Title: Agape

Author: asparagus

Email: asparagus@iamwasted.com

Rating: PG13

Summary: The love that consumes...

Spoilers: "Hunter" and "The Return of the King"

Warnings: Slash (E/L, A/L), Angst

Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings - the novels, movie, merchandise, characters, or plotline. In no way whatsoever am I profiting from this fictional piece - unless it's an ego boost from any comments you people deem worthy of sending my way.

Author's Note: I know this last installment is long overdue, but my muse chose to run away some time ago and only recently, has chosen to return. I hope you enjoy this final piece in the "Of the Heart" trilogy.

Agape

*****

"Love means never having to say you're sorry."

- Erich Segal

*****

Moonlight softened the rough landscape that surrounded him at all sounds. Before him was the wilderness of an old battlefield and behind, the muted shout of the night watchman sounded within the city's stone walls. All was well.

Yet, the mind of the lone elf was in silent turmoil. He seemed to be one with the shadows despite the moon-kissed vista. He saw none of the beauty. His blue eyes were glazed as his thoughts wandered on well-worn paths of his mind. In painful detail, he remembered the entrance of the elven folk into the city that day. Oddly, he felt only joy as he watched Aragorn greet his bethroted. True, it was a bittersweet one. He had loved the man in his own way. But, it was not the true love of tales - not like the love that shone in the couple's eyes when they met on the castle steps.

That was love.

The kind of love that brought you to great heights. Put you on the edge... Made you feel each emotion more... And tore at your heart with its perfection - or its destruction.

He'd always wondered how the grief of a broken elf felt. When he'd seen the elf that followed the Evenstar, he knew. And now, with each beat in his chest, he thought he'd shatter. The anguish and the guilt ran through him like orc poison. What he'd shared with Aragorn was now so cheap compared to what it had seemed to be then. He'd broken no oath, yet he felt like he'd done so irredeemably.

He was so lost in his own thoughts, that he did not sense the other approach. When a hand was laid on his arm, he instinctively flinched at the familiar touch. The newcomer sighed softly and moved away to stand beside him.

"It's a beautiful night."

He just nodded.

"We would call this sort of night a night for lovers."

"Yes. We would."

"...I guess it's no use avoiding the issue." Another sigh. "So, I'll get to the point. I know what happened while you two were on the quest. I knew even before I arrived here."

He stiffened.

"Because of your Sight."

"Yes."

"...So what happens now?"

"Nothing."

His head snapped up in surprise and he turned to face the other.

"You won't do anything? How can you not be angered when I - "

"When you were there for him when I could not? You gave him the strength he needed to go on. I cannot hold that against either of you. ...Besides, I know were his heart lies." She smiled.

"Yes," he agreed with a wan smile. "That was never really in question."

"But, what of your heart, my friend?"

At her soft query, his face paled and he turned away from her once more.

"He still loves you. He always will - no matter what. ...It is not that you are afraid he won't forgive you, is it? You're afraid he will and you think yourself unworthy of it."

"Because I am," he said flatly.

"If you cannot forgive yourself... Then, no one can help you."

"Indeed," he coldly stated.

"...So, that's it? You will just walk away and hurt him as well as yourself?"

"I will hurt him more if I stay."

"And how is that when all he has ever wanted was for you to come back safe?"

"And I have. He knows I live."

"That isn't good enough."

"Not everyone can live your fairytale, Princess," he could not help but snap.

"Is that what you think?"

She came closer and forced him to meet her eyes.

"I will outlive the man I love. I will have to watch him die and wait for my own turn. But, you two...you will have forever. That is the true fairytale and I cannot just let you throw it away. ...Can you really be this selfish?"

"I am throwing it away not for lack of love, but for too much of it."

He had to close his eyes at the memory of the very words his lover spoke when they first parted that faithful day in Imladris. Not for the lack of love...

"You really think he is better off without you... You are a fool."

Legolas sensed more than heard her leave.

"Yes," he whispered into the darkness. "A fool madly in love."

He lightly stepped onto the battlements and looked down at the ground far below. It was a long way down. The wind rose and his steps were unsure. It would be so easy...

A hand yanked him back and he fell not too gracefully into an iron grip. Dark eyes flashed at him with unconcealed anger and yet, he found that he could not look away.

"Do you really think I would just let you leave?" The Elf-Lord said harshly.

Legolas sighed and wearily rested his head on the other's chest. He could hear the heart within beating madly. It was oddly comforting how it matched the pace of his.

"What is it?" Elrond asked in a softer tone. "What can I say to make you stay?"

"Would you really want me to?"

The prince looked up to meet storm-clouded eyes.

"You were right you know." The dark eyes looked at him in confusion. "When you told me my heart was young...that I could not understand what true love was. You were right. ...Now, I have found out what it is. And it hurts me to think that I so carelessly returned what you offered."

Somehow, Legolas got himself to pull away.

"I hurt you once. I will not give myself the chance to do it again."

"Then, you cannot leave me. I returned your heart..."

Elrond laid his hand on the other's chest.

"But, I never took back my own. It was always with you."

Then, he leant down to capture the prince's lips with his.

And Legolas could not find it in himself to resist. He heard his heart sing as he surrendered himself to the pure bliss of that perfect moment. When he was released, his face was flushed and his eyes shone. Yet, the Elf-Lord's own remained uncertain.

"Now, have I convinced you to stay?" Even his voice shook.

"How can I say no?" Legolas said softly. "And perhaps I was a fool. But, now I know. You were right again. No matter where I wander I will always return to you for no place can compare to where my heart truly lies."