CHAPTER 2

Legolas still couldn't move from his spot. Aragorn had just told him it was him who was troubling his heart, not Éowyn. What would he do? There was nothing he could, since Aragorn had said he was going to wed Arwen even though he didn't love her, but he couldn't just sit there and pretend that never happened.

And he loved him too, of course. How couldn't he? After all the things they went through together, after all the stolen glances and secret smiles. And he had wanted to tell Aragorn that he loved him so many times, but never had to courage to for fear of rejection. And now this...

Legolas gathered his strenght and got up, thinking of what to say to Aragorn. This attraction of them was wrong in so many ways that Legolas couldn't think of persuing it. Aragorn had a commitment to Arwen, he was binded to her for always. When all of this was over, it would be only right for him to marry her. Legolas couldn't interfere with such a perfect union...it would be wrong.

So he decided: He was to tell Aragorn they could never be and end this before it began. It was the right thing to do.

Legolas entered the Golden Hall, going straight to Aragorn's room. His hand lingered in the air for a few seconds before he knocked.

''Who is it?'' Aragorn's voice came from inside with a troubled tone.

''It's me.'' Legolas said, simply. When Aragorn didn't answer, he opened the door and walked in.

Aragorn stood by the window, looking outside. He didn't move when Legolas came inside. Legolas stopped half way across the room, took a deep breath, and said:

''Aragorn...'' His voice came out colder than he wanted it to, but he thought it was probably better to sound cold if he wanted to end this.

Aragorn turned around to face Legolas. His eyes were sad, as if he knew what Legolas was about to say. The moment Legolas' eyes locked with Aragorn's, he was at a loss of words. 'If this is so wrong, why does it feel so right?' Legolas thought to himself.

''Aragorn, I...'' Still he couldn't manage to speak. He stepped closer to Aragorn, looking down. ''We can't...not ever,'' his voice was cracking as he spoke, ''let us burry our feelings before they grow stronger.''

Legolas managed to look at Aragorn, who had an unreadable expression in his face. He moved closer, stroking Legolas' cheek with his fingers. Legolas didn't move. Aragorn moved even closer, his eyes on Legolas'.

In a whisper, he said, ''Why should we burry happiness?''

Legolas' hands uncounciously went to Aragorn's cheeks, bringing his face closer. ''I love you, Estel.'' He said.

As they leaned in for a kiss, there was a knock on Aragorn's door. That startled both of them, making them break the embrace.

Éomer stood by the door. He noticed the tension, feeling uncomfortable.

''Dinner is ready. The King calls you to join us.'' And with that he left.

Aragorn reached for Legolas' arm, but the Elf walked away before he could touch him.

It was not only after Legolas left the room that he realized tears were falling down his eyes for the first time in his life.