Disclaimer: Yeah, I don't own anything Tolkien created. Nope, not a thing.

Sanctuary

OIOIO

Warning: Yes this is an m-preg, as in male pregnancy. I know anatomically it is impossible in the real world but I like the idea (mainly for the Legolas suffering that goes with it). Please, if you are dead set against this kind of thing then don't read then complain that you weren't warned.

OIOI

Chapter 11 ~ Feeling The Strain

OIOI

One week later found Legolas and Elrond sitting together under their favourite tree by the river. The prince was laid on a soft blanket, his head pillowed on Elrond's lap, his eyes closed as he basked in the sunlight. Happy to let his love rest, Elrond was reclined back against the great trunk, reading through a handful of reports Erestor had shoved in his hands that morning.

Legolas' hands were folded neatly over his stomach where he could feel his children fluttering inside him. Although his tired mind wanted to drift off into restless sleep his body wouldn't allow it. Whenever he started to drift off, something would disturb him and eventually he grew too restless and he opened his eyes with a sigh.

Elrond looked down at him when he realised the prince was looking up at him. "Couldn't sleep?" the Elven lord asked, lowering his papers to look into tired blue eyes.

"Too many distractions," Legolas confessed.

With a concerned frown, Elrond asked, "Shall we go inside so you can rest better?"

"No, I like it out here," Legolas answered with a reassuring smile. He liked being outdoors, especially when he was with Elrond. In Legolas' opinion, they didn't spend enough time together as it was; the Elven lord was either busy in negotiations or attending to the general running of Imladris. Glorfindel tried to make sure he was finished at a reasonable hour at night but he was usually still late back to their rooms and he had very few entirely free days.

"Are you certain?" Elrond asked, his fingers working soothingly through blonde hair. The prince nodded and closed his eyes again, trying to relax. Elrond settled back, placing his papers down for the time being and focusing his attention on Legolas instead.

For a while they sat that way, enjoying each other's company even in silence. Eventually, Legolas pulled himself up into a sitting position.

"Maybe we should go in. I'm getting hungry."

Laughing softly, Elrond gathered up his papers and stood up, holding out his free hand to help his love up. "We can have lunch together in our rooms. How does that sound?"

Legolas brushed down his clothes and pulled the Elven lord close, pressing his lips to Elrond's. Although surprised, Elrond melted into the embrace. When they broke apart again, he couldn't resist a grin. Still in charge of this situation, Legolas took Elrond's hand and led him towards the house. The Elven lord, usually always the more dominant, followed compliantly.

Ten minutes later they entered their rooms and, already shedding their clothing, headed straight for the bed. Fumbling rather clumsily with his robes as Elrond pressed close to him, Legolas followed the lord's guidance this time and fell back onto the bed, locked in a passionate kiss.

"Ow," he suddenly exclaimed with a hiss of pain.

Immediately, Elrond's passion-dulled mind cleared. "Legolas, are you all right?" he asked in alarm.

The prince nodded, although he still looked to be in pain. "I'm all right. Just help me up."

As Elrond took Legolas' hands to help him sit up straight, he realised what must have happened. How could he have been so stupid? He knew the extra weight caused difficulties, especially with his already strained back, and he had just let the prince fall back awkwardly and it had obviously hurt.

"I'm so sorry, melleth nin. I forgot…"

"It's all right," Legolas smiled although it still seemed a little strained and his hand went to his obviously aching lower back. "I'm fine, really."

"Honestly?" Elrond smiled slyly and the prince genuinely smiled back, his arms going around Elrond's waist. With more caution than before, he leaned back, pulling Elrond down with him. The Elven lord was careful not to fall or put any weight on the huge bump beneath him. Legolas laughed when the older Elf used his arms to brace himself and his own flat, taut stomach still pressed against his own. Elrond himself smiled but leant down to kiss the prince's exposed flesh. Groaning softly under the loving attention, Legolas' deft fingers made short work of the lord's robes and soon they were both naked on the bed. Elrond's touches were gentle, soothing away the aches with gentle, unshakable love.

