A/N: Sorry for the long wait, I know I'm slacking when it comes to my stories. Here's the next chapter, though, and I am in the process of typing up the next one so the wait won't be that long this time.

Chap. Two

While the others get some much needed rest, Aragorn stands guard just beyond the trees. Soon he will be needing rest as well, but he is grateful for this time to sort out his thoughts. Right now his mind is a jumble of thoughts; each one racing through his head. He has never been more confused than he is right at this moment.

He has always dreamed of seeing his beautiful elf again, but honestly he never expected for that day to come to be. What he expected even less was to find that Legolas, the stand-offish elf that he had a strong dislike for, is the elf he fell in love with all those years ago. He feels foolish for not recognizing him; he believes he should have known him the moment he laid eyes on him. A part of him also feels guilty for forgetting his elf's face, though it is obviously not his fault.

Now that Legolas is back, however, he doesn't know what to do. He loves Arwen, and has an obligation to her because he is betrothed to her. But how could he possibly be with her now and forever when his true love just walked back into his life? Life with her would be built on a lie because he would always be wishing he were with someone else. The right thing to do would be to release Arwen because his heart belongs to Legolas, will always belong to Legolas.

'Tis nice to call him by name, no longer having to call him my elf, Aragorn thinks to himself, a smile growing on his face. Though, I do like calling him mine... mine... my Legolas.

Aragorn's face falls slightly when something occurs to him: he doesn't even know if Legolas feels the same way. This disheartens Aragorn but he tries his best not to let it. There is a chance Legolas could feel the same. Granted, it is a slim chance since he has never showed any kind of interest but it is a chance nonetheless.

Just the thought of Legolas being in love with him sends a shiver down his spine. There is nothing he wants more than to hear the words, "I love you", pass through his elf's lips. He has heard Arwen say it many a time but it just doesn't mean as much as if it were to come from Legolas. He has loved that elf for over most of his life. That is a long time of loving someone who is not around, a long time of never being able to move forward with your life. He had tried but failed.

He is startled when a hand suddenly lands on his shoulder, and immediately he jumps to his feet, pulling out his sword and thrusting it against the stranger's neck. His eyes widen, however, when his gaze follow the pale throat and land on Legolas' face. Aragorn's breath is taken away by the sight in front of him. The moon is lighting up Legolas' form; making him almost glow. His blonde hair is shining almost unearthly, and his beautiful blue eyes are stunning in the natural light of the moon.

Legolas smiles gently as he reaches up and slowly removes Aragorn's sword from his fragile neck. "I mean you no harm mellon-nin." Legolas' voice has a hint of playfulness.

"I wasn't expecting you Legolas." Aragorn tries to calm his nerves so his raging heart will ease back to its normal rhythm. "You shan't sneak up on me like that."

"I called your name many a time Aragorn; you must have been very far away in your mind. You are lucky it was just me." Legolas scolds lightly; knowing that if the enemy had snuck up on the unaware man Aragorn could very well be dead right now.

Aragorn blushes in shame and releases a sigh. "My apologies Legolas; I know that having my head in the clouds leaves the fellowship open to danger. It won't happen again, I promise."

"Forgiveness granted." Legolas replies easily; small smile brightening his features. "Just promise to be more careful in the future."

Aragorn nods his head in agreement; smiling shyly back at his companion. "I welcome your presence Legolas, but I am curious as to why you are here."

"I don't require rest this night so I thought I would keep you company." Legolas answers as he takes a seat on the fallen log of a tree. Aragorn soon joins him. "If you are tired mellon-nin I shall take the rest of your watch."

"Nay, I would much rather spend my time with you than with my dreams." Aragorn smiles as he says this. "Besides, we have much to catch up on."

Legolas nods his head in agreement. "I have heard you are betrothed to Arwen, I am joyed to know you have found someone to give your heart to."

Aragorn just smiles the best that he can and nods his head; not really wanting to speak about Arwen. Legolas picks up on this right away, however, and frowns in confusion. "How do things fair with the lady Arwen?"

"Things fair fine Legolas." Aragorn answers softly; unable to look the elf in the eyes.

"Somehow I don't believe you." Legolas scoots closer; placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "What be wrong Aragorn? Whatever it may be that is troubling you, you can confide in me Mellon-nin."

Aragorn finally turns his gaze to Legolas, staring a moment before letting out a long sigh. "Arwen is a beautiful creature, and a part of me loves her, however, my heart belongs to another; have always been in love with this person."

"If you are in love with another why do you stay with Arwen?" Legolas asks; confusion swimming in his eyes.

"Because I never thought this person would return to me." Aragorn whispers; looking intently into Legolas' eyes.

Legolas' eyes widen at the implication and his heart begins to beat faster. "What are you trying to say Aragorn?"

In an act of boldness Aragorn places his hand against Legolas' soft cheek; caressing lightly. "I am saying that I love you Legolas. Ever since the night I met you all those years ago, you captured my heart. I fell in love with you that night Legolas, and I haven't been able to let you go since."

