Erestor sat back in his chair, letting the dreamy feeling in his mind take over. It had only been a week since he told Glorfindel how he'd felt, and they'd decided to take things slow. But he was proud of himself. So rarely did he speak his mind on such matters, matters having to do with his own well being. But something had led him there; something told him this was right. He still wasn't sure what it was.

The fact that it all worked out so well still amazed him. After all, he and Glorfindel were friends before this happened, but nothing too special. He didn't have many memories that involved Glorfindel to too high of an extent. He'd asked Erestor to dance one time. He smiled to himself remembering that moment. But there wasn't much else. This confused him. Why did he feel this way about Glorfindel? Why did his heart jump every time he saw him?

Ah, that one memory. The dance. That's when Erestor realized he'd felt something for Glorfindel, even though he knew it was a pity dance. It was so long ago. Erestor wasn't exactly a social butterfly, and hadn't had many relationships worth remembering. And he hated attending these parties so much, even to this day.

But he'd made an appearance. As usual, no one had paid him any mind. He sat off by the trees alone, in his usual dark garb, trying not to look as serious as he always did. Yes, he hated these parties, but mostly because no one ever spoke to him at them. He always spent the time alone and always went back to his rooms alone.

He'd noticed people talking about him. As usual he tried to ignore it, but it always hurt a little bit. The usual things were said; "He looks so serious!" So on and so forth. He'd settled in to the idea that he was once again going to sit there wait it out to go back alone when it was finally over. But then he was pulled out of his own thoughts.

"May I have this dance?" Erestor saw his outstretched hand first. He followed the arm up, seeing golden hair flowing down over his shoulders. Then to the face. Glorfindel. He smiled shyly up at him and replied, "I… don't know how, I am afraid."

He smiled playfully down at him. "I guess that means I'll have to lead!" And with that he reached down and took Erestor's hand, then pulled him from his seat with a jolt.

He felt the tingle when Glorfindel put his arm around him. He pulled him in to him and Erestor put his arms around his shoulders. He had to stand on his toes a little. He felt so warm against him. They danced for a little while, no words being exchanged.

The realization came when the song was over and they parted. Erestor went back to his seat to sit down and looked up in time to see Glorfindel leading Lindir out onto the dance floor next. His heart dropped suddenly and he wanted to scream. He couldn't explain it, really. But he stood quickly and headed back to his rooms early.

A knock at the door brought Erestor back to the present. He looked up to see Glorfindel peek his head in the door.

"Hello, you!" he said in greeting before inviting himself in. Erestor smiled and folded his hands in front of himself on his lap. The breeze coming through the open balcony door seemed cooler than it had before and he glanced down to watch the sheer curtain blow against his leg.

"Hello back," he replied, looking up again to meet his eyes. Glorfindel walked across the room quickly. He sighed before flopping down into the seat across from Erestor. Glancing out the window, he sighed.

"Was wondering," he said without looking at Erestor. "Are you busy this evening?"

"Not really," Erestor said to him, feeling his heart swelling in his chest. Puppy love, he knew it. He felt like a young elfling whenever Glorfindel was near. And it was becoming increasingly difficult to hide his own giddiness. This sensation was new to him.

"Good. Then that means I can stay?" Glorfindel looked back at him with a playful twinkle in his eye.

"Of course."

Glorfindel looked down at the chess table before him, the pieces laid out ready to be handled. He poked at the pieces until one dropped. He grabbed it and placed it back in its spot quickly as if he hoped Erestor hadn't noticed. "Do you play?"

"Sometimes. Interested in a game?"

"Well, not really. I'm not so good at the game myself."

"I could teach you."

Glorfindel crinkled his nose. "Maybe later."

Erestor let a small chuckle slip. He cleared his throat. "What's on your mind this evening?"

"I don't know, I guess I just wanted to talk a little."

"Alright."

They sat in silence for a few long moments, or at least they felt long to Erestor. Finally he sat forward.

"Glorfindel, tell me, what did you think the other day when I told you how I felt?"

"What did I think when you told me? You didn't tell me, Erestor, you just kissed me!"

"True. But what was going through your mind when I did?"

"A mixture of things. I guess… well, to be honest, my first thought was that it had been some time since I was kissed and should enjoy it. Then… then I wondered what you were doing that for."

"I was unsure of how to tell you."

"Yes, but you were more forward than I had expected you to be."

"I agree it was a little out of sorts. But… were you attracted to me before I did that?"

"Do you want the honest answer, or do you want me to lie to you?"

"No, be honest."

Glorfindel looked down and began to fidget with his clothes. "No. I wasn't."

Erestor refolded his hands on his lap and looked down at them, twiddling his thumbs a little. After a moment, he glanced back up. "Then why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you accept my love? Why did you tell me you wanted to try to love me in return?"