OIOI

Just fifteen minutes later, Legolas was lying alone on the bed; his blue eyes watching Elrond drag his robes back on. Tense silence filled the room and the prince longed to break it but he found that he couldn't work up the courage to speak. Once Elrond had dressed and straightened out his clothes, he sat down on the edge of the bed and took a deep breath.

Before he could speak though, Legolas' hurried voice came. "I'm so sorry, Elrond. I don't know what happened." He did know what happened actually; his treacherous body had betrayed him again, suddenly and inexplicably dampening his passion before it could even peak. Embarrassment flowed through him as their love-making had been cut short.

With understanding eyes, Elrond said, "It's all right, melleth."

Tears slipped down Legolas' flushed cheeks and he shook his head. "It's not all right. I don't…It's not you. I…"

Suddenly, Elrond's lips were pressed against his then a steady hand was laid on his tear-stained cheek. "Shh, now. It doesn't matter." When a shuddering breath escaped the prince, Elrond laid down next to him and pulled him into his arms. He wasn't annoyed or even frustrated, more worried. "Shh, it's all right."

The younger Elf pulled himself together as best he could and looked blearily into Elrond's kind eyes. "I'm sorry, Elrond. Valar, look at me! One little thing and I turn into a complete wreck." Elrond just held him tighter.

"Shh. How about we forget all about this and I bring us something to eat? Are you still hungry?"

The prince nodded gently but added, "Nauseous too."

"I'll bring you some ginger tea as well," Elrond told him, releasing Legolas and climbing off the bed. "Get dressed and I'll be back in a moment."

Legolas lay still for a while, recovering himself, before dressing in his clothes, which had been scattered all around the room. He then went into the bathroom and tidied himself up, at least attempting to look presentable for when Elrond returned.

Only a few minutes later Elrond came back and they enjoyed a relaxed lunch together. Any tension between them faded from memory.

OIOI

One Week Later…

Legolas and Elrond sat in the private dining hall eating alone for a change. Not even Glorfindel and Erestor were present in the room that night and for once both lord and prince felt free of responsibility. To say that Legolas had been glad for this privacy was an understatement. He had been thrilled when Elrond had told him of the plans he'd made for their evening and he had been looking forward to it all day. Although Elrond made more of an effort to spend time with Legolas as his due date approached, he remained busy in his office and Legolas spent most of his days alone either just sitting reading or walking in the grounds. Occasionally, Arwen would join him on his walks but being Elrond's daughter, she too was often burdened with her own responsibilities within her father's realm. Elladan and Elrohir were riding to the Rivendell borders with more and more frequency of late so usually Legolas only saw them in passing now. Because of all this, he often found himself feeling rather lonely.

However, as the long day had drawn on, Legolas' good cheer had dampened slightly and now, sitting at the table opposite his love, he found his attention wandering. Meanwhile, Elrond was talking animatedly about his day negotiating with the 'uncouth humans' in the Gondorian delegation. It did not escape the lord's notice that it had become a rather one-sided conversation.

After a moment of silently watching Legolas shifting food disinterestedly around his plate, Elrond put his own cutlery down and straightened in his chair. He cleared his throat and waited for a response but Legolas' eyes didn't leave his almost full plate.

"Am I really that boring to listen to?" Elrond snapped in mild annoyance.

Legolas sat upright, blinking as he focused his wandering attention on Elrond. "I'm sorry, what?" he asked.

"Have you listened to a single thing I've been saying?"

For a moment Legolas was silent as if desperately searching his mind for anything he had heard Elrond say over the course of the dinner but it seemed he couldn't think of anything and he sighed softly. "I'm sorry, melleth nin."

Legolas then lowered his fork to his full plate and Elrond asked, "Is there something wrong with the food?" He gestured to Legolas' plate.

"No," the prince replied vaguely.

"Then why aren't you eating it?"

"I'm just…I'm not really hungry," Legolas shrugged.

"This morning you said you were looking forward to having dinner with me. What has changed? Am I so dull that I've put you off your meal?" He couldn't help but feel a little annoyed by the prince's sudden lack of enthusiasm; he'd put a lot of thought into this, getting the dinner hall just perfect and having Legolas' favourite foods prepared, not to mention simply finding the time to attend the dinner in the first place and now Legolas was being so unappreciative of his efforts.

