Airtight Angels - MurmuredInDreams - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom [Archive of Our Own] (2024)

Chapter Text

It’s another early morning in Kakariko Village, the morning call hasn’t rung yet & Link is preparing a lovely meal for his love to wake to. This is a common occurrence as Link’s disciplined internal clock makes him rise earlier than everyone. It gives him joy to know Tauro wakes to the scent of his food, it’s more than just a loving gesture but a ritual that gives him peace.

Domestic life feels like the biggest challenge Link has faced yet, to shed away all the years of being on high alert is not easy. He’s found himself wondering many times if he was only ever meant to live a life under conflict, if the Calamity never happened he would’ve had an intense life of being a knight. That train of thought always leads to the unpleasant question of whether or not he was supposed to live that life or live the one he has now.

Doing something as simple as cooking Tauro breakfast first thing in the morning keeps him anchored mentally, it helps him avoid the existential questions. He & Zelda have spoken about the lingering unease of their displacement, they both figured that it will never truly leave but tangible actions will keep it at bay. Her rebuilding Hyrule keeps her in the present, it reminds her that she has a purpose here even if her time was supposed to be a century earlier.

Being her knight, watching her enact these changes was supposedly his purpose but he knew deep down it truly wasn’t, not until he found it in Tauro. So doing this morning ritual keeps him present, feeding his soulmate a loving meal reminds him he belongs here. Of course with Tauro’s ever so giving nature he felt guilty at the fact that he never granted Link that luxury of breakfast but Link immediately wanted the Lurelin to rid himself of those feelings. Once he explained what this morning task meant to him Tauro understood, he did promise that he’d let Tauro return the favor when he got more used to this new life.

The couple find themselves in Kakariko because of Paya’s birthday. She had a lovely feast with the village & invited those closest to her. That was a couple of nights ago & everyone by now has left the town besides the duo. Kakariko serves as another home for the couple, each holding experiences that make them feel part of the town. For Link this was the first town he entered when he woke from the Shrine of Resurrection, everyone in town knows of his heroic achievements granting him a deep respect & an endless well of gratitude. For Tauro it was a place that happily invited his team to investigate the Ring Ruins, it gave him a great student in Paya & one of the biggest finds of his career. Most importantly, Kakariko gave them each other. This is where they truly first met, where they fell for each other & for that this is a sacred home for them.

Prepping some ingredients, Link gets ready to make a pair of omelettes. It’s quite a special choice as it was the first meal Link introduced to Tauro, Link couldn’t believe that he never managed to have one before their relationship. Since it would be his first Link made it special by using top notch ingredients, besides eggs being the base he added gourmet meat, big hearty truffles, Hateno cheese, spicy peppers, stambulbs & his secret ingredient, monster extract. Instantly the Lurelin fell in love, making omelettes one of his favorites which Link has made sure to cook on occasion.

Each one has been lovingly enjoyed but the original mix of ingredients Link concocted stands as Tauro’s true favorite. Due to the difficulty of getting certain ingredients this particular recipe has been reserved for special occasions. Though today Link is excited because he has the ingredients he needs to make it, it’s no special occasion but randomly surprising his other half with it is an opportunity he won’t pass on.

The sun starts to brighten the sky & the morning call dances in the air. Wonderful aromas fill their Kakariko residence as Link effortlessly cooks, he’s a master of the kitchen as much as he’s a master of the blade. He wonders how this breakfast will start. It's usually one of two options, Link gives it to him in bed, waking him with a delightful platter or the scent pulls the man from bed, stumbling into the kitchen in his undergarments half conscious but happily ready to eat. Last night was a late one for Tauro as a Survey Team base is present in the Sheikah town, though Link made him break the habit of skipping sleep to work he still works into the late hours often. So Link figures Tauro may want to stay in bed this morning which he’s fine with, it makes the surprise even sweeter.

His hunch is correct as he finishes his ritual without interruption, everything is plated & ready to be gifted. Walking to the bedroom Link’s heart starts to race in excitement, he enters the room & sets the plates on the desk nearby. Tauro is sound asleep though something feels off, either way Link softly rubs the Lurelin’s face, laying a soft kiss on his cheek.

