Hello! Hope you enjoy this chapter. Sorry it is long.

Elrond opened his eyes to find Elros still curled into him, but just like before he was clean and now in the tent. He did not think twice before kissing his brother's forehead gently and curling tighter into him, falling asleep once more. The second time he woke up, he found himself alone. This time he jumped up and quickly opened the tent only to find Elros with a bowl of fruit and a cup of hot tea standing right outside.

"Sorry I startled you," he said softly kissing Elrond's lips hearing a sigh of relief. "I will not leave without saying goodbye. I promise."

"You better not," he said softly.

"Sit and eat," Elros replied, holding out the breakfast he had gotten for his brother.

"Thanks," he smiled accepting the fruit and tea as he sat down, feeling discomfort from the night before.

"Was I able to fulfill your request last night?"

"You did," Elrond blushed taking a sip of the tea knowing this was not one of the ones that Andreth served. "What tea is this?"

"Some that the men drink. I did not want to go back to the palace. I told everyone goodbye last night so I could spend today with you," he responded.

"It's not terrible, but doesn't have the flavor I am use to," he commented.

"I can see that. You do love your teas," Elros smiled as he watched his twin eat.

They both stayed silent while Elrond finished his meal and got dressed. Standing Elrond realized just how sore he was, but refused to tell Elros. Elros opened the tent and made his way to the market with Elrond closely behind him. Elrond watched as his twin did business with a few people, his smile bright, always introducing his twin to the men he hung out with. Elrond stayed silent the whole time except saying hello to everyone Elros introduced him to. It was truly the only time he had seen Elros comfortable with anyone except himself and Andreth. Elrond was now seeing why Elros decided to join them and for once they did not seem to judge them or even treat them different for being twins. With every new person, Elrond seemed to get more comfortable, but deep down he knew this was not the life for him. When they got to the tea merchant, Elrond got the opportunity to smell the various teas available, but none caught his interest. Elros moved on to the last merchant where he picked up two packages and thanked him before turning back to his twin.

"Let's go back," he smiled as Elrond nodded not saying a word.

It took them reaching the campsite before Elrond spoke up.

"Were those the men you are leaving with?"

"Yes, for the most part. A few are not coming and a few are that you have not met," he explained handing one of the packages to Elrond. "This is not to be opened yet. My package matches yours and I want you to open it one day when you need it most."

"How will I..."

"You will know, Elrond. I have been working hard on this for a while now. I know it's something you will find the right moment to open."

"Okay," Elrond nodded holding the package carefully as Elros moved to start taking down the tent carefully as Elrond watched his every move. "Do you need help?"

"Not at all. I learned from the men because I will have to put my own tent up every night and take it down alone every morning. If I am unable to, then I will not be able to travel with them," Elros explained as he started to fold his tent up and get it ready to travel.

Elrond stayed silent as he watched Elros get all his belongings together before pulling out a single book and turning to Elrond.

"As promised."

"What?"

"You asked for a new book to meet Thranduil. I agreed, so here is your book," Elros smiled.

"I know it's not what you typically read, but I thought you would find this useful."

Elrond took the book and looked at the golden script on the front realizing it was a basic book to healing.

"I think you have the gift for it," Elros smiled watching him as Thranduil came into the clearing. "Especially if your future includes this one."

Elros looked at Thranduil causing Elrond to turn and look the blonde in the eyes. He could not help but blush seeing Thranduil in a beautiful dark bronze robe. Thranduil stepped forward as Elrond stayed frozen.

"Good morning, peredhel," he said softly coming close to Elrond as Elros backed off giving them space.

"You look beautiful as always," Elrond said softly as he took Thranduil's hand in his own.

"You do too," Thranduil said pulling Elrond to him and hugging him gently. "I promised Elros I would be here for you and I will be. Not only because I promised, but also as your... as your boyfriend."

Elrond release the hand as he wrapped his free arm around Thranduil hearing this.

"Thank you," Elrond muttered softly as Elros came up behind Elrond and hugged him.

"We are leaving earlier than expected," he said softly as Elrond squeezed his eyes shut. "I love you, Elrond. Stay strong."

