Disclaimer: I do not own anything ('cept the story of course!). Every character belongs to J.R.R. Tolkein. Legolas is in my closet eating oatmeal right now; he just appeared there. He looked quite confused, the poor thing. Now he's listening to some music, happy as a clam. Yup. ^_~

Author's Note: My first attempt at writing slash (Legolas/Frodo)…eep! I know my last story was WAY too abrupt, but that's how I like 'em. Sure it sounds more like an excuse to be lazy but… This happens in "The Fellowship of the Ring" and it's near the beginning, somewhere. Thoughts are indicated in / and \.

Anywho, ON TO THE STORY!!!

Darkling

It was a dreary day in Middle-Earth. Ominous storm clouds shifted above the Fellowship as they trudged through a field. The small hobbit by the name of Frodo turned his intense blue eyes to the sky above him, receiving a drop of rain to the tip of his nose.

"I believe we should be hurrying, it's going to rain soon…," He said faintly. The figure ahead of him turned on his heel to face Frodo. It was none other than Legolas. His pristine and angelic face was clouded somewhat, as though he was deeply troubled. Frodo smirked a bit. "What troubles you so Legolas?" He chortled slightly, as Legolas seemed to shake a thought from his head and turned his emerald hued eyes to him.

"Oh..Er nothing. I think the oncoming storm has frazzled me somewhat." He said, walking in step with the hobbit. Frodo couldn't help but stare at the elf's beautiful face, his golden hair. /He hasn't been like himself lately. Distant. The eyes seem empty.\ Frodo thought. But he shook these thoughts away when it began to pour down rain. Legolas suddenly lifted Frodo from the ground and ran into the forest near the end of the field, Aragon, Boromir, Gandalf, Grimli, and the other hobbits behind him. His keen eyes spied a cave right inside the forest and he proceeded to lead the Fellowship into it. "This should do to keep us dry tonight." Legolas commented absently as he inspected the cave.

"It's seems unoccupied, this will do nicely." Gandalf commented, propping his stick against the wall and hanging his pointed hat 'pon it. Boromir proceeded to lay the packs and bedding down, Aragon helping him. Frodo shook the water from his hair, watching as Legolas set down his bow and quiver and removed his green tunic, revealing a white undershirt (old time wife beater ^_^ hehe) that accentuated every muscle in the elf's upper body. It wasn't until Legolas turned and laid his eyes upon the hobbit that Frodo realized he was staring. "What are you looking at Frodo?" He inquired with a smile. Frodo turned cherry red. "Um..Er..Nothing.." He replied shakily and busied himself with pulling a loaf of bread from the sack slung about his shoulder. He held out the loaf to Legolas, "Want some?" He asked innocently, Legolas nodded with a smile and tore off a bit of the bread. It was then that Aragon returned with some firewood. Though it was damp, Gandalf was able to dry it enough to enable Legolas to light it. The Fellowship then sat around the fire, chewing thoughtfully on their dinner.

After supper, everyone laid out their bedding. Frodo casually set his down by Legolas', receiving nothing but a smile and a nod from the other. "Goodnight." Gandalf called to everyone, and all was silent. The only figure standing was Aragon, taking his turn in watching for danger. Frodo couldn't sleep though; he could only lay awake with his clear blue eyes looking at Legolas' back and the rise and fall of his sides. /He looks so peaceful.\ Frodo thought to himself. He stayed like that for an hour or two when suddenly Aragon strode by him and tapped Legolas' shoulder slightly, signaling to Legolas that it was his turn to watch. Frodo sighed quietly as the object of his affection left his view. He could do nothing but sleep now.

Frodo was jerked from his pleasant dreams by a small whimper. He lifted his head to see the origin of the sound. Everyone was asleep, except for Legolas. He was sitting by the mouth of the cave, water dripping from the top of it, his face in his hands. Frodo quietly got up and hid in the shadows to see what Legolas did next. Legolas lifted his head and produced his sharp pocketknife, cutting his arm. A thin line of blood ran down his arm and he sliced himself again, and again. There was anger in his eyes, and hurt, and pain. He whispered something in Elvish over and over again. Something Frodo knew to be, "Hate." Frodo's eyes widened and he stifled a gasp. "Legolas, why?" Frodo asked suddenly, stepping into the light. He cursed himself for not being stupid. /God…You can be such a headcase Frodo. Why did you do that? Dammit.\ He thought, eyes falling upon Legolas' tear streaked face. His emerald eyes were full of fear, something Frodo had rarely seen in the elf. "Why?" He repeated, walking over to him. Legolas merely flung himself upon the hobbit, sobbing into his neck. "Legolas…it's ok. Just tell me, why are you hurting yourself like this?" Frodo looked around warily; hoping the others would not awaken. Legolas lifted his head. "I-I..I just feel so alone." He said faintly, Frodo gently placed a hand on the side of Legolas' face. "Legolas, you are never alone. You have me, Aragon, Grimli, Merry, Pippin, and all the others! You should've talked to us, we can help you." A glimmer of desperation found it's way into his voice, tears forming and the corners of his eyes. He wiped a tear from Legolas' face, pulling a piece of cloth to wrap around the cut. When he held Legolas' arm in his hand, he could see more scars. Many more. They snaked up his arms like snakes. His elven healing abilities weren't working correctly because of the depression that clouded his head. Legolas whimpered again as Frodo moved his face closer to his, and kissed him. Legolas tensed, but eagerly returned it in full. Frodo snaked his arm around Legolas' thin waist, feeling arms around his own. When they pulled apart, Legolas suddenly spoke. "How long have you felt this way Frodo?" Frodo shrugged, "Since I first saw you of course. You're beautiful Legolas and I can't stand to see you hurting yourself this way." The elf's eyes lowered in shame, Frodo's fingers gripping his chin and lifting it to face him. "It's alright, if you ever need to talk again just ask. I love you Legolas, you know that now. I can' t stand to see you suffer." To prove this point, Frodo gently kissed his forehead. "Now you should get some sleep, you look ghastly." Frodo joked, leading Legolas back to his bedroll. He watched as the beautiful elf got into his bed and covered himself before bending down to kiss him. "Goodnight Frodo…" Legolas whispered through their locked lips, his hand stroking Frodo's hair. Their hands linked until Frodo walked away to watch the rest of the night, crystalline eyes watching his prince sleep peacefully. Legolas' would take some healing, and he would have to talk about his depression fully before it would go away. But that was a bridge they would cross when they came to it…

~Fin~

Not my best, too fluffy and happy. I do better with angst stuff that's sad. But anyways, R&R Please!