“Good morning Tauro…”

Regrettably Tauro wishes he wasn’t woken up at all, his head is throbbing, sinuses a wreck, limbs weak, stomach in agony & he’s abnormally warm to the touch. Link immediately feels the unnatural heat retracting in slight panic, the man groans scrunching his face in discomfort.

“T-Tauro are you okay? What’s wrong?” His voice is soft, he delicately moves the thick bangs to see the man’s face.

Tauro slowly opens his eyes though it’s difficult, his lids feel stiff & his eyes feel dry. He can barely open them halfway as their exposure is uncomfortable. A glimpse of respite hits him as he sees Link, even in disarray he’s thankful for the sight. He tries to smile but he drops it as he doesn’t even have the stamina for that small thing. Nasal congestion forces him to open his mouth to breathe but once air enters his airway an eruption of coughs are let out.

Link springs into action grabbing a healing elixir from his Purah Pad. It’s obvious the man caught a sickness & from the looks of it, it seems like it’s an annoying one. Though elixirs can do wonders to the body it usually neglects non life threatening ailments, it will heal a wound from a spear but not a mere splinter, same goes for sicknesses. A serious illness can be alleviated but not simple things like colds, Fairies work the same way. It’s not without its benefits, it can whisk away severe headaches, nausea & burning scratchy throats. But it won’t erase the groggy feeling or effects of your body fighting the invading bacteria.

Acquiring the elixir he grabs a spoon from the platters then helps his ailing lover sit up, he makes sure to lay a pillow against his back. Uncorking the bottle Link slowly pours the liquid into the spoon making sure not to waste it. The coughing fit thankfully ended but Tauro can tell if he breathes it could trigger it again so he holds his breath so Link won’t spill anything. Once done the blonde raises the spoon to Tauro’s lips, carefully the man opens his mouth to take it in.

As expected his rough throat is soothed, his pulsing head calmed & stomach eased. The other ailments are not shaken a bit but the painful brunt is gone. Link retracts the spoon, his face still wearing the colors of worry, Tauro shares a weak smile.

“Thank you…” It’s strange to hear such a familiar voice under illness, the uncomfortable nasal tone & scratchiness puts you on high alert.

“Of course Tauro….what happened?” He holds Tauro’s hand, his palms burning in fever, a sniffle escapes the Lurelin.

“I don’t know…I felt fine last night…everything went normal…me & the team did our work…I came home, washed & went to sleep…”

“You sure nothing unusual happened? It was a bit stormy last night.”

“No…nothing unusual…” Link holds a bit of skepticism but it quickly fades.

A knock on the front door is heard, startling the duo for a second, both exchange a curious look. Link gets out of bed first & unbeknownst to a hazy Tauro Link stashes the breakfast in his Purah Pad then exits the bedroom to answer the door. Tauro in the meantime slowly gets up to the restroom to rid his mouth of sleep. His pacing is slow as his limbs are still weak, once he enters the next room he stares at himself in the mirror. His face is quite pale making the dark circles under his eyes more prominent. The way his face slightly droops shows his sickness, he hopes this doesn’t last long.

Jogging across the living room, Link answers the door & is surprised to see that the morning visitor is none other than Tauro’s cohort Calip. He looks stern as usual holding an aura of authority even in this casual setting. He isn’t dressed in his Survey Team uniform but his typical clothes that Link remembers him wearing when he was looking for that Sheikah Shrine in Necluda all those years ago.

“Oh…Good morning Calip…can I help you with something?” Calip bows his head in greeting then pushes his spectacles closer to his eyes.

“Good morning Link. I’m here to check up on Tauro.”

Link raises his brow confused, Calip hasn’t done such a thing at least since he & Tauro connected. Tauro & Calip did share a space in Cado’s ruined home turned Survey Team base. Does Calip know he’s sick? He is a doctor after all, but he wonders why he would presume such a thing.

“Uh…Tauro’s not really feeling well.” Crossing his arms Calip closes his eyes, shakes his head & sighs.

