10 • Gaddison Interrupts a Moment

                                    

                                          
     I joined Sidon on the rock, silently sitting beside him, my knee brushing his. He glanced down at me, offering a smile before turning his attention back to the setting sun. 
     "It really is getting late, Guppy," he said in a low voice, and I wondered if he didn't want to break whatever spell had settled over us, just as I did. 
     I sighed. "It is. I just don't want it to get closer to... to leaving," I mumbled, getting quieter as I spoke. 
     Sidon sat up now, looking down at me, his head tilted to the side and a small smile on his face. "I know you'll come back. I would offer to follow, yet I cannot fight the Calamity with you, though I wish I could," Sidon mused as he looked back over the water, a far off look creeping into his eyes. 
     I sighed. "I know. But, I  have to go back to Kakariko before I go to the castle... you could... uh," I faded off, kicking myself for losing my courage to ask. And here I am, supposed to be the hero chosen by the Goddesses, chickening out asking Sidon if he wanted to go to Kakariko with me. 
     Sidon looked back to me, a warm smile on his face. "You want me to come with you?" He asked simply. 
     Curse him for making it sound so easy. I just glanced down at the rock below us and nodded. "If you wanted.." I mumbled. 
     Sidon laughed a bit now, drawing my attention back up towards him. "Guppy, I'd love to go. Sounds... exciting," he said with a dramatic flair. 
     I couldn't help but laugh a little, and Sidon must have seen the crack because he got a knowing smile before he kept speaking. "I've never seen Kakariko, though I've heard a great deal about it, you could show me so many things I've never gotten to see," he mused, looking over the water again. 
     I titled my head to the side. "Have you never travelled?" I asked. This drew a sigh out of Sidon. The pained look in his eyes almost made me apologize for asking. 
      "No," he started, wincing at how harsh it sounded. "No, I've never been farther than the gate we met at, just outside of the Domain. After Mipha... let's just say that my father hasn't exactly been lenient when it comes to my activities." He didn't look at me, instead just kept staring off into the distance. 
     It made sense, all that he was saying. While I don't blame Dorephan, I'm not exactly on his side either. "'m sorry," I offered lamely. Sidon turned to me with a sad smile. 
     "Don't worry about it, I just wish I could've- and forgive me for sounding cheesy- but I wish I could have lived more in all these years. Do you know what I mean?" He asked, watching my face carefully. His usually thin pupils were much more round now, and I couldn't help but draw the connection between him and an old barn cat I used to feed. 
      I nodded. Sidon let out a breathy laugh while rubbing his face with both his large hands. "Of course you would. Of all of us you probably understand the most, don't you Link?" He asked, his voice suddenly very serious as he dropped his hands down into his lap. 
     I sighed, trying to offer a small smile, but it turned into more of a grimace. "Yeah, but I think I'm finally figuring out what I want to live for," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I didn't trust it any louder. 
     Sidon tilted his head to the side, his tail falling to the side. "And what is that?" He asked, equally as quietly. I was suddenly aware of how close we were to each other. We had since created more contact than just our knees; both of us subconsciously leaning in. I was suddenly hyper aware of this, yet I did nothing to remedy it. 
      I had just opened my mouth to answer, when I heard footsteps approaching along the path. I jolted, glancing quickly to the path. 
     "What's wrong?" Sidon asked as he too turned to check what I was reacting too. 
     We both saw the Zora guard approaching down the path, and once she came into view we darted apart, sitting as far as we started from each other. The guard saw us and waved over her head. I saw now that it was Gaddison. 
     "Prince Sidon, your father has requested your presence, he has some things he wishes to discuss with you over dinner. You're welcome to join as well, master Link," she said, her professional tone alien to me, even with my very limited memories of my childhood. 
     Sidon sighed before standing. "Of course, we'll be right there," he said, his tone more short than usual. Gaddison didn't seem to notice, or if she did she didn't react, as she nodded and started off towards the domain again. 
     Sidon dropped his shoulders when she was out of sight, then looked down to me with a small smile. "Guess our time is up. Let's go get some dinner, yeah?"
      After I was dressed again, we started off towards the domain. Sidon was quiet, and I could tell he was nervous. I was feeling a bit better, so we were able to walk more quickly than we did going to the lake. 
      "What's wrong?" I eventually asked. Sidon started a little, then chuckled a little awkwardly. 
     He only spared me a glance before looking at the path before us again. "Nothing, just nervous as to what my father wishes to speak about. I'll also need to be asking if I may travel with you to Kakariko," he mumbled the last bit, but I heard him. 
