Author's notes: I'M FINALLY ON BREAK!!! *cheers happily* woo hoo!!! More time to…do nothing… *shrug* at least I get a break from school…. No more school!!! More time to attempt improving my crappy writing! =D

Chapter 6: Mischief and Strawberries

When Aragorn awoke, he found himself still holding Legolas' hands and hunched over the Elf's small body. He jerked his head up and looked in horror at the Elf whose eyes were open. Though Legolas seemed distant, Aragorn could tell he was not sleeping, only thinking deeply.

"Legolas?" Aragorn called hesitantly. Legolas shook himself out of his thoughts and smiled at Aragorn.

"You're awake."

Aragorn nodded. "When did you wake?"

"Some time ago. I'm not sure."

"Then why did you not wake me?" Aragorn asked. He pulled his hands away from Legolas' and sat up straight in his chair, fully embarrassed. He hoped in vain that Legolas would not notice the heat that rose in his cheeks. "I apologize for I must have dozed off…"

"'Tis all right…" Legolas replied softly. "Where are the others?"

"Gandalf and Treebeard have gone together to discuss things while Gimli, Merry, and Pippin went to eat. They should be back soon."

"Why didn't you go with them?"

Aragorn looked in surprise at Legolas. If anything, he hadn't expected this question. Because I can't stand being away from you, he thought silently to himself. Instead, he said aloud, "I was not hungry and Gandalf suggested I stay and watch over you lest something happen."

"Oh."

Was that disappointment Aragorn heard in Legolas' voice? Nay, it could not have been. Why would Legolas feel sorrowful by Aragorn's answer? Aragorn sighed and shook his head. He needed to stop his disillusioned thoughts. He needed to stop hoping that someday Legolas might return his feelings. It would never happen.

"Aragorn!"

Aragorn looked up and saw Gimli and the hobbits hurrying to them. He stood up to greet them. He saw out of his eye that Legolas was also attempting to sit up.

"Stay down, Legolas." Aragorn directed. He only got a reproachful glare in return.

"Legolas!" Merry shouted. "You're awake!" He stumbled around, holding a large bowl in his hand. Pippin also held a bowl.

"Yes, I am," Legolas replied, smiling. "But what is that you and Pippin hold in your hands?"

"Oh, this." Merry giggled mischievously. "We thought you and Aragorn would be hungry so we brought you…strawberries."

Legolas grinned. "Strawberries? I love strawberries!"

"We know." Pippin said impishly. "But you are too weak to feed yourself. Aragorn, feed him!"

Aragorn's mouth gaped open as he stared in shock at the hobbits. "Wha-what?"

Legolas also looked at Pippin in surprise but the look quickly changed to indignation. "Pippin! You, of all people, should know I am never too weak for anything! I need no one to feed me." He reached for Pippin's bowl but Pippin held it out of the Elf's reach. "Pippin!"

"No! Aragorn has to feed you!" the hobbit shrieked. He began jumping up and down, dangerously close to throwing a fit. Aragorn turned to look at Gimli, who looked as though he was trying to keep from laughing. The dwarf's face was turning bright red and his shoulders were visibly shaking.

"Gimli, what's going on?" Aragorn asked suspiciously.

"Don't ask me!" Gimli said defensively. "I hold no partnership with whatever scheme these two are cooking up."

Aragorn raised an eyebrow, sensing Gimli was lying but decided it would be no use to push further.

"Pippin, give Legolas the strawberries." Aragorn said exasperatedly. Pippin wrinkled his face in frustration but reluctantly gave his bowl to Legolas. Aragorn turned to Merry, who was hiding his bowl. "Merry?"

"Yes?" The hobbit blinked innocently.

"What's in your bowl?"

Merry looked to Gimli and Pippin. He turned back to Aragorn and bit his lip, He hesitantly handed the bowl to Aragorn as he answered the question.

"Cream."

Author's note: yes, I went brain dead again. Two friggin midterms in one day… no good… n/e waize….i guess this chapter can be considered…comic relief?