“Dammit, I knew it.” Link’s heart sinks a little, even though this is just a simple sickness he wants to know what caused it.

“Calip what happened?”

“The team were investigating some new tablets we found around the area. Of course we worked into the night even though it was quite cold. Tauro started with us but as usual he wandered off into a corner analyzing one of the tablets.

Then the rain came about causing the team to retreat into the base or under tents to stay dry & warm. We worked a few more hours until we decided to retire for the night. Since we were spread out in tents throughout town we presumed Tauro was in one of them so we weren’t aware he wasn’t around.

When I got word that Tauro wasn’t anywhere obvious I looked for him, it was very late at this point & the rain was quite heavy. Low & behold I find him out in the open only wearing his shorts sopping wet completely entranced in that same tablet. Hylia knows how long he was out there, I scolded him & made him return home.

I hoped that he wouldn’t end up sick…ugh Tauro’s one of the greatest minds out there but great Goddesses he can be a bit absentminded with his well being.”

Link can’t help but chuckle, he was right in his skepticism. The Lurelin are nature loving & enjoy facing the elements but tying that along with Tauro’s own set of eccentricities takes that to the extreme. Of course he wouldn’t find it unusual to lose himself in his work in the cold rain. He also wouldn’t think of the consequences & possibly not even care.

“Oh Hylia, what am I going to do with Tauro?…& he told me nothing unusual happened last night.”

“I’m not surprised…Can I still check up on him? I need to figure out how long he’ll be out for.”

“Ye-yeah, come in. He just woke up so I’ll have to warn him first.”

Calip nods with an agreeing hum, Link lets him enter & they make their way to the bedroom. Calip sternly outpaces Link which makes the blonde try to catch up. A bit of panic surges as the old man is seconds away from barging in the bedroom & Hylia knows what Tauro may be doing. Calip’s hand meets the doorknob opening the door, Link scrambles.

“W-WAIT!”

Thankfully Link’s urgency is unfounded as Tauro’s found himself back in bed sitting up fiddling with his Sheikah Slate. Completely unfazed he looks at Calip & shares a greeting smile paired with a hand wave.

“Hi Calip, nice to see you this morning.”

Pacing closer to the Lurelin Calip keeps his stern eyes on Tauro, observing him. A frazzled Link is trailing behind, thrown off with how nonchalant this situation is playing out.

“I wish I could say the same to you Tauro but your partner informed me you’re ill. I suspected such a thing would happen but I hoped that it wouldn’t be the case. Yet here we are, listen Captain I can appreciate your dedication but you can’t be foolish like that! Why didn’t you go into a tent? We wouldn’t have left you out in the rain!”

Link feels some anger rise in him at Calip scolding his soulmate but he knows Tauro is unaffected by it, this is how their interactions work out. Tauro is the chief who gained his knowledge through a number of expeditions & hands-on experience. Calip is the right hand, rigid, stern & well versed in traditional academia, the straight man to Tauro’s unorthodox approach. Sometimes Tauro’s young bubbly nature needs a dash of Calip’s old stubborn ways & vice versa but it’s never out of disrespect. Calip truly respects Tauro, at first he may have been skeptical, he tried to usurp the man in many ways to test him. How could some adventurer have the intelligence to lead an archeologist team? Yet he saw what the man achieved in deciphering the Zonai language, his in depth queries about the race based upon their ancient structures, how he wrote about the subjects he discovered. He realized that Tauro is one of the brightest minds in Hyrule who progressed the field of research with his discoveries & since then he’s held nothing but admiration.

So Link swallows down these feelings as he knows Calip is scolding because he’s concerned about Tauro. It reminds him of when he was Zelda’s knight, she along with his friends always scolded him, fully worried as he tended to not care for his body much. He’s blessed with Farore’s courage so he knows his body is stronger than most so he always stretched himself thin, looking back he can’t believe he did that to himself. He sees the parallel here, Tauro’s equally as dedicated to his work & will push himself with no regard to his safety. They’re twinned in that way hence why they are in a relationship but Tauro isn’t impervious like Link, he can’t afford to be negligent with his body so he completely understands Calip.