"No. I'm sorry, Elrond. It's not you," Legolas protested quickly.

"Then what, Legolas?" Elrond asked in exasperation before taking a breath to cool his rising temper and reaching across the table to take Legolas' hand in his own. "Tell me what is wrong."

"Nothing's wrong."

"It is not 'nothing' if you're so distracted. You can talk to me, melleth nin, you know that," the healer urged as kindly as he could.

"Nothing is wrong, Elrond," Legolas snapped, snatching his hand back. "I'm just tired."

Elrond frowned at the answer. "Did you not sleep well last night?" He had heard Legolas get up twice during the night but for the rest of the time he had been unaware of any trouble and the prince had looked restful that morning.

"I slept fine," Legolas answered vaguely, running his fingers through his loose hair, seemingly bored and disinterested with even this conversation.

Keeping his frustration in check, Elrond continued, "Well, the pregnancy is no doubt draining a lot of your strength, you're bound to be feeling more fragile than normal. You really should rest more; then you wouldn't feel so weak."

Anger rising in his chest at being spoken to like a child and called 'weak' all in one, Legolas stood up suddenly. "Excuse me," he said shortly.

Elrond stood up also and asked, "Where are you going?"

"To bed," Legolas snapped angrily, throwing his napkin down on the table and striding away.

"Fine. Go," Elrond called as he watched his love storm from the dining room. When the door slammed closed, Elrond sat down heavily in his chair with an exclamation of annoyance. He didn't even know what he had done – or for that matter why his own patience was so thin all of a sudden. He knew enough about pregnancy to know all about strange mood swings and that a partner's patience was key in such matters but he'd put a lot of thought and effort into this dinner and he had been looking forward to a nice evening with his love and Legolas had ruined it for him.

With a deep sigh, Elrond pulled himself together, his anger already gone. Of course, he couldn't remain annoyed at Legolas. He hadn't even really done anything wrong, after all. Deciding to leave Legolas alone for a while to calm down, Elrond slowly finished his meal, no longer really enjoying either the fine food or the special wine he had brought up from the cellar for himself to toast his partner and their unborn children. The servants gave him a strange look when they came to clear the plates away and serve a dessert of strawberries and cream.

Elrond quickly finished his food then stood up, picking up the other bowl and spoon then going to their rooms where he knew Legolas would be. He paused only to ensure he wouldn't lose his temper again before striding boldly up to his door. Out of courtesy only Elrond knocked but didn't wait for a response – perhaps knowing he wouldn't get one – before opening the door and stepping inside.

No candles or lamps were lit meaning the only light in the room came from outside. Legolas was standing on the balcony, bathed in silver moonlight. The Elven lord walked up to him cautiously to see that he was leaning against the railing, one hand rubbing circles over his belly.

"Legolas?" Elrond asked softly, standing beside him. The prince didn't even acknowledge him although Elrond couldn't see his face. Attempting to break the tension and broker peace between them, Elrond kept his voice even and soft but also cheerful. "I brought you some food. I thought you might still be hungry; you hardly touched your meal." He saw Legolas' shoulders tense slightly as if preparing himself for another argument but Elrond kept his voice steady and calm. "It is strawberries with cream – your favourite." Legolas still didn't speak, although some of the tension melted away, which Elrond had to take as a small victory. "Well, maybe you'll feel like eating them later on. I'll leave them here." He reached over and placed the bowl on the balcony table. The blonde Elf didn't even move and Elrond let out a soft sigh. He hated this awkwardness between them, especially when Legolas wouldn't even speak to him in an attempt to resolve it. "All right, I'll leave you to it then," Elrond said, not unkindly. "Please don't stay out here too long. It is chilly out tonight."

Elrond turned to leave but Legolas' voice, quiet and choked, said, "Sorry."

The lord of Rivendell turned back, unsure if he'd heard Legolas speak or not. "Excuse me?"

