Disclaimer: These characters aren't mine – I've just borrowed them for a while. Although I am very forgetful about returning things…

The King's Braid

Chapter Twelve

"Boromir!"

The cry rent the air. Aragorn sprang across the room, falling to his knees at Boromir's side. Leaning over, he gathered Boromir up in his arms. His tunic was instantly stained red, but he didn't notice. "Don't worry, dearest," he whispered. "Everything will be all right." He didn't notice the sorrowful look Caern gave him, or the malicious and triumphant smile on Marin's lips as the two of them left the room. His whole focus was on the man in his arms.

Boromir coughed again and then smiled weakly. "We both know that's not the truth," he replied. "No more lies, no more pretence. Please."

Guilt washed over Aragorn as he realised to what Boromir was referring. "Oh Boromir, I am so sorry. So sorry." He repeated the phrase over and over like a mantra.

"Sssh, love. It's all right, I know," interrupted Boromir. "I know you were only trying to keep me safe, and I thank you for it. I think some part of me always knew it wasn't true, but I just didn't want to admit it. I was too scared of being hurt. It was easier to cut myself off, to pretend that I didn't care…" Boromir was cut off by another wracking cough, and a spasm of pain twisted his face. When the coughing died, it was replaced by a look of utter weariness. "So tired," he murmured. His eyelids fluttered as he fought to remain conscious for a little longer.

"No!" said Aragorn roughly. He held Boromir even tighter to him. "You can't leave me now, not when we are finally together again. I won't let you."

"Can't…fight…it," replied Boromir. His breathing had become laboured, and the effort of speaking seemed to visibly weaken him. "Nothing…we can…do." His eyelids fluttered again, and his gaze seemed unfocused.

Aragorn said nothing, but the tears poured down his cheeks as he looked down at his lover. There was silence for several minutes. Boromir seemed to be slipping away, and Aragorn felt a black despair settle over him. However, as he watched, the look of pain and weariness on Boromir's face was replaced by one of peace, and seeing that, Aragorn felt something like peace wash over him too, although the tears continued to fall. He closed his eyes, and sighed, his breath catching in his throat.

"Don't cry, love," said Boromir suddenly.

Aragorn opened his eyes and looked down at him, noting how pale his skin was, and the harshness of his breathing. "You may as well tell a hobbit not to eat," he replied with a weak smile.

Boromir chuckled. At least, he tried to, but the action quickly turned into another coughing fit. Aragorn was alarmed to see that a trickle of blood escaped his lips, but he did not let his fear show, concentrating instead on soothing Boromir, absentmindedly brushing a few strands of his hair off his slick skin. But that simple action seemed to momentarily bring Boromir back to himself. "Take it out," he rasped.

Aragorn was confused. "Take what out?" he asked.

"The cord," Boromir replied simply.

Suddenly Aragorn understood. Boromir meant the cord fastening his hair, most of which had already escaped its confining braid. Gently Aragorn lifted Boromir's head, unwinding the cord and tossing it to one side. Then he ran his fingers through Boromir's damp hair, fanning it out over his shoulders.

"I'm sorry," said Boromir brokenly, turning his head slightly to indicate his hair. "It was such a stupid thing to argue over."

If the situation hadn't been so serious, Aragorn would have laughed. Instead, fresh tears sprang into his eyes. "Nonsense," he managed to say. "You were sensible to keep it as it was. Besides," he continued, smiling cheekily through his tears. "It was always loose when it really mattered."

Boromir returned the smile until another spasm of pain contorted his face. More blood fell from his lips, and his breathing grew shallower. Aragorn just sat, holding him, knowing the end was near, and knowing he could do nothing about it. He had never felt so helpless.

Then he saw Boromir's lips move once more. He had to lean close to catch the words.

"Goodbye." No more than the faintest whisper now. "I love you."

"I love you," whispered Aragorn in return. But he was not certain whether Boromir heard him or not. He had slipped away, and when he exhaled his last breath, Aragorn felt as if he would never breathe again either. He had already had a taste of life without Boromir, and he had felt lost without him.

But now he was gone…forever. And Aragorn didn't know if he would ever find his way again.