“I guess I just lost myself. I planned on retiring in a covered place but I just kept analyzing…I lost track of time. I should’ve let you guys know…”

“Well what is done is done Tauro, what we need to do now is a check up. We need to see how long you’ll be out for.”

Somehow Link failed to notice that Calip brought a leather bag with him, he lays it on the nearby desk opening it.

“Link I’m surprised you let him barge in like that. What if I was vulnerable?” Even with Tauro’s teasing tone & smile Link feels a bit bad that he failed to stop Calip, the older man rolls his eyes, grunting disapprovingly while rustling in the bag.

“I may have been invasive in my approach & I do apologize for that but you need to be checked. That being said, we did live in the same place during the Upheaval & I’m sure your partner knows that with your ‘feel the breeze’ approach no stone was left unturned in terms of your ‘vulnerability’…” Tauro’s laugh in response eases Link’s guilt, though he is a bit petrified of what Calip has seen of Tauro as the man is laughing a bit too much.

“Oh Hylia…” Link’s exasperation extends the laughing.

“Don’t fret too much about it Link, I am a doctor after all. The team requires check ups & physicals which as a former knight you should know is fully exposing. Your partner was a patient…well still is as long as he’s here in town. If anything it’s beneficial as I can immediately know if something is off.” That doesn’t ease Link one bit but he suppresses the feeling as there’s nothing he can do about it.

“Just as long as we know Tauro’s okay I guess…” Another huff from Tauro makes Link sternly look at him.

“Stop teasing me Tauro!”

“Stop making it so easy.”

“Hey! This check up needs to go smoothly! Behave yourselves!”

“Hey I’m just reacting to what I’m seeing.”

“Maybe you wouldn’t need to react to anything if you didn’t get yourself sick.”

“How uncalled for.” Tauro’s playful tone is read in the room, Calip rolls his eyes & Tauro looks at Link waiting for support.

“He’s right isn’t he? I wouldn’t be in such a place if you retired to a tent.” Link’s smirk is answered by a shocked expression painting Tauro’s face.

“Traitor!” Tauro playfully accuses.

“You only betrayed yourself sweetheart.”

Tauro crosses his arms making a pout & turns his face away from Link, miming a child throwing a fit. Link now laughs & Calip approaches Tauro with a flat stick.

“Alright performance’s over Captain, open your mouth.”

“Jeez Calip in front of my boyfriend?” A small wack from that flat stick hits on Tauro’s shoulder sparking a laugh.

“Tauro I am not in the mood!”

“Are you ever?”

“No! So you should know to stop your shenanigans! Don’t make this check up any more difficult than it needs to be!”

“Y’know Tauro you should listen to Calip.” Link is jesting but also not, he’d rather this be over with so he can take care of Tauro. Tauro’s face is appalled yet again, Link laughs as it’s obviously performative & looks quite dumb.

“You’re sleeping on the couch Link!” Link rolls his eyes knowing Tauro would rather die than let that happen.

“Be quiet & say ‘Ah’, it’s better to get this over with so I can take care of you!” With that Tauro eases himself from whatever foolishness he’s acting on & follows Calip’s earlier commands.

“Thanks Link…” Calip bluntly says while laying the flat stick in his tongue observing the agape mouth.

“There are red sores typical of common illnesses, was he coughing when he woke up?”

“Yes, right after he opened his eyes he started coughing violently…I gave him a spoonful of a healing elixir & it stopped it.”

Calip hums curiously, removing the stick from Tauro’s mouth he goes back to the bag rustling in it again.

“As I can hear your sinuses are congested as well, tell me Tauro how did you feel when you woke?”

“Awful…my head was throbbing, stomach churning & my throat was severely burning…after the elixir that all went away…My stamina is lower than a deep sea trench…& like you noted my sinuses are congested…I’m sure my nasal cavity is swollen like a puffer fish.”