"This is silly."

"No, Glorfindel, it isn't. I want to know what is happening. Is this just playing, are you just humoring me because you know eventually I will go to bed with you?"

Glorfindel's head flew up in shock at the question posed to him. "No! No! Erestor, I'm not that way!"

"Then why?"

He sighed. "You won't believe me if I tell you."

"Try me."

Glorfindel sighed, his breath shaking as he did so. He looked outside the balcony door again, watching as a few other elves passed by below. Turning his head back, he saw Erestor staring at him intently.

"I… oh, I hate this! Why do you do this? Why not just accept this?"

"I cannot, and you know it. Why did you so readily accept me? Especially if you were not attracted to me?"

"Erestor… I wasn't attracted to you because… well, because I thought it was a waste of time."

"Pardon me?" Erestor suddenly looked very irritated. Glorfindel pulled at his clothes again nervously. He'd put his foot in his mouth, but he thought quick to fix it.

"I thought you were out of my league."

"What do you mean?"

"I didn't think I had a chance with you. I figured slaying a Balrog was easier than winning your affections. So why bother?"

"Glorfindel…"

"No, I mean it. You always look so serious, and you never appear interested in anyone. I was beyond shock when you kissed me. I thought I had fallen asleep and was dreaming when you told me of your love. Erestor, this is all too surreal for me."

"You are being silly, my dear," Erestor chuckled.

"Am I?"

"Well, I am flattered that you thought so highly of me, but you still have not answered my question. Why did you accept my love?"

"It was my chance. So I took it." Glorfindel looked around the room, then back to Erestor. "It's warm in here, shall we go for a walk?"

Erestor smiled and stood. Glorfindel jumped to his feet and they walked to the door. He stepped forward and opened the door for Erestor, waiting for him to pass through before following.

They walked outside into the crisp night air. Erestor took a deep breath and smiled. The night air smelled different to him for some reason, and he adored it. He shut his eyes and allowed himself to soak it all in.

Glorfindel came up next to him and took his hand before leaning in to him. Erestor jumped slightly at hearing a sniff in his ear. He looked over at Glorfindel, confused. "What was that!"

Glorfindel started to laugh. "I like the smell of your hair. It smells of clove. Rather fitting, if I don't say so." He squeezed Erestor's hand as he watched his face flush at the comment.

They walked together, hand in hand, for a long while without speaking a word. Erestor tried to keep his composure by looking around at the grounds they walked through. All the colorful flowers were closed to the night sky, sleeping he guessed. The trees danced lightly in the breeze… the trees. Oh, his friends!

"Good evening," came the whisper, and Erestor realized he'd been staring at the trees on his path. He broke the hold between him and Glorfindel and stepped down into the grass. He walked a few feet and stopped.

Glorfindel walked over to stand next to him. Following his stare, he glanced off into the forest. Looking back to Erestor, he asked, "What is it?"

"Did you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"Someone whispered good evening to us. From out there."

"Erestor, it was probably someone greeting another elf they passed."

"No, it was the same whisper."

"Same whisper?"

"The one that led me to you the other day."

"What are you talking about, Erestor?"

He remained silent, ignoring the question. The whisper soon came again. "Kiss him!" Erestor stepped back with a start.

"Erestor? What's wrong?" Glorfindel took his hand again and looked at him, concerned.

"I wish to go back to my rooms now."

"Alright." Glorfindel led him back to where they came from and put an arm around his shoulders. Erestor snuggled in to him as they walked. "Are you sure you are alright?"

"Yes, I am sure, love," Erestor lied.

"Kiss him, Erestor!" the whisper demanded. Erestor pulled from Glorfindel's hold again.

"You did hear that!"

"Hear what?"

"It's the trees."

"Erestor?"

"Glorfindel, remember the other day when you asked how I'd found you and I told you the trees?"

"Yes, but…"

"I wasn't kidding. The trees led me to you. And they are telling me to… well…"

"Erestor, I think you need sleep."

"I know you think I'm crazy, but…."

"Kiss him!" Erestor froze at the whisper. His eyes shifted to the side, then quickly shifted back to Glorfindel. He moved in to him and pressed himself against him. He stood on his toes a little and took Glorfindel's mouth to his own. Glorfindel put his arms around him and pulled him closer as they kissed.

They parted and stared in to each other's eyes for a long moment.

"Erestor… you need sleep. You are feverish, and I think you are not well."

"I am fine!" Erestor demanded.

"Let him love you. Do not bother him with us anymore." The whisper faded off into the night breeze.

Erestor smiled. "Take me back, love."

Glorfindel smiled and took his hand in his own again. "A good night's rest will do you good."

"Yes, I think so."