Today was going to be the day.

Sidon had decided, when he last watched Link's back disappear into the horizon, that the next time the hero returned he would start courting him. He had avoided the issue for long enough because of his conflicted feelings about having romantic intentions towards the man his sister had once been in love with, but he was at peace with it now.

The fact that Link was a Hylian, and a male one at that, had delayed his decision quite a bit too, if he was being honest. In hindsight, it rather neatly explained away his disinterest in the female Zora who had tried to court him along the years. He had, of course, eventually tried turning his attention to the male population with some success, but he had never really clicked with anyone. It seemed now that he just had some rather particular tastes.

Point was that Link was returning to the Domain, and Sidon had a promise to keep to himself. He no longer had excuses to hide behind.

It didn't mean that he was feeling particularly confident about courting his best friend. Link was difficult to read unless he wanted to be transparent on purpose, so Sidon had no clue if his advances would be well received. It made him nervous, even if he didn't want to admit it. He was used to everybody fancying him and being ready to throw themselves at his feet from the word "go", but now he had to actually put in effort. He knew how it worked, but he wasn't sure if he'd be able to tell whether it was working or not, unless Link threw himself at his feet too.

The Zora Prince adjusted his regalia fussily, fidgeting in front of his mirror. He still had some time before Link was due to arrive at the Domain proper, as he had only received a message from a scout that Link was on his way there, not yet at the gates.

Just enough time to second-guess his attire. He almost always wore the same things when Link visited, didn't he? For a reason, really, since his current accessories were the most comfortable and least intruding ones; he could easily swim and fight in them, if necessary, and they didn't snag on Link's clothes if he had the opportunity to embrace his friend.

But maybe he should wear something different for once? Something to catch Link's eye? After all, he was trying to make an impression...

ooooo

Sidon made it to the gate just before Link's form appeared on the other end of the bridge. His arrival time had been a little too close for comfort, but at least he made it.

The guards on either side of the gate gave him contemplative looks, the purple female guard even an admiring one.

Sidon preened a little, feeling more confident in his choice of clothes now. He had wondered if he was overdoing it, but in the end had decided that yes, he would wear as much yellow as his wardrobe allowed, just to make his intentions very clear. Yellow was the traditional colour male Zora wore when they wanted to stand out and make an impression on whoever they were courting. He believed it was because yellow stood out very well in water, so if one wanted attention down below, it was the best option.

In any case, he was broadcasting his intentions for all of the Domain to see, and he hoped Link was impressed with his looks.

Sidon had to keep his hands clasped behind his back to fight the urge to adjust his accessories again, until Link was finally close enough to be greeted.

"Link! I've been expecting you. It's so wonderful to see you again", Sidon said brightly, and puffed out his chest just so, making his yellow cravat extremely obvious against his white chest scales.

Link smiled at him and simply waved. His eyes dropped to the cravat for a split-second before he looked up again. His expression didn't change in the slightest.

It was almost like he didn't even register the colour, or care.

'It's nice to see you too', Link signed, then nodded at the pack he was carrying. 'I'll book a room at the inn and drop these off. Then we can talk?'

Sidon was baffled. How could Link be so nonchalant? Did he figure that Sidon just wanted to show off a little today for no reason?

That wouldn't do.

Sidon collected himself, and went for his trump card. He did his signature arm flex and grin pose, and subtly tilted his head forward in the process, making sure the brilliant yellow aigrette on his head was plain to see even for the short Hylian.

"Sounds like a plan! I shall be waiting for you outside the inn", he said, and waited for a reaction.

Link's eyes glanced up for maybe a second, but then went lower and spent a longer while on his arm and smile instead. Then he smiled and gave thumbs up, and turned to head to the inn.

Sidon didn't understand anything anymore.

"Sire… I don't think it worked. But if it means anything, I think you look very alluring in yellow", the purple female guard said sympathetically.