Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The streets were a little chilly, even in the sunlight. Autumn was pulling the warmth from the air, or maybe it was just him. A young blonde man shoved his hands further into his forest green hoodie pocket. His shoulders are stiff, for more reasons than one. It was not the best part of Hyrule City to be walking alone in, but he was aware of his surroundings. HIs wallet in his front pocket so as to not be picked and a butterfly knife on the other side. He was grateful he had never had to use it though. He glanced at the street sign that read: Fourth and Minshi Rd and turned left on Fourth. He mouthed the building numbers until he got to 425. A brick apartment building loomed before him and he took the door as someone was exiting. He took the stairwell up to the fifth floor and found the correct door, pulling out a set of keys.

Green blinked as they entered the apartment. It felt weird, Professor Vio had given him the key anytime to use but it still felt weird. He knows they're actually not that different in age, but the relationship of teacher and student had made those five years feel like twenty. They were friends, he reminded himself, and while they had said he could use it for any purpose he still felt bad invading their privacy. It was dark, and silent, no lights on he could see. He flicked on the switch, analyzing. There was their briefcase and graded homework and assignments on a counter island with stools in the open kitchen to living room space. The faint smell of coffee surrounded the area, a small red light on the electric kettle indicating it was still set to stay warm. An abandoned mug of half drank coffee on the counter, the source of the delicious caffeine smell. A simple couch, coffee table, used tv, and a desk sat in the open living space. It felt lived in, and homey. An old gaming console and controllers sat in the coffee table under it.  A mix of DVDs and games scattered unorganized in the other side. Books laid everywhere of course, on the side table, the desk, the shelves, one open on the couch. Some random magazines on the side table, pencils, a notepad. This apartment felt like a home .

He was expecting Vio to be home, if he was being honest. Maybe they had gone to get creamer or groceries. Green wasn’t sure exactly what quirk of theirs led to their forgetfulness or if it was just them . They had mentioned more than once their bad memory about filling their cupboard or fridge with even the basic needs. It was not that they struggled financially, hells no. They were a tenured professor at a prestigious university, the first ever founded in Hyrule. Early graduation and a knack for mentoring went places. It was a wonder Vio had an apartment in such a shady neighborhood, no matter how nice it was inside. He let out a soft puff of air, gently dropping his book bag to the floor near the door and removing his shoes. Green raised a brow at his fancy work shoes, shiny and black, next to a pair of popular brand plastic sandal shoes. Of all the people to have those, he laughed. He noticed a hoodie sleeve was poking out from his bulging pack and he frowned, mood turning back to somber and turning his attention away quickly.

“You can come and go as you please, unless there is a purple tie on the door. Then you can not, aside from an emergency. As long as you follow a few simple rules: always take off your shoes, I do not want to clean more than I have to,” he could hear the exasperation in their tone, when they had said it. “If you make a mess, clean it. Lock the door behind you. Do not destroy any books.” That was it. Green wondered as he ambled around the wood floors and dusty shelves if they gave anyone else a key or if it was his personal circumstances that warranted it. He noticed a tiny plant on one of the shelves, actually alive. He hummed, it was probably fake. He couldn’t imagine Vio remembering to water a plant. He was convinced the professor was out until he heard music from a backroom. His eyebrows shot up at the alternative song blasting through some speakers. He knew that band, he thought, the attractive lead singer with purple hair, tattoos, pricings, and attitude.

“Mr. Atari?” Green called as he followed the noise to where an open arch frame led to a small studio room. The room was a mess. Tables with supplies and sketchbooks, paints, shavings, pencils, brushes, bits and bobs. One of those small wooden figurines you could move set in some crouched stance with arms back as if it were holding a bow taught. “Vio?” They were facing away from him, in casual clothing. It was jarring, seeing them out of the typical purple vest and suit. A paint stained tank top revealing his shockingly muscled biceps adorned on the left with some vines and flowers wrapping around. A symbol like three teardrops shaded purple on the shoulder, he squinted. The symbol for earth, he thinks? He should have paid better attention in their magic history class. A pair of ass hugging jeans riding on their hips. They were humming to the music, painting on a small canvas. There were several more laying around or propped against the walls. Beside them a tarp behind a stool with a vase on it, obviously for practice of still life.

