Sometimes it was all just too much for Legolas to take. Sometimes, seeing Aragorn and Arwen smile at each other with unconditional love in their eyes made him want to just give up. But he never did. He never gave up because he cared about his friend. Legolas loved Aragorn with everything he had, so he always wanted to be able to protect him, even if that meant his heartbreak never even having a chance to heal.

So whenever he felt like he was going to crack, Legolas just took a deep breath and touched his bow, the one constant in his life that never hurt him. One of those days when he felt like he was going to fall apart, when Legolas was sitting riding his horse on a hunt with Aragorn.

Legolas tightened his grip in his bow, trying not to let his thoughts linger on the life he would never have with Aragorn. It was at this exact moment that Aragorn looked over at his friend. Taking in the elf's tense posture and eyes shining not with his usual glow of life, but with sadness, Aragorn's face took on a look of concern. He didn't want to pry, but he was concerned for his friend.

"Legolas," he said simply.

"It's nothing," the elf said, a little to quickly.

"No, it isn't. What is it?" Aragorn whispered gently, as if talking to a child. He didn't want to upset his friend, but he needed to know what was wrong.

Legolas sighed. He could just let it all out. Maybe it would help. Then again, it could make things worse than they already were, and he wasn't sure if he could handle any more heartache. But at least nothing would be left unsaid if he faded. Then he must tell him.

"Fine then. I've been falling apart ever since yours and Arwen's coronation. I've been breaking into pieces every time I see you kiss her. Because I want it to be me, but it never will be. Because I love you, but you love her. And I can't leave because I have to at least protect you if I can't have you. I have to know you're fine, even if I'm not. And it hurts. I love you. That's what's wrong." At this, Legolas dismounted and let go of the composure he had held onto for so long. He collapsed into a heap at the base of a tree. "I'm sorry," he whispered, barely audibly.

Aragorn was speechless. What was there to say in response to a confession like that when he was married? He managed a nod and odd sort of cough, causing Legolas to let his head fall into his hands.

He was the picture of sadness. It seemed to wrong to consider the scene beautiful, but it was. Even in this posture of defeat, the Elven prince seemed to radiate beauty and perfection; his hair was catching the light in just the right places, skin clean and flawless, cloak falling into the perfect folds. He was beautiful.

"Legolas?" he managed to whisper. "How long?"

"Always," came the response. Aragorn sighed.

He walked over to sit beside his friend, not sure of what to do. Legolas let his head fall onto Aragorn's shoulder while the king awkwardly draped his arm around Legolas's shoulders.

"I'm sorry," Legolas breathed again.

"No. I'm sorry. Because there was a time when I wanted you and not Arwen, but I was sure you didn't want me. So I let it go without saying anything, and now it's too late. I'm sorry, old friend."

"Too late indeed. I wish you would have said something. But I suppose this is better than it was," sighed Legolas.

"It is, isn't it, my love." Aragorn whispered. He gently kissed the top of his friend's head and stood up, pulling the elf up with him. "I'm sorry."