Elrond released Thranduil and shoved the package and book in the blonde's arms before hugging his twin as tears fell from his eyes. He knew today would be hard, but he had no clue just how hard it would be. Elros hugged back tightly as he felt tears on his shoulder. Giving Elrond a good minute, he finally pulled away, allowing Thranduil to grab his boyfriend as Elros mounted his horse and rode off. As soon as Elros disappeared, Elrond buried his world fall apart around him. Thranduil did not think twice before putting the package and book down and pulled Elrond into his arms tightly knowing this was all he could do for the dark haired elf. Rocking him gently, Thranduil stayed silent as it felt like an hour or more passed as they stayed in the clearing. As soon as Elrond seemed to calm down enough, Thranduil pulled him down to sit down.

"I'm sorry for crying on you..." Elrond sniffled softly.

"It's not a problem. I promised I would be here for you. Plus, if I was not, what kind of boyfriend would that make me?"

"I don't know," Elrond shrugged keeping his head on Thranduil's chest.

"The kind that's not worthy of you," Thranduil responded running his fingers through the dark hair.

"It's me that's not worthy of you," he muttered.

"Why do you say that?"

"I..." Elrond paused thinking if he felt it safe to tell him about last night before deciding against it. "One day I will tell you why. Just not now."

"Okay," Thranduil said softly, his hands still running through his boyfriend's hair. "Let me know when you are ready to go back."

Elrond nodded as he stayed still having no desire to move, much less go back to the palace without his twin. Thranduil stayed with him silently, not pushing to know anything, as he simply comforted the younger elf. Elrond relaxed into the arms of the other elf, feeling himself melting into the touch as he took comfort in the other. He did not know what the future held for him because up to this point, his one constant was always there and now he was gone. Thranduil stayed true to his word and just stayed with him, not making any indications that he wanted to leave as the day passed slowly. His hands refusing to leave the Noldor elf beside him.

By the time mid-day had passed, Thranduil realized that Elrond had fallen asleep on him. Adjusting slightly, he made himself more comfortable, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend. He did not know if he should tell Elrond, but he truly enjoyed being so close to him. Gently, he leaned down and kissed the top of Elrond's head. Resting his head on top of Elrond's, he relaxed until a noise caught his attention and he lifted his head quickly. Andreth came into the clearing causing Thranduil to panic.

"It's okay," Andreth said kneeling in front of them. "I came to check on him. I know that Elros left and it would be hard on Elrond."

Thranduil started to relax as he watched Andreth check over him.

"Let me carry him. Please grab his things and you may join us for dinner tonight," Andreth said as Thranduil released his hold on Elrond.

Andreth lifted Elrond into his arms, making sure not to wake him as Thranduil stood and gathered Elrond's things silently. As soon as he picked everything up, Thranduil turned towards Andreth who started to make his way to the palace, taking different roads that seemed quieter. Thranduil did not seem to mind, knowing these would be the last roads his father would ever be caught alive on. Oropher believed in only the pure Sindarian and those with money and goods were of importance. Thranduil hated that his father believed this and hated walking though the streets unable to help these people.

"You do not usually see this, do you, Thranduil?" Andreth asked without turning around.

"No. My father usually looks down on them," he replied.

"If you ever want, once a week, we help these people with supplies. We would love to have you join us."

"If my father ever found out, it would not end well. He does not even like the fact that I befriended Elrond."

"I understand, but also know that the day will come when you will no longer be under him and you can make your own decisions. On that day, you will get to choose to follow in your father's footsteps or choose your own path," Andreth said knowing that Thranduil could benefit from hearing that.

"Thank you, Andreth," Thranduil smield as they turned the corner to a busier road.

"Anytime," he responded softly without saying another word.

Thranduil followed behind him silently, making sure to take in as much of the city as possible. Making another turn, they were able to see the palace ahead, and much closer than Thranduil would have guessed, as the path here seemed much more empty than normal. He refused to question it as he stayed close as they passed a few gates and a few guards greeted Andreth. They did not acknowledge Thranduil as they normally did, letting them pass as Andreth headed straight to Elrond's room. Reaching the door, a guard opened it and left as soon as Andreth and Thranduil passed inside.