Link’s heart grows heavy, he hates that Tauro is going through this, he’s taking it in jovial stride but that bravado isn’t a cure. He hates this pesky illness can’t just be whisked away. Tauro looks at Link & reads the troubled look in his face, he can probably recite word for word what Link is thinking.

“Hey love, I’ll be fine, having you taking care of me will kick this sickness outta me.” Looking up Link meets Tauro’s eyes, the weak hopeful smile takes away all the angst. Tauro is right, he’ll go above & beyond to make sure Tauro is healthy.

Calip pulls out a thermometer, unlike the observation of his throat Tauro follows directions. With the thermometer resting in his mouth all three observe the red line extend, as expected it’s abnormally high. Retrieving the thermometer Calip puts it away & again rustles in the bag grabbing a small brown pouch.

“Well Captain it looks like you picked up a common fever, being rained on in the cold left you vulnerable to infection & here we are. Thankfully it’s nothing severe and by the end of the week you’ll be in full health especially with care provided from Link.”

He proceeds to present the pouch to Tauro who takes it in his hand & opens it to see pale blue capsules inside.

“This alleviates the same symptoms the elixir did, you don’t have to worry about taking up Link’s stock. It also strengthens your body to fight the illness. Take it now & every morning so you can be back to full health by the end of the week.”

Link internally scoffs at Calip’s blunt statement regarding the elixirs, he’ll give his whole stock to Tauro with no question.

“Do you need me to get water so Tauro can take the medication?”

“That’d be appreciated.”

Tauro retrieves a capsule from the pouch holding it in his palm waiting for Link. The hero quickly grabs a glass, fills it using a small Zonai hydrant, runs back & gives it to Tauro who takes the capsule.

“Thank you, love.” Tauro graciously holds Link’s face with his free hand, Link appreciates every second of his hold. Calip seals up his bag, lifting it from the desk, he’s prepared to leave.

“I’m finished with the check up but that’s one problem solved. Me & Wortsworth will take over for this week, do you have anything essential to continue our work?”

“Anything you’ll need to lead the team will be at base. I was too out of it to bring anything home last night. My findings of that tablet are on my desk with everything else. I appreciate you taking over for me Calip, I made a mistake & you have to cast my line for me. I don’t know how I’d do it without you.” Calip releases a relieved sigh, Tauro’s complimentary words still strike him deeply.

“Things happen Captain, don’t feel bad about it. You put me in this position for a reason, I’m ready & thankful to handle it. Just worry about taking care of yourself.”

“Thank you Calip.”

“No problem, take care of yourselves.”

With that Calip leaves, Tauro lays back down in the bed & Link joins, both face each other. They both stare into each other’s eyes enjoying their presence. Link reaches out to rub Tauro’s cheek, once contact is made Tauro gives a wide smile. It’s funny to see the expected joy from Tauro but under the shade of illness, he looks so tired.

“Your touch makes me feel so much better…it’s so warm…so loving.” Link’s heart warms, to provide this to Tauro in a time of need gives him contentment.

“If only I could whisk away your illness with my touch…”

“With how good this feels it may be true.” Link gets close to give a small kiss on the man’s forehead which causes a giggle.

“That’ll definitely cure me…”

“Well if not, I made us breakfast…do you want it?”

Tauro brightens up immediately, if anything can help him it’s Link’s cooking. He hopes he can get some energy for his body while also enjoying a tasty meal.

“I want nothing more, love…”

Giving another kiss to Tauro’s head, Link gets off the bed & reaches for his pad. In the meantime the ill man manages to get the large table tray under the bed which makes Link rush to help him.

“Oh Tauro I can get that.”

“It’s fine I already got it, thank you love.”

With everything set up Link sets the pad in the middle of the tray making the plates materialize as steaming as they were when they were stored. The smell is wonderful but sadly Tauro can’t sense it but he looks at the plates immediately breaking into a smile. He sees the fluffy yellow folded eggs & recognizes the special ingredients.

“Sweet Staminokas Link! You didn’t!” His joy is unrestrained like a child, Link can’t help but break into a loving chuckle.

