small, according to Link) sword collection.
So in turn, Revali takes him to hidden places around Castle Town. A secluded spot in the public library next to power outlets, a cafe that barely advertises its second floor. A street in the residential area where a handful of outdoor neighborhood cats congregate.
(Link had nearly cried. There was a large cat tucked into his crossed legs, and two smaller ones were trying to climb into whatever space was left. He only stopped petting them to sign thank you to Revali with embarrassingly watery eyes.)
They even went roller skating.
Through it all, Revali…
Well. Currently, he’s practically pulling his feathers out, sitting with hunched shoulders inside Ms. Urbosa’s office. She was staring at him like he grew another head. Which makes sense. He wishes he did, really, because the physical stress would likely make him explode, or something.
(Look. The point is that he’s stressed.)
Everything had been fine. Revali was, against his own will, warming up. Losing, but he realized (through multiple sessions of very frustrated late night introspection, many of which he had to resist following up with a trip to Ms. Urbosa) that maybe he actually did need friends. Maybe losing a stupid bet to his no-longer-rival was fine.
Then Link had— well, he hadn’t really done anything. Not anything different at least. Link was consistent, even if his vibrancy threw Revali off. It had been just yesterday, back in Link’s garage. They had lost track of time in their separate tasks (studying for Revali, and he’s fairly certain Link was doing something between yoga and meditation) and the sun had set. The string lights were on, so everything was a dim orange.
Link had finally stood from his yoga mat, stretching upwards and revealing the skin of his stomach for just a moment. Maybe Revali’s eyes catching there was where it went wrong. Maybe it had been a steady buildup, one Revali had obviously ignored because he had barely even tolerated the guy before.
Link dropped his arms, then ran a hand through his hair. He paused, pressed his bangs into the top of his head, and Revali had looked at Link’s exposed forehead and thought I could press my brow to his.
The first thought afterwards had been what?
The second had also been what , but a lot less confused and a lot more flustered as his own mind caught up with itself.
Before Link could move any further than lowering his hand, Revali had stood and began packing up his schoolwork. There was a few moments of pause, likely Link failing to grab his attention, before Link’s phone began to speak. “It’s late. Do you want me to make you dinner?”
“No,” Revali said swiftly, barely dragging his eyes over to Link. He had felt like his shame was obvious, felt as though his feathers were puffed out beyond repair. “I should really just get home. Not particularly hungry.”
Link tucked his phone back into pocket with something resembling a frown. [If you’re sure. Do you want a ride home?]
Revali had insisted that no, he could fly himself back thank you, and luckily Link had dropped the subject and let him leave.
It had been another night for introspection. One that ended with him caving and deciding to see Ms. Urbosa for advice once more.
Which led him here, with her staring owlishly back at him. He confessed his thoughts yesterday, but also his more subtle inclinations throughout the month. How Revali’s eyes would linger on Link’s hair and tattoos, his outfits and mannerisms. How he thought it was some sort of brain fog from interaction, or an interest in fashion, or simply analysis.
He’s pretty sure this would be considered cliche, but he doesn’t read enough fiction to know. Maybe he would have realized sooner, if he did.
“I’m not sure what I expected, but it certainly wasn’t this.” She finally mutters, pressing her fingertips to her temple. Revali hunches his shoulders further, and she lets out a slow breath. “So you, what, went from hating him to having a crush?”
“Yes. No. Maybe?” She rolls her eyes. “I hated him, I think. And then he was tolerable. I realized that I really wouldn’t mind having friends, if they didn’t get on my nerves. Which Link didn’t after a while. But I guess the whole time I had been subconsciously thinking otherwise, because I jumped straight into attraction! ”
She nods. “Introspection bring you to that?”
“Yes, I’ve gotten quite good at it.” He sniffs at her wry smile. “But is that normal? It doesn’t seem normal.”
“Maybe not. But is Link normal?” Revali pauses. He’s obviously not a particularly good judge, but he’s pretty sure Link doesn’t fall under most people’s umbrella of normalcy. “Exactly. So, you lose the bet. Obviously. You can take this two ways. Either tell him you’re attracted to him, plainly or he won’t understand. He returns your feelings, or is willing to try, and you go into a relationship. Then you go from there, however that ends up.”
The concept sounds alien, put in simple words. He grimaces.
“Maybe he doesn’t return your feelings, but he’s not the type to drop a friendship over it. He’ll be nice, he’s not the type to make things odd. He’ll probably try his best to make it less awkward for you, even. So you don’t lose anything by confessing.”
Eugh.
“Or, you don’t say anything. Let it pass, maybe a little miserably. Once again nothing lost, but nothing gained either. I think you can tell which I think you should do.”
Revali almost says something along the lines of you wouldn’t know what it’s like but even he can recognize the absolute corniness of such a statement. So he considers the options in his head, grimacing deeper as the logic pans out.