Well, he wasn’t expecting that. Nor the small rolled white paper sticking out of his mouth that was puffing soft purple smoke.

“Uh…” he so eloquently stuttered. He peeked at the landscape Vio was painting, a sketchbook of it sitting next to them on a stool. It looked like the field outside the main city, but different. A dirt paved road and a focus more on the forest, which seemed fuller and denser than it was currently. “Ahem, uh, Vio?” This felt like a much too intimate a view into their life to call them mister or professor at this moment.

They startled out of their zone, nearly splashing the canvas. “Agh! Shit- Shad-- oh! Green!” They started off sounding scolding until they realized who their audience was. Their cheeks warmed from being caught off guard, and also caught smoking weed. Vio cleared their throat and set the brush down into the coffee mug full of paint stains and water, rinsing and then drying it on a towel over their shoulder. Who knows what color it had been originally? “Hi,” they snuffed out the joint and placed it on the easl tray.

“Hey.” Green shifts awkwardly. “What uh- whatcha doing?” He follows them with their head as they shut off the little speaker on the table.

“Just a project,” they dismiss, grabbing a plastic cover and clicking it over the paint palette to keep them from drying out. “I did not hear you come in, sorry. Would you like some coffee or tea? The water should still be set on warm.” They felt immensely self conscious. Vio hadn’t mentioned their artistic side to anyone, even Green. Guilt gnawed at their stomach, he trusted them with so much personal adversity and they had never even mentioned the prospect. It wasn’t on purpose, the topic just never really came up. Still, they shove that down, it makes them feel a little bad.

“Sure, that sounds good.” Green steps out of the way so they can leave. Vio leaves the towel over a cheap laundry hanging rack standing by the door. It held a few other towels and two empty hangers, obviously not being used for its intended purpose. Green smiles at that, it’s very on brand. Vio leads the way back to the kitchen and washes the paint off their hands and arms before pulling out two mugs -not paint splattered- and putting tea bags in them. They set a sugar container and honey on the counter. Green sits in the stool as Vio flits about the space. They shuffle their papers up and stick them into the portfolio to shoo it onto the already full desk in the living room. “It’s really nice in here,”

“Thank you,” Vio pours the water over the bags and places it back on the stand. They lean on the counter and sigh, “So, were you just around the city?” They prompt, pretending as if they didn’t see bruises on their student. On their friend. They didn’t want to push him into talking if he wasn’t ready to. Green’s cheek and arm ached, he had been trying to ignore it.

“You could say that,” He kept his emerald eyes down at the mug, stirring in a little honey. “I- uh

“ Vio waited patiently, exuding their particular brand of non-judgemental vibes. “I finally broke it off with him. He didn’t take it so good,” His knee bounced. He noticed Vio didn’t even correct the grammar as they usually would. Green hid in a sip of the tea. “But the elderly lady next door came over from the noise. She was holding an iron skillet,” he laughs, “She’s so sweet, claiming she thought there might have been a break in and wanted to check. I know she knows it wasn’t.” He let out a breath and looked up, “At least I got out through the stairwell window while they were talking. How can an old woman be braver than me?? I was worried he might hurt her, but appearances are everything. He would never.” Green cringes and they nod an understanding. He had told them before about that. His manipulation, his change, his real self.

“I left the key on the bed. I took my important stuff, some clothes, and left.”

“You left.” Vio parroted, but firm. Affirming. “That is pretty damn brave, Green. It takes a lot to be able to leave, and stay away.” The warning in their tone was unsubtle. “Sometimes that is the hardest part.” Wise words, unclear if from personal experience or just knowledge. “Stay here as long as you want,” want, not need, Green noted. “I will kick his ass if he comes looking. Not that he would know where to.” They smile at him.