“I did…I gathered all the ingredients. I knew you’d be happy…”

“Of course I would Link! You know how much this means, you’re always so good to me.”

Link’s cheeks warm, the genuine ecstatic energy of Tauro is infectious as always. It’s the same energy when he finds a great discovery in his work, for Link to give him the same feeling is fulfilling to the hero’s soul.

“I’m as good as you are to me…even though you did say I’m gonna be sleeping on the couch.” Link gives a sly smirk grabbing some utensils for them to eat, Tauro chuckles.

“Well you did betray me love, so the punishment still stands…but as a compromise I’ll join you.”

“Weren’t you just f*cking around?”

“Oh no love! A Lurelin sticks to their word.”

“Oh Hylia…”

Link sighs knowing that when they retire for the night it will be on the couch, Tauro plays these dumb little games at times but Link can’t be mad as he does the same. Tauro is an intelligent respected leader & Link the stoic hero but together they bring out their inner children, immature, playful & happy.

The hero hands Tauro the utensils along with a napkin, the Lurelin gleefully grabs the contents. Both cut themselves a piece of the meal, like faux cheers they lightly tap their pieces together.

“To the greatest cook in Hyrule who made me the luckiest man in Hyrule.”

“Also the sickest…” Both giggle.

“f*ck you…” Link‘s never knew those words could drip with such affection but leave it to Tauro.

Both take in their bite. Link can see why this is Tauro’s favorite, the flavors dance so beautifully across his tongue. It’s a whole feast’s worth of tastes in only one bite, this is going to be a lovely breakfast. If he’s enjoying it this much he can only imagine how Tauro is reacting, he looks at him but is concerned with what meets his eyes.

Tauro took in his bite but all he could feel was the warmth of the food & that was it. His heart dropped but he didn’t want to give up so easily, he slowly chewed making sure his taste buds were covered, still nothing. To his dismay the sickness has taken away his ability to taste, emotionally he’s ready to crack & that’s when Link looks at him.

Despite the growing lump in his throat he swallows the piece. Desperately Tauro cuts another, bringing it to his mouth. Once again he slowly chews trying to find any flavor, nothing. The swallow is harder as the lump is suffocating, he slumps his shoulders letting go of the spoon making it ring against the plate. Link knows something is wrong, he reaches for his love’s newly free hand.

“Tauro what’s wrong?”

With that concerned question Tauro cracks, his other hand covers his face as he weeps into it. Link in panic immediately moves the table tray between them getting close to his crying partner.

“Tauro, what happened?! Tauro…” Link grabs the wrist of the covering hand trying to see the face underneath.

“I-I’m s-so f*cking stupid Link…I’m so sorry…” Link removes his hand from Tauro’s so he can cup Tauro’s face with both of his hands.

“Babe…what?” The blonde brings his face close, holding the man in his hands like a delicate treasure.

“Y-you went out & got all these ingredients to make me my favorite meal & I-I go & get sick like an idiot…I can’t taste it Link! All that hard work you did to prepare & make it…all wasted because I’m a f*ck up…I-I know how much making me breakfast means to you & for you to go out of your way to make my favorite…I’m so sorry Link…I ruined it…I f*cking ruined it…you’ve been telling me to be more mindful of my health & so has Calip & I haven’t listened…I’m such a f*cking moron…”

“Tauro! Calm down please! It’s okay…it’s okay…”

Tauro retreats into Link’s neck continuing his weeping, Link wraps his arms around his neck bringing one up, raking through the man’s hair to massage his scalp. Link is relieved that his lover’s breakdown isn’t over anything detrimental, even though it is to Tauro. He’s never witnessed the man be sick before but he recalls that his mom told him that he tends to get emotional when ill. This situation is just a perfect co*cktail to make him crack like this, Link's heart hurts at the self immolation but also his heartstrings are tugged at how much Tauro cares.

