Legolas and Darlene spent the rest of the day together.
"I am sorry you lost your job Darlene."
"Don't blame yourself. I should have quit a long time ago."
"Sounds like you regret doing it."
"Well, aside from the fact that I'll be totally broke, I guess I'll be okay."
"You are different from many of the girls I have met."
"Oh, big ladies man back home?" She teased. He blushed and lowered his head.
"Despite my friendly nature, I am quite shy around women."
Darlene's jaw dropped.
"You're kidding."
"Serious."
"You see that's the problem with nice guys."
"What?"
"They are always shy!" She exclaimed, and then she paused. "Look, we are drawing attention to ourselves, why don't we go back to my apartment and figure out what to do from there?"
Legolas nodded.
'What are you doing?' A voice in his head asked. 'She's a child yet. Would you bed her so soon?'
"Legolas, are you all right?"
"Huh? You said something?"
"I asked if you are okay. We could always take a bus if the train bothers you."
"Train?"
"Yeah, that thing we took to get to this pit."
"Oh, bus."
"I thought so." She began to pick up the remnants of their lunch. Her eyes locked onto a store and she smiled. "Why don't we go inside and look around, the bus arrives every other hour?"
He made a face.
"Shopping?"
"No, window shopping. Come on, let's drive the vendors mad."
She grabbed his hand and literally dragged him to the store. Legolas did not understand what she had meant at first until he saw the clothing. Realizing it was intimate apparel; he shut his eyes, making Darlene giggle.
"Can we go now?"
"Legolas, there is no reason to be shy. I just wanted to show you this."
His eyes opened and he saw what Darlene was holding up. It was a transparent forest green lace mini gown. He blinked for he could vividly imagine her in such clothing.
"Do you think this is my color? Or would you prefer another color?" She was teasing him. Not to be challenged and made a fool of, he stalked over to a display and pointed to one of the outfits.
"I do believe this would suit you better."
Darlene blinked, it was cute, but completely naughty. A wicked grin crossed her face. She grabbed her size from the rack and motioned for him to follow her. The went into the fitting room area.
"He'll have to wait out here."
"Of course."
When they got home, Darlene was still laughing.
"I still can't believe the look on your face Legolas when I showed you the outfit."
"It's all fine and dandy for you. I however have not been able to keep my thoughts together."
"Admit it, you liked what you saw."
"That's what concerns me so. I really do care for you-"
"Then prove it." She said, her voice was soft and husky.
"I shouldn't."
"Why not?"
"I do not know you and you do not know me."
"All the more reason." She said, she kissed him gently.
"Darlene, please, do not do this. For it can only lead to terrible things. But yet, perhaps it may be better than to face the night alone."
He kissed her passionately, nearly throwing both of them off the couch. A knock at the door brought them both to a pause.
"Damn it." Darlene muttered. "Go into the bedroom, I will join you shortly."
He jumped to his feet and ran down the hallway. Darlene answered the door. It was Carrie.
"Hey chic."
"Uh, Carrie, I kinda have a guest."
"Oh, say no more. Have fun." Carrie said, she made a face of mock shock and received a light tap on the arm.
"Carrie!"
Carrie left after ribbing Darlene for a short time. Once she was gone, Darlene locked the door and took a deep breath. It seemed to be happening so fast. But the longer she spent with him, the more attracted to him she was.
'Oh god am I really ready for this or am I just nervous? Will he think I'm a total slut once it happens?' Deciding to chance it, she removed her hand from the front doorknob.
Legolas lay awake, long after Darlene had fallen asleep. He sighed and ran a hand over his face.
'How am I ever going to explain this? I can just picture what Aragon will say. He'll more than likely kill me and her. I have gone too far.'
Darlene stirred and shifted closer to him. He smiled gently. 'Yet to deny that I do love her, would be a worse sin. I will just have to face the consequences when we arrive in Gondor.'
He kissed her forehead and settled closer, holding her tightly. It seemed to be an eternity before he fell asleep.