Legolas seemed to lean heavier against the railing and his voice trembled slightly. "I said I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

Without hesitation, Elrond was back at Legolas' side but the prince's gaze remained firmly fixed on the beautiful valley glimmering in the moonlight so Elrond couldn't see his face. "There is nothing to forgive, melleth nin." Elrond laid his hand on the blonde Elf's back, moving closer until he felt the warmth of Legolas' body pressed up against his own. Enjoying the closeness, Legolas nevertheless turned his head so he was facing away from his love. "Are you all right?"

Legolas nodded gently but raised a hand to his face.

Very gently, Elrond eased the prince around slightly so they were face to face and despite the fact the prince had his head lowered, Elrond could see the fresh tears streaking down his cheeks. "Legolas, what is wrong, my love? Talk to me, please. Tell me what is the matter."

Legolas shook his head with a weak smile as he lifted his hand to wipe away his tears. "I'm sorry I ruined your dinner. I'm sorry I was so ungrateful. I didn't mean to make you angry."

"I don't care about any of that. Now, what has gotten you so upset?" Elrond asked gently, tucking Legolas' hair behind his ears from where it fell messily across his face.

"It's nothing," the blonde Elf said wearily.

Elrond's expressive brown eyes looked him up and down, knowing fully well it wasn't 'nothing' and that something was bothering the younger Elf. "Come back inside, it's cold out here." Legolas nodded so the Elven lord led him back into the bedroom and sat him down on the bed. Elrond crouched down in front of him, placing his hands on Legolas' knees to gain his attention. "Legolas, I want you to tell me the truth now. Are you in any pain, my love?"

Legolas' hand, which had lingered on his stomach, rubbed another wide circle but said, "Not here." Instead of telling Elrond where it did hurt though, Legolas gently – almost tentatively – took Elrond's hands and moved them slowly to rest on the small of his back then he brought Elrond's passive hands up to rest on his chest, feeling the steady heartbeat beneath the silky fabric of his shirt. "And here," Legolas continued, raising his own hand to rest against his head. "And here." Legolas shifted his feet on the floor to suggest that his feet and ankles still ached.

Sure that the prince had finished his worrying confession, Elrond shook his head sadly, his hands slipping from Legolas' chest to instead rest on his thighs. "Legolas, why didn't you say something sooner?"

Still not meeting his partner's eyes, Legolas said quietly, "I didn't want to worry you but…I don't know…lately it's gotten…too much."

Elrond's strong hands stroked his legs comfortingly. "You haven't been sleeping well either?" he asked, for the first time noticing the dark circles beneath Legolas' eyes, a testament to how tired he really was and the prince confirmed this with a nod.

"I just can't get comfortable," he admitted quietly.

"Legolas," Elrond whispered sympathetically, placing his palm on the prince's cheek. "You should have told me."

"I didn't want to…"

"Worry me?" Elrond guessed and the prince nodded in confirmation. "There are some things that I have to worry about and right there at the top of the list is if you're in any discomfort. I don't want to see you hurting and I want to help stop it if I can but you have to tell me when you're not feeling well."

Legolas nodded slowly with a small smile but Elrond could see him fighting back tears. When the tears spilled over, Elrond stood then sat down on the bed, enveloping the younger Elf in a hug. Legolas leaned against him, burying his face in the Elven lord's robes. Elrond felt the young prince shuddering slightly in his embrace and knew he was crying softly so he carefully ran hands over Legolas' trembling back.

"Shh, it's all right. I'm going to try to make you feel more comfortable, melleth nin. Don't worry; we'll sort you out now. Shh, shh, it's all right," Elrond reassured as Legolas cried onto his shoulder. It made his heart ache to see his love in such a state.

"I'm sorry," Legolas' tear-choked and muffled voice came.

"It's all right," Elrond smiled sadly, tenderly rocking the pregnant Elf.

"Please don't hate me for being so awful to you," the prince cried, his arms tightening on his partner, as if afraid Elrond was going to send him away.

Elrond silently cursed Thranduil for ever putting such a thought into the prince's head.

"Oh Legolas, I don't hate you. I never could. And I am never going to leave you. I promise you that." Elrond glanced down at the prince when he felt him breathe a sigh of relief. "But I am worried about you. I hate the thought of you feeling unwell."

Legolas pulled back, wiping the tears from his face. "I'm so sorry, Elrond, I completely ruined your night."