“Tauro, nothing is ruined…things happen. Don’t apologize for anything. I can’t get upset with you about you losing yourself to work, you know I do the same. You didn’t know you’d get sick or that I was making your favorite breakfast, don’t berate yourself over it. You’re not a f*ck up, you just made an honest mistake as everyone else does. It warms my heart to know how much you care & consider me Tauro, it really does but understand I care & consider you. That time getting all the ingredients wasn’t a waste because it was for you, I’d do it a million times over just because I love doing it all for you.”

“But I can’t taste it Link…I can’t taste the love & care you put into it…you did it all for nothing…”

“But you know there’s love & care in it. Even if you can’t taste it you know I made this with all my heart. So I didn’t do it for nothing. The way you smiled when you first saw it made it worth it, how could it be all for nothing when your smile is everything.”

“But what if you can’t make it again…I-I…“

“Shh Tauro, you worry too much. I made sure to get enough ingredients to make this a few more times…this wasn’t a waste Tauro. Even so, it doesn’t matter, please don’t feel guilty, not a single fiber of my being holds resentment towards you. You’re too kind & giving to be feeling guilt. Look at me Tauro.”

Tauro raises his head from the hero’s neck to face him, once again Link holds his face, Tauro’s a beautiful pearl resting within his palms. Their eyes align, Link’s ocean eyes meeting with Tauro’s sapphire. Wiping the Lurelin’s tears their foreheads meet, Tauro’s hands grab the blonde’s waist.

“There’s no reason for tears Tauro, your handsome face shines better with a smile.” Tauro hiccups into a chuckle, Link's words have been soothing him.

“I love you, Link…You do so much for me…so f*cking much…I feel like I don’t reciprocate…”

“Oh Tauro…You do everything for me, you are everything to me. Never feel like you don’t reciprocate…You’ve given me true purpose, nothing I do will ever compare to that. I love you Tauro.”

They both fall into a slow, soft & loving kiss. Tauro holds Link tighter, the kiss breaks but they stay close enjoying their presence.

“I hope I don’t get you sick…” Tauro chuckles.

“The only thing that’s ever gotten me sick is gloom, I guess that’s a benefit of the hero’s power…So don’t worry.”

“Thank Hylia for that…”

“Now how about we get back to breakfast. Even if you can’t taste it, the ingredients are great sources of energy. It will definitely help your body, especially with my love in it…Hopefully you won’t cry again.” The teasing tone makes Tauro laugh.

“Can’t make any promises…”

They both set everything in order again to eat their meals. The taste is still gone for Tauro but he takes Link’s words in knowing that it was a loving effort which makes him feel better. Link enjoys the meal but he tries to conceal it as he doesn’t want to indulge in front of his love but of course Tauro notices & tells him to enjoy himself. Link sheds the trepidation as he knows the Lurelin will be happy to see him enjoying the meal even if he himself can’t.

After breakfast Link cleans up & the couple reside into the living room. Tauro puts on a simple robe & rests on the couch reading a book Zelda gifted him. Link makes him a tea to soothe his sinuses, they fall into conversation, first about what Tauro was observing the night before then memories about when he was sick as a kid & what his parents did to take care of him. Link gives his own tales of taking care of his ill friends.

Time passes their notice & soon enough it’s time for dinner. Link cooks a mighty stew filled with healing ingredients, thankfully Tauro can smell it, it’s minute but he’s happy regardless. Same goes for his taste, though with how flavorful Link’s cooking is it makes the small ability to taste seem gargantuan. After dinner they hold each other & converse over whatever they feel until it’s time to rest.

“Tauro, are we really going to sleep on the damn couch?” Link’s question is exasperated, he really doesn’t want to do it.

“Yes love, you have to pay your price.” He squeezes Link in his arms & the blonde groans.

“I don’t think you appreciate how limiting this couch is.”

“We could make it work. It’ll be for one night. Also you’ve slept in worse conditions.”

“Yeah but we’re in our home & also Hyrule was in a catastrophe but as far as I’m aware the only catastrophe is your immune system.” Tauro laughs.

“Like I said earlier, a Lurelin sticks to their word.”

“Save me Goddess…”

“You’ll be laying on top of me mostly. So don’t be dramatic.”