“I wouldn’t have believed it before,” Green glances at their exposed arms. “But damn.”

“I used to do archery,” Vio takes his subject change in stride, “I missed it, and did some weight lifting. That’s where I met Blue,” their mutual friend, strong bad ass motherfucker and Zelda’s girlfriend. They grinned, “Some people know how to get under my skin, and Blue plus competition? The rest is history.” Green snorts and smiles, “That was not an intended pun.” The history professor rolls their eyes.

“Mmmhm,”

Vio opens the fridge and pauses.

“...” SIlence between them before Green burst out in laughter, “You didn’t buy groceries again, did you?”

Shame flamed in their cheeks and ears. “Shut up.” so he was correct. Vio straightened and huffed, “Well it is not too late, anyway.” He glanced at the mantle that said ‘3:32PM’ “Would you like to come to the market with me? You can pick dinner tonight, I’m a decent enough cook.”

“Are you?”

“I can follow a recipe.” Vio pouted, actually pouted. “You won’t find me making Chef Red levels of cooking, but I know how to use more than salt and pepper.” They were kind of cute, he admitted to himself.

“That sounds really nice.” Green agrees, finishing his tea. Warmth spread and they stepped to a bedroom in the hall. Vio came back in a normal purple button up, the top two undone and a light black zip up jacket, un zipped. It looked way too big for them. He swallowed. Was it their partner’s jacket? Did they even have a partner?

“Shall we?” Vio offered with a sweep of their hand. Green held the front door for them and followed them out. Well he would learn soon enough, he had a feeling he was going to stay here awhile.

Chapter Text

Vio frowned at the stiffness in Green’s shoulders. Things had been quiet for a little while, and the man was obviously waiting for the other shoe to drop. It had been nearly a month since he had snuck out from that apartment. They took a sip of the latte on their desk to force their eyes away. They still had to maintain professionalism during school hours. Even though their friendship had never been stronger. Even if they did still harbor a fondness for him. They needed to talk with their currently travelling partner first. While they had an agreement, they were more comfortable asking and talking. Especially considering it was Green, who they’d known since they were kids. Their thoughts were too loud. Vio shook it out of their head and focused back into the environment.

The room wasn’t all silent. Between a handful of conversations were the tick-tacking of keyboards and scritching of pens or pencils, the occasional page turn. Thankfully the crowd respected them, their class, and the classmates enough that any music or media was coming from earbuds or headphones. Their eyes scanned the room for any student that appeared to be struggling or trying to catch their attention. While they enjoyed teaching, these calm study-work days were their favorite. It gave everyone an opportunity to use the time as they saw fit: working on classes -theirs or otherwise- ask them any questions, or just have a space to be. A student next to Green caught their gaze. They stood and casually stepped over, sliding to sit on the desk. Another one of their favorites.

“Need a hand with something, Malon?” They could tell she appreciated their non-judgemental tone. It was part of what made them such a popular professor. From their peripheral Green was watching, trying not to. Vio inclined their head and smiled softly, inviting him to the conversation. Malon caught on easily, letting him join their essay questions. They were allowed to pick their own topics, so long as they had happened one hundred or more years ago and followed the criteria of an analytical paper.

“I believe Green was also doing a topic around the era of the Minish Hero,” Green nodded, swallowing. Malon’s eyes brightened and she gushed about her topic. Vio remained, despite not really helping anymore. Sometimes a face to talk at helped develop ideas, they knew from experience. They also didn’t want to leave his side just yet. Green nodded and added in bits and pieces, but it was obvious he was distracted.

“Have you tried the new green matcha from the college cafe campus?” Malon was swinging her feet in joy. Vio waved their white cup with the triforce logo of the school on it.