"No, you didn't ruin anything. Listen, from now on I want you to be concentrating on getting through this pregnancy not on me." His hands strayed back to Legolas' swollen stomach. "These two have to be your priority right now." Elrond's hand then moved up to caress the pale cheek. "And you are my only priority so if you're not feeling well you have to tell me, even if you know there's nothing I can do to make you feel better. I love you too much to see you upset."

"Thank you," Legolas whispered, more tears falling from his eyes at Elrond's kind words.

"Shh, it's all right."

"I didn't mean to be so…It's just lately…I…I can't even explain it." More tears fell and he wiped them away in frustration. "I don't even know why I'm crying. I mean, look at me, Elrond. I can barely even hold myself together so how am I supposed to raise two children? How and I supposed to keep us all together when I fall apart at every little thing?" Legolas said almost bitterly, angry at himself.

"Legolas…"

"I don't want you to…I didn't want you to see me like this, to be disappointed in me. I didn't want you to…to stop loving me, to send me away," he choked out haltingly.

Elrond stood up slowly and Legolas dissolved into sobs on the bed as he walked into the bathroom. He should never have said anything. Now Elrond was really disappointed in him and couldn't even stand to be in the same room as his weak excuse for a partner.

A minute later, Legolas felt someone sit down next to him and he looked up to see Elrond smiling at him. "Is that really what has gotten you so upset? You honestly think I'm disappointed in you?" the healer asked in a soft voice and the blonde Elf nodded almost shyly. "Legolas, I could never be disappointed in you, no matter what. Look at what you are doing - preparing these two babies for the world, going through the pregnancy on top of everything with your father. It's amazing, Legolas. You're doing an amazing thing and I am so immensely proud of you. And I don't care how many times you fall apart because I am always going to be here to help you, now and after our children are born. I'm always going to be here for you, understand?"

"Really?"

"Really," Elrond smiled sincerely.

"Even if I behave like a complete idiot?" Legolas asked shyly, wiping at his tears.

Elrond laughed softly. "Even if you behave like an idiot, which I don't think you're doing, by the way."

"You think this is normal?" Legolas asked, still tearful.

"Right now, yes, I think this is perfectly normal. You're pregnant and tired; you have a right to be emotional. You don't have to be perfect and flawless all the time. You're allowed to fall to pieces every once in a while."

"You're not angry?" Legolas asked quietly.

Elrond laughed gently at this. "Angry for what? For shedding a few tears?"

Shaking his head, Legolas corrected, "Because you're handling this way better than me."

"That is because I am well-rested and not carrying two babies inside of me," Elrond smiled kindly and Legolas returned the gesture. Reaching forward, Elrond gently wiped Legolas' tears away with the handkerchief he had retrieved from the bathroom.

"I love you," Legolas whispered almost hesitantly.

"I love you too," the elder Elf concurred, gently running his fingers through Legolas' hair, just as a sob escaped the pregnant Elf. Elrond can see Legolas fighting the tears and trying to swallow down his cries.

"I'm sorry," Legolas apologised but Elrond just hushed him, pulling himself up against himself again and Legolas gratefully rested against his shoulder.

"Shh, it's all right, melleth nin. You can cry all night if you want to – if it makes you feel better." Legolas held tightly onto him, crying onto the Elven lord's shoulder whilst Elrond held him back, rubbing his back soothingly. Despite his pride being rather severely dented by that evening, it felt good to just be truthful and let out his fears on a willing shoulder. Once he'd gained some control over his increasingly turbulent emotions, Legolas released his hold and Elrond obligingly pulled back a little. He had a gentle smile on his face and reached up to smooth Legolas' long, unruly hair away from his face. "Feel a little better for that?" he asked kindly.

Despite feeling like an upset little Elfling, Legolas nodded shyly. "Yes, thank you."

"Good. Now, you should climb into bed and get some sleep," Elrond said, still concerned by his love's apparent exhaustion.

"I can't."

"Have you suddenly lost the ability to lie down?" the older Elf joked lightly, hoping to relieve the tension that seemed to build up in the prince.

"No, I meant I won't be able to sleep."