     "If it's a big deal you don't have to go," I offered, shoving my hands in my pockets. 
     Sidon sighed, shaking his head. "No, I want to. I need to see more of Hyrule as well. It's not fair that my father has kept me under lock and key all these years," he said in a low voice, seemingly working out his thoughts as he went. 
     I nodded, making a noise of agreement. We fell back into silence then. It wasn't awkward, but there was definitely an air of words unsaid making the silence thick between us. 
      We made it to one of the many bridges leading to the main part of the domain. Sidon let out a breath before squaring his shoulders and stepping onto the bridge with purpose. I just watched him. I watched as he put up whatever walls he has, that I hadn't noticed he had dropped with me. 
      Maybe he was putting the proverbial crown back on, or maybe he was steeling his nerves, I wasn't sure. Yet, I could see the difference, even down to his pupils, which were much thinner now than they were before. 
     He must have seen me lagging a bit, as he slowed down, falling in stride with me. He placed his hand on the small of my back, leaning down slightly. "Are you alright?" He asked quietly. 
      'I could ask you the same thing,' I signed to him. He sighed, a small smile cracking the princely demeanor he had just donned. 
      "You're going to be the death of me," he laughed as he stood straight again, yet he did not remove his hand from my back. 
      He guided me through the domain like that. We were spared a few glances, and even more whispered remarks, yet Sidon didn't seem to pay any mind. 
      That's what I would say, at least, if I couldn't see his other hand tightened to a fist at his side. He was very nervous, and he must be using me to ground himself. 
      As we got to the stairs leading into the dining hall, I put my hand on his arm. When he glanced down towards me with a questioning look, I just offered up a reassuring smile. 
     'Thank you,' he signed to me before we started up the stairs and into the dining hall. 
      Most of the assembled Zora didn't notice us come in, and Sidon took this opportunity to guide me quickly to two empty chairs beside his father. He sat in the chair closest to his father, who promptly leaned down to our level. 
      "Hello Sidon, I'm glad you could join us. Now I have some things about the feast to speak with you about," the king started, Sidon sighing almost inaudibly before nodding and offering his response. 
     They lost me as soon as they started talking about guest numbers and dining utensils for the different races. 
     I felt a nudge in my side opposite of Sidon. I turned, seeing that Gaddison was seated beside me. Funny how I hadn't noticed her there. 
      I waved a little in greeting. Gaddison offered me a toothy grin. "Long time no see, Link. You and the prince seem to be getting close," she teased. "But seriously, how have you been? I haven't seen you in a while." She turned in her chair to face me, leaning an elbow on the table. 
     I offered up a thumbs up, pointedly ignoring her first comment. I cursed the fact that the sign I did was not well known across Hyrule. I would either have to speak in this already very loud dining hall, or get by with vague motions. I bit back a sigh, I wish Sidon could translate or something. 
     Wait... did he sign back to me before we came in? I almost laughed, what a big softie he is. 
      Gaddison watched me with an amused smile. "Thanks for the whole Ruta thing too. The prince was so worried about you while you were inside the thing, though," she sighed dramatically, then started laughing when Sidon shot her a glance out of the corner of his eye. 
      "Anyways, it's good to see you. I'm off duty tomorrow. I think I'll hang out near the east reservoir if you want to join me to catch up. Even if you don't want to, I'm glad you're alright and about, Prince Sidon is always happier when you're around," Gaddison said, leaning her head on her hand. 
      I felt my ears heat up. So it was that obvious? 
      "Struck a nerve there huh?" She laughed, still leaning on her hand. 
      I didn't know how to respond that didn't incriminate me or Sidon. Luckily, I was saved by Dorephan calling my name. 
     When I turned to face him, he smiled. "I trust you didn't get into any trouble today," he joked. 
      I laughed a little before nodding. 'We just swam all day. Until I fell asleep,' I signed. 
      "He said we swam, and he fell asleep at one point," Sidon said to his father after I finished signing. 
      Dorephan nodded. "Thank you Sidon. Anyways, Link, I wanted to speak to you about your attire at the feast. You can either wear something you already own, or we could provide clothing for you. We just need to know to organize stylists," he said with a little sigh. He must not be enjoying all this planning. 
     This question gave me pause, as on one hand I would rather not trouble the king with the extra effort of dressing me. Not to mention that it made me feel a bit like a child. On the other hand, however, I had no clothing that would be viable for a formal event. Maybe my champions tunic? No, that has way too many grass stains right now, and I'll be damned if I wash it while I'm still hurting. My Zora armour is out of the question. While I appreciate the effort Mipha put into it, it feels weird wearing that in front of her brother, whom I have feelings for. 
