Note: I made a mistake in the 'Notes' in the last chapter- it was supposed to say, 'Takes place right after the last chapter', not a week later. This fic is rated R for a good reason. This is a revised version of 'Falling Tears'. None of these characters are mine! There will be a Legolas/Aragorn pairing in this fic. POVs are marked with *********. Elvish speech is in ''.  Promised confrontation next chapter. Any ideas for how Aragorn should get his point across? Tell me now!

What Is Desired

Part 7

*************
Aragorn
*************

I rested my hand on my Elven friend's shoulder, a silent apology for my harsh words earlier.

Legolas looked at me, with pain in his emerald eyes. 'Please do not kill him, Aragorn. Hasn't everyone been hurt enough already?' he questioned, referring not to his own pain, but of the pain of losing Gandalf.

'I spared him because of your request,' I told him. 'But if he hurts you again, I will kill him.'

'I would rather no blood be shed over me,' Legolas murmured. 'Do not be hasty to deal out death, my…friend.' He seemed weary and depressed.

My hand reached out and touched his face, cupping the softness of his cheek. 'Do not worry so, Legolas. I will not act unless he presses you. But I want you to tell me if he does.' I was surprised at how my pretty Elven friend leaned into the touch.

'Thank you,' Legolas said. 'You are a good friend, Estel.' He used my Elven name as a token of the affection between us.

I smiled, and was relieved when a hesitant smile appeared on his face. I made no attempt to remove my hand, until a slightly confused expression appeared on his face. I took it away, then, and thought I saw regret in his eyes.

'I hope that the one you care for is truly worthy of you,' I said honestly. 'You deserve the best.'

A shadow crossed Legolas' face. 'Tis strange,' he murmured. 'I fear I am unworthy of him, and you fear that he is unworthy of me. But he is the best Man I have ever known, and I am glad that I got to meet him, even if he does not return my feelings.'

'Who is he?' I questioned again, as we finally came within sight of the camp.

Gimli looked up in greeting, as he polished his axe. Sam was cooking, and Frodo slept nearby. Merry and Pippin were eating mushrooms, as usual.

'Someone you know, inside and out, who is always there, always watching. And he always tries to protect me,' Legolas answered, using a riddle again. 'I shall go bathe for a while, Aragorn.'

I was too busy trying to figure out who he was talking about to notice when he walked over to his pack, grabbed what he needed, and left again.

I mused over the puzzle in my mind.

Someone who was with me everywhere… Someone I knew very well, who was always there, always watching. And he always tries to protect Legolas…

I couldn't think of anyone with me everywhere, except for myself… The pieces suddenly flew into place.

I was always with myself, and no one knew me better than I did. I was always watching, and always there for him. And I did my best to protect my Elven friend always.

Instantly, I looked for the Elf, and did not find him anywhere in the camp. I saw his very faint tracks, and followed them. They showed up in the melting snow somewhat, but were fading fast.

I'd never thought this would happen.

By Elbereth!

Legolas meant… me.

*************
Legolas
*************

I'd given Aragorn a few more hints, and I was certain that he would figure it out this time. I did not know what I would do once he knew. I was afraid to hope that he might actually return my feelings.

It was ironic, I thought. The proud Prince of Mirkwood, yearning to be claimed by a human. Yet, it was my private desire. A foolish one, though, I knew. The odds were against him caring for me that way, though I feared that he might pretend to, until I felt… better.

I finally reached the river, which was hidden by tall rowan trees, along with oak, along its shores. The snow was finally melting, and I knew that a new season would be here soon. I longed to see the flowers in bloom once more, and hoped it would cheer me in whatever lay ahead.

I removed my clothes and plunged into the cold water, blessing my Elven immunity to cold. I went to work, after removing the braids in my hair. Though I did not feel the cold, I bathed quickly, slightly apprehensive about being alone.

I cleaned my body quickly, and started on my hair, wanting to be as clean as I could possibly be. I finished, and began scrubbing my face again. I had just completely rinsed and stepped out, when I saw Boromir standing there.

I grabbed one of the drying cloths and covered myself with it. I must have been too distracted with my inner turmoil over Aragorn to notice him coming. I felt like I was a mere child, getting caught doing something I was not supposed to be doing.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned finally. "Aragorn will kill you if he sees you here."

Boromir drew closer, but stopped about five feet away. "I wanted to tell you something, but he wouldn't let me." Guilt was on his face. "…Aragorn… he cares for you," Boromir told me.

"As a friend," I responded, frowning slightly.

"No. He cares for you, Legolas. More than he lets on. I've seen it in his eyes," the other Man told me.