"How do you know if you don't try?"

"Because…" Legolas shrugged.

"Good answer." Legolas looked away, knowing he was acting like a petulant child. "Look, I know that everything hurts right now and that you ache all over and you're uncomfortable but you have to rest. You look exhausted and pushing yourself this hard is not good for you or in the babies." Legolas nodded in understanding, still wiping his tears away with the handkerchief. "Perhaps a nice warm bath will help you relax. But after that you are going to lay down whether you sleep or not."

"Fine," Legolas snapped impatiently at Elrond's commanding words.

Ignoring the tone, Elrond stood to run the prince a bath, adding various fragrant oils to add to its calming properties. Whilst the bath was running, Elrond removed his own clothing, pulling on a dressing gown then undid the braids in his hair, letting it hang loosely over his shoulders. When the tub was half full, Elrond turned the water off and added some cold, swirling his hand around the well-prepared water, checking it wouldn't be too hot on Legolas' sensitive skin.

Once he was satisfied it was perfect, Elrond laid out a towel in front of the fire to warm up and dimmed the lamps a little, making the light less harsh. He then returned to the bedroom and held out his hands to Legolas. The prince took them and allowed Elrond to help him up. Wordlessly, the Elven healer led him slowly into the bathroom where he kicked the door closed before moving close to kiss the prince deeply. The younger Elf melted against him, relishing the closeness.

Pulling back with a smile, Elrond's steady fingers started unbuttoning Legolas' shirt. When the prince opened his mouth to protest that he could undress himself, Elrond's lips were pressed against his again, effectively silencing him. "Shh," he whispered when they parted and Legolas obediently kept his mouth shut, willing to play along with whatever Elrond had planned.

The lord of Imladris unbuttoned the shirt and slowly slipped it off, letting it fall to the floor. With a loving tenderness that Legolas had never experienced before Elrond placed kisses all over his exposed neck, chest and stomach whilst his hands ran over smooth, sensitive skin and Legolas closed his eyes, simply enjoying the attention bestowed upon him. The attentive lord then undid Legolas' trousers and slid them down his legs, letting Legolas lean on him as he removed them completely. Standing upright, Elrond smiled and pulled Legolas up against himself, again kissing compliant lips.

As he continued his loving attentions towards Legolas, the older Elf untied his own gown and let it slip over his shoulders and arms to join Legolas' clothes on the floor. Almost tentative hands came up to caress Elrond's own flawless skin and he smiled as he felt Legolas' breathing quicken. This wasn't supposed to be about passion though so he gently took Legolas' hands and stepped back.

"Come," he said softly, stepping up into the bath so he could support the prince in. He made sure that Legolas was safely sat in the water before sitting down himself behind the blonde. Elrond put his hands on stooped shoulders and said, "Lean back."

Legolas slowly eased himself back so he was leaning firmly against Elrond's body. Immediately, long arms were wrapped around him and he gratefully let his head fall back against Elrond's shoulder and closed his tired eyes. He could feel all the tension, sadness and anger draining from him as the warm water encased his aching body. He released a contented sigh and Elrond couldn't help but smile gently.

"That feels good," the prince murmured softly.

"Shh, just relax," Elrond whispered in his ear as he took the flannel from the water. He gently started ringing the warm water over the tight skin of Legolas' stomach and the prince practically moaned at the exquisitely relaxing feeling. The warmth and weightlessness of the water eased the pressure on his back and ankles, reducing the terrible aching and Elrond's ministrations further distracted him from his discomfort.

After a moment, Elrond started running the smooth, warm flannel over his exposed body, his touches exceedingly gentle. "Are you still awake?" he asked softly as he ran the flannel over Legolas' tight chest, easing his strained breathing.

"Mmm," Legolas murmured incoherently.

"Rest, melleth nin."

Legolas' breathing evened out after a minute but Elrond kept up his soothing actions, knowing the prince was drifting in peaceful reverie if not proper sleep. For the first time in weeks, he was comfortable and Elrond was perfectly content to leave him to rest while he had the opportunity.

Nearly an hour later, however, the water started to cool so Elrond gently roused the dozing young Elf. "I think it is time you went to bed," he said softly when Legolas had opened his bleary eyes.

