In Sickness and In Health || sidlink (sidon x link)

Fifteen

Regardless of how much they wanted to peacefully bask in the aftermath of such a wild night, it wasn't ideal because of the timing. After they embraced for a short while, Sidon helped Link to get cleaned up and dressed. Only when they were both presentable again did they lay back down; the Hylian rested his body on top of Sidon's, his head propped on his arms so he could make eye contact with the Zora. He could feel himself drifting off to sleep, but they didn't get as much time to wind down as they would have liked, because they could hear several pairs of distant footsteps, likely belonging to the shopkeepers and guards.
     He raised a hand to Link's face and caressed his cheek, hoping to stir him from nodding off. "My love, perhaps we should move from this spot. Why don't you rest more at the inn? I'd actually like to speak to my father, if that's alright with you." He suggested this with a hopeful tone, lifting himself upright as he spoke; he held Link close to his chest to prevent him from falling. "It is still early, so do not worry about me while you are sleeping. I'll be concerned all day if you do not take care of yourself."

     The blonde blinked slowly as he came back to reality, nodding hesitantly in response to Sidon's request. He slipped off the prince's body cautiously, his bones aching somewhat from earlier. Even though he had been extremely vocal during sex, he felt like he couldn't speak up anymore—maybe he was just embarrassed, but regardless, he couldn't manage even a word.

     Picking up on Link's mute reaction, Sidon stood up and helped him to stand as well, holding his hand tight whilst doing so. Afterwards, he glanced down at him admiringly and began walking with him to the inn upstairs. They weren't moving for very long, as the shops were close and equidistant from the center of the Domain. Once they were at the inn, Sidon ducked under the ceiling and followed Link to the front desk, staring into Kayden's eyes blankly, however not sternly at all. "I don't have my change with me, but I'll be sure to find you later and pay you for his stay."

The man was quick to wave his hands dismissively, shaking his head as well. "No worries, Prince Sidon. He's welcome to stay for free. Will you be coming back to wake him?" Kayden was as calm as could be, probably because his wife's inviting energy constantly rubbed off on him.

Sidon nodded in response to the innkeeper's question, though he was promptly distracted by Link groggily walking to one of the beds. Before joining him bedside, he bowed slightly to show his respect for Kayden with his hand over his heart. "Apologies for the trouble. I'll return in a few hours to retrieve him." After showing his respect and gratitude, he straightened up and walked over to Link with a somewhat timid smile. He was prepared to lean down and kiss him, but before he could move, the Hylian tugged him down rather abruptly and initiated a short yet steamy kiss. It was enough to leave the prince speechless and embarrassed as he pulled away. "I-I'll be back..." He stammered to get his words out, then hurrying out of the inn to avoid any awkward eye contact or conversation.
He was halfway to the throne room before realizing how messy his demeanor was; the Zora guards and their confused stares made it clear as day that he was not fit to present himself. He knew he needed to calm down before trying to have a serious conversation with his father, so he took a deep breath and returned to the plaza. He was planning to clear his mind, but he started noticing wandering voices, the kind that gossiped and spread rumors. He didn't think much of them at first, until he heard mention of his name... He was sure they had discovered his and Link's not-so-secret relationship.

He was agonizing over his reputation, but he was startled out of this headspace by a friendly voice, coming from a visibly energetic Kodah. "I had my suspicions about your love interest, but I never expected it to be Linny! He won't open up about anything to me." She made casual conversation with the prince, though she regretted being so loud afterwards as passersby did seem to take notice. "When did you guys get into a relationship?" She corrected herself by lowering the volume of her voice, her tone and stature more relaxed so she didn't overwhelm Sidon.