Chapter Text
The air was cool, but humid as Revali and Link made their way along the winding path that led into the Zora Domain. Mipha had called out for some aid a few days ago, stating in her letter that an odd sludge had begun to appear high upon Shatterback Point. Unfortunately, the only two that could spare some time to help her had been Revali and Link.
Zelda was currently getting ready for Link and herself to journey beneath Hyrule Castle – there were multiple reports of citizens becoming ill after coming into contact with an odd, dark mist. She’d noticed that the mist seemed to be coming from Hyrule Castle itself, and even worse, from what seemed like beneath the castle.
Urbosa was dealing with stronger than normal sand storms in the Gerudo desert, forcing her and Riju to set up emergency maneuvers to keep their people safe.
Daruk was still responsible for the Goron people, but now he was also trying his best to keep a close eye on Yunobo. He’d confided to the group a few weeks prior, that his grandson had begun to act strangely and was spending more time in their mines than would seem normal for the young Goron.
All in all, Revali and Link were the only two Champions who really did not have any pressing issues at present. Teba had Rito Village under control, even with the rising snowstorms that seemed to be plaguing the Tabantha and Hebra regions, so Revali wasn’t needed there. And Link had no worries as of late, other than the plan to search the tunnels beneath Hyrule Castle with Zelda next week.
“What do you think it could be?” Link whispered, close enough to Revali that he didn’t have to speak too loudly and strain himself. The Rito’s arm bumped into his as they walked side by side. “Everything going on? Do you think it could be something with Ganon?”
“Goddess, I hope not.” Revali muttered, reaching a hand out as Link hopped over a rock that jutted out from the ground. Link felt the tips of his ears burn red as Revali’s wing lingered on his waist before it returned to his side. “I’ve had enough Calamity for a lifetime.”
Link hummed in agreement, his eyes drifting over to his companion. He found himself appreciating the curve of Revali’s waist, the way he stood so tall and proud so effortlessly.
He hadn’t been left alone with Revali since they buried the Divine Beasts.
They had all been present at every burial, in order to support the respective Champion as their beast returned to the earth. After Vah Medoh had been buried within the Hebra Mountains, Revali had insisted their friends go back to their responsibilities – that he was fine and would speak with Saki if he needed further support that day.
Only, Link had lingered, standing back to keep his presence from being noticed as Revali turned back to Vah Medoh’s resting place. There, he had witnessed the Rito weeping for the first time in his life, something that took Link aback. Here was this teasingly arrogant man – that had only recently begun to open up to everyone – now sobbing as he kneeled in front of where his Beast was. Something pulled horribly in Link’s chest, and he decided to make his way back to Rito Village and wait for Revali so that he could spend time with him.
It was as he walked away, his heart squeezing painfully, that Link realized just how deep his feelings for Revali went.
“Do you need to rest?”
Revali’s voice broke through Link’s thoughts and he turned his gaze from watching the way his chest plate moved with his breath to meet Revali’s gaze. Link’s face burned hotly, and he shook his head swiftly. Revali’s brow furrowed and he tilted his head at him, staring him down.
“What is it?” He asked, pausing his long strides, forcing Link to stop walking as well. “Link, something’s obviously wrong. Are you ill?”
Link shook his head again, “No, I’m fine.”
“Liar. You’re bright red.”
Link contemplate his choices here – he could finally say something about his feelings, or he could be a coward and speak nothing of it. Either decision meant that there would be a lot of emotions to process in the end. He glanced away from the Rito, towards the nature around them. Revali made a humming noise as he waiting, his eyes still on Link’s face.
“I…” Link shifted uncomfortably, crossing his arms across his chest. “I like you. Romantically.”
Silence overtook the two of them, the only noises that of the nature around them. Link’s eyes squeezed shut as they began to burn, and he swallowed harshly against the sudden lump in his throat. He shouldn’t have said anything all; everything was probably ruined now, and Revali would never want to speak to him again.
Soft feathers brushed over his cheek and he startled, his eyes springing open before Revali gently turned his head to face him. His green eyes were gentle, a small smile on his face. Hope burbled up in Link’s chest at his expression.
“Do you remember the night when Zelda brought all that liquor to your house to celebrate?” Revali asked quietly, brushing his hand over Link’s cheek and down to rest on his neck. Link shrugged vaguely and nodded, leaning his head into the other’s touch. “I didn’t drink too much, because Hylian alcohol doesn’t really… work out well with Rito bodies.”
Link’s brow furrowed slightly as Revali paused, tilting his head to the side with a chuckle. Link huffed a bit, bringing Revali’s gaze back to him.
“We kissed that night, Link.” Revali’s feathers fluffed up a bit at that, but he continued on. “I don’t know if you remember that, but I’ve been trying to think of ways to tell you how I really feel since that night.”
Link’s mouth fell agape, and his cheeks burned. “I don’t – Revali, I don’t remember that.”
“You were kind of gone, Link.”
“Oh, my Goddess,” Link nudged Revali’s hand off of him, bringing his own hands up to hide his face. “I took advantage of you!”
“I kissed you first.”
“You –” Link vaguely remembered the feeling of a warm beak against his hot cheek as they laid in the cool night grass. “Holy fuck, you did.”
Revali nodded, grinning down at him. Link stared at him for a moment before he reached out and pulled Revali in by the straps of his chest plate. He nuzzled against Revali’s beak, shuffling closer to him and wrapping his arms around his waist until the Rito wrapped his arms around him in return.
“I’ve liked you for so long,” Link whispered, running his nose over his beak. Revali hummed back, shifting his head to fit his crest to Link’s forehead. “Since before the Calamity even happened.”
“Really?” Revali’s tone was incredulous. Link snorted and leaned his head into the crook of Revali’s neck. “I liked you then, too! How did it take us dying and one hundred years to get our shit together?”
“We’re dumbasses,” Link murmured, squeezing Revali’s middle. “But we can be together now, and make up for lost time?”
“I love the sound of that.” Revali whispered back, pressing his beak into Link’s temple. “Now, let’s go check on Mipha. Then we can head back to yours and spend some time together.”