I was shocked. "Why are you telling me this?" My wet hair dripped, as I looked at Boromir.

Boromir looked neutral. "I have my reasons… And I owe you an apology," he said flatly.

"Twas not entirely your fault," I reminded him. "The Ring…"

"Legolas, why do you always have to see the best in people? There is no excuse for what I did! And Aragorn knows it. Even now, I found myself wanting you…" Lust was in his voice, as was anger.

I did not go any closer to him. I quickly dried with another cloth and dressed myself, keeping a wary eye on the Man who watched me greedily.

"You are beautiful without your clothes," Boromir murmured.

Apprehension was in me, so I gathered up my things, and started walking back to the camp. Boromir followed me closely, and I began to move faster. I finally leapt into a tree, and barely missed being grabbed from behind.

"Leave me be," I told him. "Lest Aragorn find you and deal you that which he promised." I froze when I saw the look on his face. The Ring… Must it always claim the same victim?

"You offered yourself to me freely," Boromir sneered. "What makes you think he will want you, after seeing you being taken me?"

I took a deep breath, and forced myself to control my emotions. "You are not yourself, Boromir. Leave and I will not tell Aragorn you bothered me."

Boromir's face grew an unpleasant smile. "He cannot always protect you, little Elf…"

I knew he was right. Aragorn would not be with me all the time. I cursed myself for leaving alone, now, as I gazed down at the lust-filled eyes of the Man on the ground. I shook my head, and began sprinting through the treetops, and left him behind.

I was far ahead of him, when I looked back to see if he was following, and accidentally collided with something hard and warm. My things dropped to the ground, but I retained my own balance, as warm hands caught me by the waist. Grey eyes met my emerald ones.

My mouth opened slightly, as I saw the look he was giving me.

'So you desire to be mine?' Aragorn questioned.

I did not know what to say.

Aragorn looked at me, with an unreadable expression in his eyes.

I met his gaze, and licked my lips, wondering how he would reject me. Gently, I thought, for he mistakenly believed I was as fragile as I looked.

But I was not prepared for what he did.

The hands on my waist encircled me completely, and pulled me closer. Lips touched mine sweetly, and suddenly, all I knew was indescribable pleasure, in spite of the fear inside of me. I moaned and closed my eyes, as one of the hands drifted up to my chin, keeping me from looking down.

The kiss lasted for longer than I can describe; it seemed to go on forever, growing deeper. I responded to it blindly, causing him to return it once more. His tongue entered my mouth, and I moaned again.

*************
Aragorn
*************

I was slightly surprised at the depth of his response, given what he'd gone through. Yet Legolas betrayed himself with his feelings, for I now knew the truth.

He wanted me to claim him as mine.

Which I would eagerly do, of course. I had always wanted him for my own. But I did not believe that he was ready, as I saw his face flush with desire when he looked at me.

'You want me,' I stated, to make certain.

Legolas nodded slowly. 'I have always wanted you.'

I sat down on the branch carefully, and pulled the willing Elf onto my lap, until his chest was pressed close to my own. He gasped slightly, as I kissed first his forehead, and then his lips.

I gave him a fond look. 'You are already mine, Legolas.'

He shifted on my lap, slightly nervous. 'What do you mean?'

'I would have no other worthy of you, my friend,' I murmured. 'For I have claimed you as mine since the first time I met you.'

'Why did you say nothing to me?' Puzzlement shone in his emerald eyes.

I smiled wryly. 'I feared your reaction, Legolas. I do not wish to lose your friendship, but rather… to let it grow into something more.'

'I want that as well,' Legolas said clearly, though he bit his lower lip.

I could still see the uncertainty in his eyes, and knew that he still needed time. 'I will wait until you are ready for some things,' I told him. 'None but I will have you any longer. For you are mine, as long as you wish it.'

Legolas smiled, and proved that he still had some of his wit about him. 'If I am yours, then you are mine for as long as you want it to be so?'

'Naturally,' I said, amusement in my voice. I did enjoy the feel of him in my lap, however, as he moved again.

Voices shattered through the forest, calling our names.

Legolas and I shared a brief smile, before I let go of him, and we stood. He led the way down the tree, and picked up what he had dropped earlier. Once I was out of the tree, the two of us returned to the camp together.

Never again would I send Legolas anywhere alone, I decided, as I felt eyes watching us. For while there was danger from those who pursued us, there was also Boromir to contend with. I intended to make my feelings clear on this matter.

For I'd meant what I'd said.

None but I would have Legolas again.

To be continued