"I beg your pardon?" They turned to the villager with a confused and surprised expression. "Would you repeat that?"
"We just want to help you. That little monster probably forced you into this marriage. Did he blackmail you? Threaten someone you care about? We can help you."
Four froze in the doorway, a sharp pain entering his heart. They really thought that about him...? He could feel Blue's fury, Green's disbelief, Red's hurt, and Vio's horror, all four emotions amplifying his own. He covered his mouth to muffle the pained whine that threatened to escape.
Even after all this time they still hated him... they still saw him as nothing more than a monster.
He froze as he heard a shark slapping sound, managing to focus back on the two. Their spouse's hand was still raised from slapping the villager, he couldn't see their face, but he could hear the cold fury in their tone.
"Listen to me very carefully, because I won't repeat myself again. I love Link. He loves me. He has never blackmailed me, never threatened me, never harmed me in any way, shape or form. He never forced me into this. I married him because I love him. He's wonderful, sweet, kind, gentle, protective... so many things make him amazing and you and the rest of those villagers are blind!"
"He saved you all so many times and he never asked for anything in return! Yet all of you treat him like a beast because he's a little different now? You should all be ashamed of yourselves! Never come back here until you're ready to admit you're wrong and apologize!" They watched the villager scramble off with their tail between their legs before taking a deep breath to calm themselves and turn around. They blinked, surprised to see Four.
He broke, running to them and wrapping his arms around them tightly, burying his face against them. They hugged their husband back just as tight, running their fingers through his hair. "I love you, Link... I'm proud to be your spouse." He shuddered at their words, unable to fight the tears starting to roll down his cheeks, but nothing was going to wipe the smile off his face.
"I love you too... thank you..."
I saw an opportunity and took it. Also minor HC that any Link's partner refers to them with their nickname from time to time, but 'Link' is always used during serious or soft or emotional moments.
Yes. Yes! This! Exactly this!
And omg same. I hc that his spouse learned of the colors and when they’re together, they can him Four, just like each color has a name when separated. Link is his/their name but it’s special and seems more intimate to say it. So four had his name before meeting the other links and that’s why he offers it so easily before sky can even try to ask fi about it