“It is good,” they take a sip for emphasis, Green’s eyes briefly following the lip of the top to Vio’s lips and lingering. “I am glad that Zel was working today, she always remembers to use coconut or almond.” He needed to stop, he told himself. There were signs of Vio being in a relationship where he looked close enough. An untouched bag of coffee beans, some notebooks torn and worn to hell, the occasional too big sweater or hoodie Vio wore for comfort. Two different kinds of shampoos, conditioners, body washes, two toothbrushes. He hadn't been snooping, honestly. He had just chosen the wrong bathroom accidentally and looked around. He tuned back in.

“Oh shit! Can’t have dairy?”

“Technically I can, I just suffer the consequences.” A mischievous grin filters to their face. Green can’t help smiling back.

“Please do not. Not another pie incident.” Green groans into his hands, rubbing his face.

Malon looks between them, “Pie incident??”

“Aha…” Vio laughs awkwardly and clears their throat. “A very lovely older woman baked me a coconut cream pie and I miiiiight” they stretched the word out, “Have a tiny weakness for pastries and sweets. Besides, who says no to a sweet old lady?” The woman Green used to live next to, in fact. He had dropped his wallet on the way out and she took it before his ex noticed. She had returned it during the excursion to the grocery store, having run into them there. It had been a coincidence they met at all, and one thing led to another and they now had a new friend with a penchant for baking. And a penchant for ruining poor Professor Atari’s insides. Vio clears their throat, changing the subject.

“It is almost time for class to be over,” they raise their voice, “Feel free to stick around or head out if you would like. Get some fresh air, it is nice outside. You deserve a little sun time.” A few students pack up and head out. Vio remains leaned against the long table casually. Malon grins and looks between the pair, standing up.

“I’ll leave you to it~” she packs up and finger guns at them while she walks backwards out the door. Vio leans down very close to Green’s ear to whisper something as she slams back first into a stranger. “Shit! I’m sorry! I should have been looking.” The tall man with sharp bangs and diamond white style smiled. It chilled her down her spine.

“No problem, sweetheart.” The smile falters when Green laughs at whatever Vio said and they separate. “Say, whose class is this? I think I have the wrong hall. That teacher isn’t familiar.”

“Oooh,” she assumes the odd behavior was his confusion, and displeasure at admitting fault. “That’s Mr. Atari. Or Dr, or Professor they’re not too particular about gendered honorifics so long as you aren’t being disrespectful.” her smile shines.

“I see. I am at the wrong hall, thank you.” He brushes his hair back with a hand. He holds the door for her and steps out with her. “The blonde boy. His name is Green right?” He tries to appear bashful, and pulls it off well. “He’s awfully handsome…” He walks with her, away and to the parking lot. Malon doesn’t give a second thought to the charming man leading her towards his car. It was just the two of them with the early release of class. They turned the corner, out of view.

Vio was drying the last of the dishes, button up from class rolled up at the sleeves and the top few undone. Their hair was a little tousled from running through it enough times today.

“She sent an email,” They answered, Green having just asked if they knew anything about Malon being absent. “She doesn't know if it was food poisoning or influenza but she’ll be out all week. Poor Malon.” They frown, drying their hands and hanging up the fluffy purple towel. Vio leans their forearms on the counter facing Green, who was sitting at the little breakfast bar.

“That’s rough.” Then he stops and eyes Vio. “Are you feeling alright?"

“Yes. Why?”

“Hm. Had a thought it could be from the cafe if it was food poisoning." He sighs a bit too heavily. Green spins the straw in his glass. “I guess you’re right. I think I might be projecting the worst on people.” It didn’t help that it was stressful hiding secrets of his own. He was fine, he just didn’t want to worry Vio. He only had one drink, and was always at home. Or maybe a few sometimes, but it was the only thing relaxing him to sleep. Green prayed Vio couldn’t smell it mixed into his glass. He sipped the iced spiked pink lemonade. That was more like it. He takes a deep breath in and out making a show of it.

“Alright. I’m okay.” He shakes his head. “Want to watch something?”