     'All my clothes are bad,' I signed after a moments deliberation. 
      Sidon chuckled a little. "He said 'all my clothes are bad,'" he translated directly. Dorephan laughed a bit at that as well. 
      'I thought you would translate that better,' I signed, my brow furrowed. 
      Sidon smiled at me, another one of his private smiles that I only seem to get. "I translated you exactly, I don't know what you want from me." 
     I huffed. 'For you to make me sound better in front of the king,' I emphasized the last word, which just made Sidon laugh again. 
     'I'm sorry, princess.'  he signed, an evil smile on his lips. 
     I felt my face flush. I punched him lightly on the arm, as he had began laughing at me upon seeing how his words had affected me. He turned back to his father then. 
      "My apologies, I got distracted. What were we talking about?" He asked, his voice still light from laughing, and his teeth still bared in a grin. 
      Dorephan shook his head, an amused smile on his face. "Clothing. Now, I trust you can dress yourself? And help Link here if we get him clothes for the feast?" Dorephan asked, still smiling. 
      Sidon nodded. "Of course. I'm assuming we're dressing Link in formal zora garments then?" He asked, tapping his chin with his finger, as he so often does while thinking. 
     Dorephan nodded, then countered with more kingly speak, and they had lost me again. 
      The rest of the meal passed in a blur of idle chatter. Soon, everyone was either filtering out from the room, or lounging about and chatting amongst themselves. Sidon and I hung about as he was still discussing- what I assumed to be important- things. Gaddison had left a little while ago for her shift of guard duty, but not before reminding me where I could meet her to hang out tomorrow. 
      Eventually, Dorephan leaned down to us. "You should both get to bed. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, and then it's the day of the feast. Many of our guests of honour will be arriving tomorrow," Dorephan mused as he sat back. 
       Sidon nodded. "Of course. We will join you for breakfast tomorrow morning," Sidon said as he stood. I was caught off guard by his height again for a second as I stood as well. 
       Dorephan bid us goodnight, and Sidon and I made our way out into the cool night air. I glanced skyward as we walked, taking in the nice night. 
       "Oh!" I exclaimed. 
       Sidon started, quickly ducking to my level. "Are you okay? Did something happen?" He asked quickly. 
       I just nodded, grabbing his arm and pointing towards the stars. He gave me an amused look before looking up. "What am I looking for here, Guppy?" He asked with a little laugh, but did not take his eyes off of the sky. 
       I pointed towards the constellation I had seen. "That. It's the constellation of the goddesses. It's a really rare one," I said, not fighting the grin that rose to my lips. 
      Sidon let out a relieved sigh. "Ah, well I'm glad you're not dying, and I'm glad you got to see this constellation," he said softly as he stood straight again, sparing a glance towards the sky before looking down at me again. 
      I just flashed him a grin. This earned me a chuckle. "Alright, let's head to bed. Care to explain a bit about that constellation as we walk?" Sidon asked, a warm smile lighting his face up.  
      I nodded quickly, excited to share a bit of my knowledge. "It's usually seen as a good omen. That the Goddess is looking down on you, keeping you safe. I'm not sure how much of that I believe, but I think it's a nice thought," I mused, holding the cloak I was wearing close to keep out the chill. 
       Sidon hummed, glancing skyward again. "Maybe She is keeping an eye on us. We all know you need it, Guppy," he joked, nudging me slightly. 
       I feigned offence, shoving Sidon a little back as we approached his room. "Yeah, yeah." I tried to sound annoyed, but I was too happy in that moment to even fight back my smile, let alone change my tone. 
       Sidon opened the door to his room for me, nodding to me as I passed through with a quick signed 'thank you.' After he made his way inside, he began lighting some candles beside his bed.  
       I knew he didn't need to have much light at all to see, so he must have been doing it for me. That just made me smile more as I watched him flit around the room, humming to himself as he did. The spots along his crest and tail were glowing softly in the dim light. 
       I made my way to the bed and sat with a huff. This drew Sidon's attention, who paused long enough to glance towards me to see if I was alright. 
       Once he was finished, he made his way over to the side of the bed he had been sleeping on last night. "Is it alright if I sleep here again?" He asked as he started removing his jewelry and setting it on the stand beside the bed. 
       I laughed a little. "Of course. It's your bed," I said as I unclipped the cloak I was wearing and tossed it off of me. 
