People have historically given Link a harder time in the comments sections, uncharitably speculating about his sexuality or calling him girlish in a time when his thinking was less nuanced and being compared to Velma Dinkley was a flat out insult (Nowadays I think 'looks-up-lesbian-fashion Link' might be more inclined to take this as a compliment).
Doesn't help that Rhett was also always ready to quirk his brow at Link's 'quare'ness, to give him the stern 'boundaries, bro' etc. most likely cause of his own insecurities making Link a convenient lightning rod for that judgement. Partly because of his (endearing and probably very flustering to Rhett) moments of non self consciousness, and also because they both grew around each other and use each other as points of reference (you're my whole world bro). They're Rhett and Link, the ______one and the _____ one.
So Link experiences himself as the Boy to Rhett's Business Man, leans into it for laughs, reads his storybook lines in a high pitched voice, all to be 'in' on the joke, before he can be the butt of it. Rhett 'gets to' be Dr. McLaughlin and maybe this perception of their dynamic makes it easier for him to digest the concept. Maybe he gets comfortable with the idea sooner even though it involves playing their comedic version of playing 'house' in a way where he's perpetually relegated to Big Spoon without much room for exploration (except when Rule of Funny calls for it because haha height difference).
We know from the time they dressed as each other Link is definitely affected by this 'I'm gonna act like you're weird' thing even though Rhett has drastically changed in terms of his attitude towards masculinity and proximity, is more able to articulate and ask for affection, albeit clumsily, due to therapy, etc. Link fundamentally is troubled by changes in dynamic and the 'rules' they have set up between them, especially spontaneous or unpredictable situations that could lead to him feeling like the butt of a joke. He frequently alludes to not wanting to feel like a loser, a lesser partner or in any way diminished in their duo.
Vulnerability in these scenarios has historically led to Link getting laughed at on the Internet for having a face journey after the Newsicals kiss, and although not all of those reactions were bad intentioned, when you struggle with anxiety it can feel like you're being made fun of, and traitorous thoughts surface of "My not usually touchy friend who I'm comfortable with and knows all my boundaries is touching me a LOT and he looks VERY comfortable am I getting anti-Cap bait and switched here? If I lean into this will he guffaw and will the rug be pulled out from under me?" And maybe "My friend who I like but people say I more than like and who I maybe sorta do more than like is really comfy, how do I play this? Too comfortable and I run the risk of another incriminating face journey, too uncomfortable and I fail at this challenge and I'm Professional Loser Link"
Rhett is bad with words and cannot seem to communicate enough how ready he is for Link to forget about all that and move the 3 extra inches so he can nuzzle him in his arms and make up for lost time. As buds, of course.
“Am I getting anti-Cap bait and switched here? If I lean into this will he guffaw and will the rug be pulled out from under me?”
That’s a wonderful point, anon. This whole thing was one big perfect point. And as an outsider looking in on their relationship, it seems to me like a pretty solid analysis of Link’s thought process. I mean, I’d be nervous to cuddle too if I were in his shoes. What’s a prank by the writers to make Link look silly and what’s Rhett genuinely wanting to physically connect?
Is it even safe to physically connect in such a public space? What will people think if they both look comfortable in each other’s arms? What will they themselves think if they find that sort physical closeness and connection comes easily?
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