"I am going to let him sleep. Please stay as long as you want," Andreth explained putting the twin on the bed before covering him up. "If either of you need anything, ask any of the guards and it will be brought up."

"Thank you," he responded placing the book and package down on the table.

"Good evening," Andreth said before leaving the room and closing the door behind him, leaving the two boys alone.

Thranduil sighed before taking off his boots and moving to Elrond. He gently reached under the covers and removed his boots as well, placing them by his own. Moving back to the bed, he moved the cover before crawling in behind Elrond and covering up. Almost immediately, Elrond rolled over and curled into the blonde elf, getting comfortable, but never waking. Thranduil took this as a good thing as he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend and curled closer to him. Being so close, he could smell the slight smell of peppermint. Closing his eyes, he breathed in, enjoying the smell, as he drifted off to sleep.

A knock on the door caused Thranduil to stir as Andreth announced himself. Thranduil looked down at Elrond who was tangled in his arms to the point he could not pull away. Trying not to panic, Thranduil tried to slip away as the door opened and Andreth entered with a tray of food.

"Please know that you comforting him does not bother anyone here. You do not need to act so panicked every time I check on you two," he told him, placing the tray on the table.

"My father would find it inappropriate."

"Why?" Andrethe asked looking at him.

"Because the only people you should hold is your spouse and young children. The fact that we are both males, he would say is even more inappropriate," he explained not wanting to say that his father would assume his liked men and the world would end.

"Your father does not believe in same sex relationships, does he?" Andreth questioned.

"He uh..." Thranduil said shocked. "No... but not many elves do. Why does that matter?"

"It does not," Andreth replied. "I just got the feeling by how you spoke of him and it really depends on the elf. Some are more open to change than others. I personally do not mind who someone ends up with as long as they love each other and stay loyal."

"So if Elrond ever decided to be with a male, you would not care?"

"I would not and I personally do not think Gil-Galad would either. I think the biggest thing is for whoever ends up in a same sex relationship to understand what they are up against. There are still a good bit of elves that will not accept it the way I do. Personally that could make things hard in the long run."

"I can see that," he replied softly.

"Do you mind getting Elrond to eat dinner before you leave?"

"I do not mind at all."

"I did bring you dinner as well. Also, feel free to come by anytime."

"I will," Thranduil smiled watching Andreth leave and the door close before gently touching Elrond. "Elrond, you need to wake up."

Elrond did not move even as Thranduil repeated the actions. Again, Elrond did not move as Thranduil thought over different ways to wake him up. Watching him sleep for a few seconds, Thranduil's eyes stayed on Elrond's lips before slowing leaning down and pressing his own to the others. Kissing him gently, he felt Elrond start to respond and kiss back. One of his hands pushed the dark hair out of Elrond's face before he felt Elrond's hand move to his neck as he realized Elrond's eyes were open. Blushing, Thranduil debated pulling back, but ultimately decided not to as he continued to kiss him. Elrond blushed this time as he ran his fingers in Thranduil's silky, blonde hair. Deepening the kiss, Elrond kept his hands higher, not wanting to make thranduil uncomfortable. What he did not expect was for his hand to grip Thranduil's hair and pull. Thranduil gasped and moaned into the kiss not knowing this was possible. As soon as he realized he was getting hard, Thranduil pulled away, breaking the kiss as Elrond released him. Panting hard, Thranduil sat on the side of the bed trying to calm down.

"I was not... I did not..." Elrond said feeling horrible, panting as well.

"It's okay. I kissed you, but Elrond... I did not expect that to feel..."

"Good?"

Thranduil just nodded before turning towards his boyfriend again. Biting his lip, he blushed with a smile.

"I think you may have an issue..." he muttered making sure not to look at Elrond's lap.

"Yeah," he blushed before adjusting so Thranduil would not see the issue. "I am sorry that I embarrassed you."

"It's okay. I did not mean to kiss you in your sleep. Andreth told me to make sure you eat dinner and you were not waking up."

"Andreth came in?" he asked now realizing that is probably how he kept ending up in his room.