       Sidon chuckled a little. "I thought I would check, at least. Anyways, I was wondering how you knew about the stars like you do?" Sidon asked as he sat heavily. 
      The bed rose on my side, catching me off guard for a second. Sidon saw this and began laughing, only breaking his laughter for quick apologies. I feigned offence, shoving Sidon as I broke out into laughter as well. 
       We eventually settled, and I rose to remove the trousers I had been wearing. I settled back into bed again, getting comfortable under the plush duvet. "Oh! You asked me something," I jolted, making Sidon laugh again. "Zelda taught me about stars and such. I think it helped her to have someone to bounce ideas off of, and I liked learning new things. I never got to talk about it much, besides with Zelda though."
      Sidon hummed, nodding wistfully. "I suppose a knight wouldn't have much use of knowledge like that. But, I like hearing about it, so you'll have to tell me more sometime," he said with a warm smile before blowing out the candles beside him. 
       Before I knew what was happening, he leaned over me, blowing out the candles on my side of the bed. His large hand was planted beside my head, and his chest was just over my head. I felt my face flush horribly as he pushed himself back into a sitting position. 
      I laid, stiff for a moment, trying to process what had just happened. Sidon must've noticed me acting weird, as he leaned down towards me again- much less close mind you- and tilted his head to the side a little. 
      "Are you alright?" He asked softly, his spots glowing a little brighter now, so I could see his face better. 
       I nodded, offering a smile up at him as I relaxed a bit. Curse this idiot, he doesn't even know what he's doing. I watched as he gave me a look, clearly not convinced but not going to push it farther. He then laid back, crossing his arms behind his head and taking a deep breath. 
      He turned his head to the side now, looking at me with a soft expression. I couldn't help but relate back to when I first got here. When he gave me one of these private looks that shook me to my core. I hated how I reacted, but Goddess if I could ever remember anyone looking at me like that. 
     Well, if I had let people in enough to get looks like that, that is. 
     I turned, propping myself up on my elbow. "Sidon, I'm sorry about how I was the other day," I eventually said, my voice barely above a whisper. 
     He scanned my face for a moment, his bright eyes shining even in the low light. "What brought this on?" He asked, his own voice low and quiet, yet serious. 
      I sighed, wishing I knew what brought it on as well. "I don't know. I just... I think I really want to believe all that you've said. It's just hard, after everything that's happened, I don't know if I can be... I don't know if I'm the one you should have around you- like this," I stumbled over the last bit, not sure of the right words to use about our current situation. 
      Sidon just gave me a strange look for a while. I was about to urge him to answer me in some way when he eventually did speak. "Why shouldn't I? Link, I'm not going to just give up on you because you don't think you're worthy of my effort. I'm just happy to have you here. You don't have to be ready to change yourself completely for me, for Hylia's sake I don't even want you to change yourself for me. I treasure you and I would stay by your side no matter what," he said firmly, having raised himself onto his elbows somewhere in the middle of him speaking. 
      Once again, Sidon had left me completely speechless. 
      "I really don't understand you," I eventually joked weakly, after I found my words somewhere in my brain. 
      Sidon gave me a look, then started laughing. He shook his head, sitting up fully now. "You don't have to, you just have to put up with me," he said wryly, his sharp teeth flashing in the low light. 
     I shook my head, not fighting the smile that once again rose to my lips. "If you're so sure, then I'll 'put up with' you until the day I die," I said, intending for it to sound joking, but it came out much more serious than I meant. Maybe it's because I truly meant it- save for the putting up with part, as I cared about Sidon too much at this point for that to be considered anywhere close to the case. 
      Sidon's smile just grew as he laid back down now, but this time wrapping his large arms around me and pulling me with him and against his chest. I was caught off guard for a moment, but soon regained enough composure to laugh along with Sidon. 
      "That's more than I could ever ask for, my guppy. Though, a terrible way we've chosen to phrase it," he joked. I couldn't help but agree, but I think despite the joking, we both knew the weight to the words shared. 
      I hummed in agreement, already starting to doze off. This earned me a chuckle from Sidon, who started to run a gentle hand through my hair. I wrapped my arms around him now, pulling myself even closer to Sidon's warm chest. 
      I fought off a yawn. "G'night. 'm gonna see Gaddison tomorrow, I think. Haven't seen her in like... a hundred years," I mumbled, not fully awake as I did so. 
      "Of course, go have fun. I'll come get you when it's time for you to get dressed," Sidon answered, his voice beginning to sound quite tired as well. 
      I just hummed some vague noise of either thanks or agreement, then let myself be taken by the sleep that had been pulling at me.