Two days later.

Erestor had successfully stayed hidden from Glorfindel since the night he had been trying to repress. Moreover, he had done his best to convince himself that Glorfindel meant utterly nothing to him. Keeping himself in Faramir's study night and day, Erestor managed to finally get everything set in order just as day was dawning. The young Steward had unexpectedly arrived the morning after the duel and Erestor had worked with all efficiency to get his study back into shape by the next day. Erestor glanced about, ensuring that everything was in place before removing to the room adjoining the study to freshen up. When he heard Faramir enter his study, Erestor greeted him succinctly then quickly made his way to his chambers to sleep, thinking that anyone who was foolish enough to wake him would deserve precisely what they would receive.

When Erestor woke, night had fallen and the advisor was feeling greatly rested, if not a little hungry. He was making his was to the kitchen when, passing Aragorn's study, the king called out to him, asking for a moment of his time. Erestor always had a difficult time refusing the Estel when he was the young foster-son of Elrond and little had changed.

Aragorn said that he had wished to discuss all that had been accomplished before his return from Edoras and invited Erestor to sit with him on his balcony, which at the moment just happened to strategically overlook a lonely looking Elda, sitting on a wall below.

"What is it that you wish to discuss, Estel? I must tell you that though those blasted Dwarves came a month early, they refused to...." Erestor drew a deep breath, seeing Glorfindel just below. He started to say that perhaps they should move their discussion elsewhere, when his Elf-eyes noticed the tearstains trailing the other Elf's face.

Erestor felt great pity well up within him, but fought not to show it to Aragorn. "What is his trouble?" Erestor asked, hoping he sounded unconcerned.

"He feels that he has been rejected by the one whom he loves more than all else," Aragorn said truthfully. "As i understand it, that can be a very painful experience."

"If you are under the delusion that he is in love with me and i with him, you had best look again, Estel. I do not -" Erestor glanced below just in time to see Glorfindel tightening his eyes against a fresh wave of hot tears, laying his head in the crook of his arm which rested on his bent knee. Erestor sighed, having been in that same position himself many times. "He really is hurting," the advisor more stated than asked.

"As much as you are," Aragorn said, laying a hand on Erestor's uncharacteristically slumped shoulder.

Erestor sighed and shrugging Aragorn's hand away he walked out of the King's study. A few moments later he watched Erestor walking out and having a seat on the wall beside Glorfindel. The Mortal king could not catch all of their long, quiet conversation (though it may be said that he certainly did make an attempt), but what he did hear clearly enough was:

"Erestor, i apologize for everything i have done wrong. I only want you to forgive me. I love you so much, my dark one."

To which the reply came:

"I do forgive you, for i love you too, my golden one."

Aragorn grinned as he watched Glorfindel reach out to gently touch Erestor's face. The Vanya rose, leaning closer until their lips met, almost hesitantly at first and then deeper until Glorfindel had gathered Erestor into his arms, pressing their bodies close together. When Aragorn saw Erestor flick his tongue over Glorfindel's sensitive ear-tip, he knew precisely what would follow. Being raised in Imladris had it's advantages.

Both Glorfindel and Erestor had the feeling that they were being watched. Neither cared.

Fin.