After the words are out in the open Legolas becomes silent for a moment; the words sinking in slowly. Aragorn desperately wants to know what Legolas is thinking but tries to patiently wait until the elf is ready to speak. Legolas moves his face, causing Aragorn's hand to slip away from his cheek. Aragorn, unsure what to do, simply places both of his hands in his lap. Intently, he studies Legolas' face and all the emotions crossing fleetingly over it.

Finally, Legolas turns to face Aragorn once more, smiling softly as he takes the man's hand. Aragorn takes this as a good sign; his hopes climbing higher by the minute.

"I won't lie to you Aragorn, I have been in love with you for many a year as well." Legolas says softly, but moves out of reach when Aragorn tries to kiss him. "But I ask of you to do something for me."

"What may thy request be?"

"You may think you love me more than Arwen, but I am not so convinced. I know my heart belongs to you, but I believe we shan't take it any farther than we already have."

Aragorn's face falls when he hears this and pulls his hand out of Legolas' grasp. "I understand; you don't want to be with me."

Legolas releases out a sigh and, once again, takes Aragorn's hand in his. "'Tis not true Estel; I want naught more than to be with thee. But you are betrothed to Arwen. You may love her more than you are aware of, and I need you to be completely positive on whom you love. It has been a long time since you have seen me last, you may not love me anymore. And I say this because you don't truly know me Aragorn. I don't want you to be with me only to realize that your heart belongs to Arwen. I love you so much Aragorn but it would kill me if I lost you."

Aragorn's expression softens and he squeezes Legolas' hand in a comforting gesture. "I could never love Arwen as much as you. Nor could I ever leave you. I am sure I don't want to be with her for the rest of my days but I will do this for you."

"That not be all you need to contemplate Aragorn." Legolas says softly. "Your coronation will be arriving and you will be required to take a wife. Your people might not take too kindly to my presence at your side. Choosing me as your mate might not be the wisest choice. All would be more accepting of Arwen, you must know this."

"I care not of what my people think Legolas. I love you, and if I choose to be with you then my people will just have to accept my decision. I can live without being their king but I refuse to live without you." Aragorn's voice is full of raw passion and Legolas can't help but blush at the sound of it.

"You care about your people Aragorn, and what they think. And even if you don't now, you inevitably will later." Legolas says softly, trying to get Aragorn to listen to reason. "Just think long and hard about who you want, as well as what you want. Besides, anything can happen during this quest. Anything can happen to either of us. Wait until the quest is over, when we are sure we are both safe, and then tell me what your heart truly desires. Please do this for me."

"I would do anything you asked of me Legolas," Aragorn responds with a deep heavy sigh, "even this."

"Hannon-le Aragorn." Legolas whispers; smiling softly at the man beside him.

Silence engulfs them as they sit on the fallen log and stare up at the stars. The silence is a peaceful one, though; the two companions relaxing beside one another comfortably. Despite the rather serious conversation they just previously had, and it disheartened Aragorn to hear it, the air between them isn't tense. They are simply enjoying the other's presence; awed by the fact that they have been reunited.

Despite what Legolas said, he truly wants to be with Aragorn. He is just afraid of what this quest will bring them. What if one, or both, of them don't survive? It would be best that they don't start something that could end tragically. Plus, what if Aragorn is in love with Arwen? He would die of heartbreak if Aragorn decided he loved her and wished to be with her once more. He just can't take that risk. He has to be sure that Aragorn truly loves him.

Aragorn glances over at the shining elf beside him and smiles softly; his heart swelling with love. Slowly, he reaches out and takes Legolas' face in the palms of his hands; making the elf look at him. Like all those years ago, Aragorn gets lost in Legolas' bright blue eyes and he can't stop himself from running his fingers through the long blonde hair.

"Vanimle sila tiri." Aragorn whispers breathlessly; feeling the silky strands slipping through his fingers. (Your beauty shines bright)

Legolas' eyes shine with mirth and his lips lift upward in a wide smile. "Antolle ulua sulrim." Legolas replies playfully. (Much wind pours from your mouth)

Aragorn can't stop the laughter that erupts from his chest; he has missed their playful banter. "'Tis the truth Legolas, you possess the most natural beauty. Your light captures me and holds me prisoner... always has."

Legolas blushes at these words, looking down at his lap in embarrassment. "Auta miqula orqu." He mumbles under his breath. (Go kiss an orc)

Aragorn pushes Legolas away from him as he dissolves into laughter. "Kela!" He feigns anger, though they both know he isn't angry. (Go away)

Legolas finally releases his own laughter and pulls Aragorn into a one-armed hug; burying his face in the man's neck. "Amin kiraetha." Legolas whispers over and over, trying to get Aragorn to forgive him. (I'm sorry)

Aragorn lifts Legolas' head away from his neck and smiles softly; fighting the urge to kiss him. They remain motionless like this for a long moment until Legolas clears his throat and looks away. Softly, he says he is going to go sit with the fellowship; watch over them as they sleep. Aragorn nods his head and watches the blonde walk away from him; wishing he could convince him of how much he loves him.

TBC...

Elvin Translations...

Mellon-nin My Friend

Hannon-le Thank You