“So you’ll be getting the brunt of the lovely couch? Hopefully your Lurelin word will be strong enough to support your sick ass laying in this stiff couch not meant for sleeping.”

“Hmmm it will be you little prick.” Tauro pinches Link's side playfully.

Link really thinks about it & it really won’t serve Tauro well to sleep on the couch, not only sleep on the couch but have him laying on top of him too. It wouldn’t be pleasant if he were in full health, so in sickness that isn’t a good idea.

“Tauro you’re sick, I genuinely don’t think it will be a good idea for you to sleep on the couch. I can at least get away with it cuz I’m smaller than you but for you it wouldn’t be comfortable. Especially with you sick? I’m sorry Tauro but thinking about it I’m not letting you sleep on anything that isn’t that bed. I can sleep on the couch & keep to your word but as far as you, you’re not sleeping here.”

Tauro knows Link is serious, if anyone’s word is stronger than his it’s Link. He knows Link will carry him to that bed if need be, that would be funny but he also wants to be with Link. He could play the dumb game of sleeping on the couch because they at least would be together but if Link will prevent Tauro doing that they will be separate. He doesn’t want that at all.

“I’m at a crossroads my love.”

“You’re not sleeping on the couch Tauro. I’m not f*cking around.”

“I know you aren’t, I know you will drag my ass to bed if I refuse so I know I’m gonna have to sleep on the bed while you sleep on the couch. But I don’t want that, I want us together. Yes the whole couch thing is a stupid game I’m playing which I committed to cuz I thought we’d be together here but it’s not looking like that’ll be the case.”

“Hmm so you’re using the word of your people for a game? What would your parents think of that?” Link’s smarmy nature is thriving, he knew this was a game but seeing it fall apart is entertaining so he’s pushing it.

“You’re such a little prick…a smart ass little prick…” Tauro squeezes Link super tight causing giggles.

“So what’s the plan? Is your Lurelin word gonna take a day off tonight?”

“Probably so…My hometown won’t be happy about it though.” The playful lilt to his words makes Link chuckle.

“Don’t worry we can keep it between us. I won’t tell anyone.”

“What about the ancestors?”

“They can see this couch, I think they’ll understand.” Tauro lets out a laugh, he thinks of this whole situation he made.

“Hylia this is such a dumb conversation isn’t it? We were probably gonna end up on the bed regardless. Good Goddess how do you tolerate the stupid sh*t I do? The dumb games I play?” Link laughs considering the absurdity.

“I’m sure I do my fair share of stupid bullsh*t you have to deal with. It at least keeps me on my toes.” Tauro hums happily in response.

“So…can we go to bed now?”

“Yes sweetheart.”

“Can I ask something else?”

“Mhm…”

“Can you…carry me there?”

“Of course Tauro, I said I’m gonna take care of you.”

Tauro smiles, kissing Link on his cheek humming with glee.

“Thank you, love.”

“Anytime, Tauro…”

With that Link carries his soulmate in his arms, it’s quite a sight to see the smaller hero carrying such a large man. Together they retire into bed holding each other in a warm embrace. The next week plays out in a pattern of Link making a hearty breakfast, Tauro waking taking his medicine, losing the day in conversation then Link cooks a hearty dinner. By the sixth day Tauro fully recovers so he prepares for the next day as he’ll return to his team.

That morning Link cooks that special omelette again & Tauro wakes to it in bed. He cries again but this time the tears are full of joy. It gives the Lurelin such a great jumpstart that he takes his first day back in strides. The team notices the extra special pep in his step, Calip is especially happy to see it.

Back at home Link sits on the couch sipping his tea reflecting on the week he had. He realizes that he’s been home the whole time without leaving. Maybe he’s truly getting used to his new domestic life as he didn’t have any desire to run around finding things to do, being honest he doesn’t desire it at this moment. He enjoyed taking care of his love this whole week, it grounded him as much as his morning ritual does.

Link is meant to be here, meant to be with Tauro. If he was questioning it then, he doesn’t question it anymore.

“Tauro should get sick more often…” He sarcastically states to himself before he sips his tea. This is the life he’s supposed to live.