They were friends first, but that's they way the meaningful ones always start. Then the looks, smiles and exchanges of affections slowly begin to change. But it wasn't noticeable enough to gauge concern.
"No! Legolas! Put me down!"
"Alright!" A cheeky grin
SPLASH
Once they're in too far, when the dreams start, that the realization dawns.
"No, anyone but…sweet Valar have mercy."
What was once familiar becomes a fearful appreciation. What seemed like merely appreciation of comeliness has turned into raging desire; unable to be tamed by denial.
Has he always been this beautiful? How could I have not noticed?
Visits, chance meetings all start to hold a foreboding sense of fear. Will he find out? Is he avoiding me? Does he already know?
"I haven't seen you in ages"
"I've…been busy."
Silence
If I touch him, will I be able to stop?
Then the scene changes. For one moment everything is like it once was, the unconditional love of friendship flows freely in the moment.
"Think you can catch me, do you?!"
…
"Not fair! No headstart, you're cheating!"
Crash
Laughter
"Alright you can get off me now!"
But then everything changes.
"Elladan?"
That first fleet meeting of lips. Questions exploding behind closed lids, answers given by the response. Love offered threw the silent homage paid to those irresistible lips.
There's explanations given later, usually accompanied by the soft glow of candlelight highlighting the naked flesh. Yes, time for the thoughts later.
But now there is only this moment.
Time doesn't exist and neither emotion. For though they are plagued with millions of conflicting emotions, this moment is beyond feeling. All that remains is that simple question. The only part that matters.
"Do you love me?"
"Yes."