Ms. Urbosa’s wry smile turns a little more genuine at the expression. “You came to me for advice, kid, but you’ve got to decide if you take it or not.” She checks her watch, then clicks her tongue. “He’ll probably leave soon, if you want to catch him before he goes.”
Revali stares at her for a moment. He’s on the fence on it all — listening to her advice, confessing, even staying Link’s friend at all. But he’s starting to realize that logic sways him almost as well as challenges .
“Fine. If I do lose him as a friend, it’s your fault and you’ll suffer for it.”
She rolls her eyes, waves him off. “Oh I know, you’ll make my life Hell and walk divots into my floors. Off with you now.”
-
It goes like this:
Link is sitting next to his motorcycle outside. It brings back memories of Revali being upset, of Revali being resigned, of Revali forcing himself into situations he doesn’t like out of respect for logic and out of need for challenge.
At least this will be a memorable addition to such things.
Revali stands over Link once more, casting a shadow over him. This time when Link looks up at him through his fringe, Revali mentally acknowledges the blue of his eyes and the length of his lashes. He forces his feathers not to puff, and he feels like barely succeeds.
[What’s up?] Link signs, a very similar sign to what , if not for the direction of motion and the look upon Link’s face. There is no grate upon Revali’s nerves this time, but he sniffs haughtily anyway.
“I have something to say.” Revali starts. He feels his words drag, resist. He thinks this might be the conversation equivalent of being tied up and pulled along by a moving vehicle. Probably.
Link nods slowly.
Revali thinks of Ms. Urbosa’s words, plainly or he won’t understand. He thinks of his own penchant for bluntness, of to-the-point statements.
“I am about to say something serious. Understood?” Thumbs-up. Right then. “First off, you’ve won the bet.”
A large smile blooms across Link's face and he raises his hands, but Revali holds up one of his own before he can start anything. “Secondly, and this is still very serious, I’ve accidentally come to like you further than friendship. Put simply, I like you romantically.”
Link stares. Raises his hands, lowers them, raises them again. [I’ve thought you were attractive since ninth grade.]
Revali’s feathers finally puff, and Link’s eyebrows shoot up. “I— I told you, this is serious!”
He waves his hands back and forth, a general motion of denial rather than meaning anything in particular. He then presses his index finger to his chin and twists, the sign quicker and snappier than his usual manner. [Seriously! You didn’t talk with anyone so I couldn’t figure out how to be your friend. Tried a couple times when your feud with Zelda started. You barely noticed. Then the conversation with Mr. Bosphoramus.] The sign brings Revali, the motion for king but using the sign for B. Link starts to fingerspell B-O-S-P-H, but Revali nods once he fills in the gaps. Link nods back and continues. [Didn’t know about your aversion to jokes, made a mean one. Messed up, my fault. But then you hated me, so I stayed away. Didn’t think about you much, wasn’t any point.]
The statement feels sour, but he knows it was deserved.
[This month brought it back, but it wasn’t the goal. Just wanted to be your friend. Promise.] The sign for promise is firm. There’s a dull thud as the palm of Link’s prosthetic hits the top of his other fist. [I didn’t think this would happen.]
“Well…” Revali isn’t sure what he should say. I’m sorry doesn’t feel right, too much weakness from himself and too much pity towards Link. I lied is simply wrong, even if the urge to say it crops up for a moment. Why would you do this to me is quickly brushed aside. “It did. I will leave any further decisions up to you.” He backs up a few steps, goes to turn, but Link stands and waves his hands again.
[Let’s stop hanging out! Half joke.] Revali doesn’t know what half joke means in this context, but he might break something in Urbosa’s office the next time he sees her. [Go on a date with me.]
Nevermind. He’ll buy her a bouquet, or something of the like. Not something permanent at least, to make up for the sheer stress this has caused him.
“A date.”
[A date.] Link signs once more, and Revali stares at his hands. It’s a frankly silly sign, like two sock puppets kissing. It’s stupidly fitting for the conversation. Revali feels like a sock puppet. [Like a hangout, except now we stare deeply into each other's eyes and kiss. Joking. We can do whatever.]
Revali ducks his head, absently using a hand to smooth back the feathers on his head. “What, no bet on dating for a month?”
[Do you want one?] Revali stares at Link for a moment. Really stares. Link fidgets. [I can if you want.]
It’s stupid. Inane. Worst of all, Revali knows it’s thoughtful in a bizarre way, Link’s way of encouraging him to do new things as he had before.
Revali shakes his head.
“No. No bets.”
[I’d win too easily.] Link nods with resolution, walking towards the Master Cycle like a soldier to war.
“No, you loon. ” Revali follows, too distracted to dread the vehicle. “I happen to be capable of doing things of my own free will. Certainly a novel concept for you, I’m sure.”
Link laughs, breathy. Revali thinks that he can get used to silly.