Legolas nodded gently but turned his head to look up at Elrond. "Thank you," he said softly, genuine gratitude in his eyes.

"You are welcome," Elrond smiled as he helped the pregnant Elf get out of the bath. He quickly wrapped a warm towel around him and patted his body dry, not wanting Legolas to do a lot of bending while he was comfortable. "How is the pain?" he asked as he helped Legolas dress in clean, loose-fitting nightclothes.

"Better."

"Good." Elrond quickly dried himself off and pulled on his own clothes before leading the prince back into the bedroom.

"Now I want you to eat something," he told the younger Elf as they sat down on the bed. At Legolas' doubtful look, he smiled and picked up the bowl of strawberries he had saved. "Are you sure I can't tempt you?" he asked suggestively, holding a particularly juicy strawberry dipped in cream to Legolas' lips and the blonde Elf could not help but smile. "Not even a bite?" Legolas actually laughed at the Elven lord's teasing tone and he opened his mouth for Elrond to allow him to slip the fruit in. He eagerly swallowed the delicious food and had soon consumed the whole bowl, with Elrond taking the odd one for himself. "That wasn't so terrible, was it?" Elrond smiled as he placed the empty bowl on the table.

"No," Legolas chuckled.

"Now come and lie down and try to get some proper sleep." Although Legolas thought this was pointless, he pulled the sheets back and climbed in. "Wait a second," Elrond said once the prince was sat in bed but before he even had the chance to lie down. The lord picked up a pillow and gently placed it under Legolas' bare feet before replacing the covers. "Lay down on your side," he instructed and Legolas did as he was told, despite the awkward position not being particularly comfortable. Elrond then slipped beneath the sheets behind him and Legolas went to turn over to face him but Elrond's hand on his back stopped him. "No. Stay where you are."

"Elrond, what are you doing?" Legolas asked in exasperation.

"I'm just trying to make you more comfortable so you can get some proper sleep tonight," Elrond said calmly.

"Well, this isn't comfortable," Legolas snapped in annoyance. He was just starting to feel better and now Elrond was undoing all the good the warm bath had done.

"Just relax," Elrond smiled, ignoring the prince's short temper. "Being propped up a little will ease the strain on your chest and aid your breathing."

"Great. Except now my back hurts," he almost whimpered, tears of frustration pooling in his eyes again. After weeks of sleepless nights he was tired beyond tolerance and he just wanted to sleep.

"Shh," Elrond soothed gently. He reached over to extinguish the lamp.

"I can't sleep like this," Legolas moaned, his back protesting at the awkward position he was laid in.

"Would you please just trust me?" Elrond said good-naturedly, running his hand up and down Legolas' arm. The prince didn't protest any more so Elrond continued. "All right, now lean back against me until the strain on your back eases and it doesn't hurt anymore."

"But you…" Legolas protested as Elrond laid down beside him.

"Just do as you're told, Legolas Greenleaf," Elrond told him firmly but kindly.

With a sigh, Legolas leaned back, feeling Elrond's arms around him, supporting him. Despite his reluctance to cause Elrond any discomfort, Legolas did as he was told, allowing the older Elf to support him and he let out an involuntary sigh of relief as the pain eased.

"How's that?" Elrond asked once Legolas settled.

"Good," Legolas mumbled, seemingly already sleepy.

"Then close your eyes and try to rest."

Legolas raised his eyes to meet Elrond's incredulously. "Elrond, as comfortable as I may be, you're…"

"Perfectly fine where I am. As long as you're not in pain, that is all I care about."

"You can't stay like that all night."

"Of course I can."

"Won't you be uncomfortable?" Legolas' voice was already growing fainter and slower.

"Not at all," Elrond answered, pulling the sheets over them. "You just go to sleep, my love. Don't worry about me. Go to sleep." Elrond's soothing voice and confident embrace lulled him into sleep before he could protest any further. Within minutes he was fast asleep and Elrond settled down for a long night, not caring that Legolas' extra weight was pressing on him. If his love had a peaceful, pain-free night then he didn't mind in the least.

To Be Continued…