“I suppose I could be convinced to see what happens with that messy girl.” Vio aims for the hallway. “I am going to clean up and put on something less stifling, will you start up that show? With… what is her name?” they squint to assist in their turning brain “Belly!” they snap their fingers.

“Of course.” Green puffs up in pride. He had turned Vio to the dark side: terrible romance drama shows. Gira- he had never let him watch them. Green turned on his laptop and plugged it into the tv to transfer the screen. Vio’s TV was too old to use streaming services, but new enough to have plugs. The shower was loud, he noted in the back of his mind, was the door left open?

Vio cursed. Of course they had forgotten they needed shampoo and they didn’t dare touch Shadow’s. They had such different hair that last time they had used it in an emergency, they looked like they had bathed in oil. It was perfect for their partners' vibrant purple curls, but not their thin shiny platinum. Shadow had laughed so hard his side ached because Vio looked like a wet dog in emo bangs. They paused, having an idea.

“Hey, Green?”

“Mmm?” He was reaching behind the bubble screen for the plug. “Ha! Got it!”

“I am so sorry, but it seems I have forgotten I needed to buy shampoo. May I use yours?”

“Huh? Yeah- su-” He freezes completely, arm holding the cord mid-air as he finally notices. Vio was bare aside from a towel around their waist. More tattoos now visible, decorated their skin like a canvas, and they were pierced. Green turns scarlet. Vio had bars in both nipples and a gold ring in their navel. Swirling ink in both blacks and purples curled around their body. He noted the snake, a thorned rose, and was that the symbol for the alt band they had been listening to the other week? Their skin was a flawless masterpiece.

Merciful Gods he should not have chugged that drink the moment Vio stepped away. Inebriation was the worst thing for his current self control.

“Hellooo? Earth to Greeeeen?” They had a sly grin though, they knew exactly what he was looking at. “Am I really all that interesting to look at?”

“Yes.” Green coughed too late to cover up what he’d blurted out. “S-sorry!” he scrambled to his feet and rushed to the guest bath. “Yeah, yes you can use mine” He keeps his gaze away as he scurries past and comes back. He holds it out, but doesn’t let go right away. “What about the other brand in your shower? Uh- not that I was snooping or anything, I noticed it when I used your bathroom.”

“Ahh haha no. It’s a special designer kind that is made for specific hair. I am afraid I look rather ridiculous after I use it.” Vio chuckles. “Very unflattering.” Green lets go.

“I don't think that’s possible,” he snorted. “...who is it for?” Green is testing his boundaries tonight. Maybe he had drunk more than one drink tonight. Sometimes it mushed together.

Vio blinks in surprise, Green is not usually so bold. “You will get to meet him soon, he is at the last city before he comes home.” At the confusion they get as a response they clarify, “Shadow, my uh partner. I miss him.” Vio sighs, “And we have a lot to talk about. He is currently on tour with his band. They play mostly alt rock.” Green feels disappointed. He knew there was someone, he knew! To hear it out loud though was breaking something a little. “We are in an open relationship, if you were curious. I was not just flirting with you to lead you on.”

It was his turn to blink.

“I-I’m sorry? Wait- you date other people?”

“We do not do anything without conversation first, but yes.” Vio’s mirth is palpable. The smirk curling their lip made his stomach drop like a rollercoaster. “I did forget shampoo, but did you think I walked out like this for the hell of it?” They laugh. “I have no doubt he will be interested too.” They flip open the lid and smell it. “Mm apple. Nice~ I’ll be back.” they turn to leave their stunned friend. Just before they get through the door, they pull off the towel and flash their ass at him. Green sputters and dives into the couch. He is going to need blankets and maybe a pillow to cover up his traitorous dick.

An open relationship? Green frowns. He isn’t sure he likes that. What if he doesn’t want to share Vio? What if Vio’s partner doesn’t want to share Vio with him? He was going to be considering the concept and all the scenarios around it all night.

One thing at a time. Green turns on the show, one thing at a time.

He couldn’t help the nagging feeling in the back of his mind that something was very, very wrong.