"Yeah. I promise, he did not see anything," Thranduil responded. "He did bring food for both of us."

"Thanks," Elrond smiled.

"No problem," he said getting up and bringing the tray of food to the bed.

Placing it in front of Elrond, Thranduil brushed his hair back and sat beside his boyfriend. Elrond picked up a bite of broccoli and took a bite before leaning onto Thranduil as he chewed slowly. Thranduil stayed silent as he ran his hand through Elrond's courser hair feeling the difference. Kissing the top of Elrond's head, Thranduil breathed in, smelling peppermint and deciding that this had to be Elrond's shampoo. Thranduil pulled back knowing if he continued, he would let Elrond keep going.

"What are you thinking?" Elrond asked hold a strawberry up to his lover.

"That I would let you continue if I do not stop now," he admitted leaning forward and taking the strawberry into his mouth. "But I am not ready yet."

"I will not push you, ever," he replied looking up at him.

"Thank you," Thranduil smiled before grabbing a grape and putting it up to the Noldor's lips as he watched him eat it.

"You do not have to feed me."

"And if I want to?"

"Well... uh..." Elrond could not reply as another grape was lifted to his lips and he accepted it, blushing.

"I know I should not flirt, but I can not help myself," Thranduil said softly.

"Then do not stop. I really do love it."

"Just promise, nothing more than kissing."

Elrond nodded as Thranduil leaned back down and kissed him gently. One hand ran up and through the silky, blonde hair as Elrond adjusted to face him. Thranduil did not mind as Elrond's hands moved to his neck and more in his hair as he copied the motion. Elrond pushed himself up on his knees, making him taller than the blonde as his lips moved against him. Thranduil started panting before he felt a nip on his bottom lip and blushed. The nipping continued as a soft moan left his lips for the first time. Elrond took this oppertunity to nip again and pull the hair in his hand as a moan left Thranduil's lips. Wanting to return the favor, Thranduil pulled Elrond's hair receiving a gasp as Elrond broke the kiss. Panting hard, the young elves kept their eyes on each other.

"One of these days, I hope to go all the way with you," Elrond panted softly.

"I will let you know as soon as I am comfortable with it. I hope it is you, Elrond," Thranduil blushed as he admitted it.

Elrond blushed as they heard pounding on the door as well as yelling in the hallway. Thranduil quickly pulled away and moved to the table, away from Elrond as Andreth could be heard as more pounding came.

"Thranduil, you better not be trying to hide," came Oropher's voice clearly as Thranduil looked at Elrond.

"Go to the bathroom, brush your hair, then come out. Act like you were using the bathroom. I got this," Elrond said calmly, crossing the room and pushing the blonde to the other door.

Thranduil quickly went in and shut the door as Elrond opened the door to come face to face with Andreth, Gil-Galad, and Oropher. Looking between the three of them, he looked surprised.

"May I help you?"

"Where is Thranduil?" Oropher demanded.

"Using the bathroom," he responded acting confused as the sound of a toilet flushing and the sink water came from the bathroom.

When the water turned off, there was a second before Thranduil stepped out looking confused to see the group at the door.

"Father?"

"Thranduil, it is time to go home," Oropher demanded waiting for his son.

"Yes sir," he said quickly putting on his shoes before turning to Elrond. "Have a good night."

"Thank you. You do the same."

Thranduil moved to the door where Oropher grabbed him roughly by the arm, pulling him down the hall.

"When I said befriend the halver, I did not mean spend all day with him. What were you thinking?" Oropher said not knowing the others could hear him.

"I promise you it was for a reason," Thranduil responded as they turned the corner.

"It better have been," Oropher said before dragging Thranduil outside.

"One of them left to join mortal men. Elrond does not want the title," he explained.

"Good, but tomorrow it will not be out problem any longer."

"Why not?"

"We are leaving."

"What?" Thranduil almost yelled.

"A group of Sindarian elves want out as well. We are leaving. They named me their king and you their prince. We are leaving before sunrise. Go home and pack," Oropher explained.

Thranduil held back tears as he heard these words before nodding and heading home.

Yes, Oropher is horrible. This chapter had to happen and really helps set up everything else.