A/N: Here it is! I hope this chapter makes you feel all warm and gooey inside, let me know what you think!

Also, there is very non-heterosexual romance in this chapter. If that is not your cup of tea, I suggest finding a new story to read. Thanks!

Ch. 6

Legolas was restless. The Fellowship's meeting with the Lord and Lady had not gone as well as expected, and everyone was feeling the exhaustion and grief of the past days. His mind was filled with the images of Gandalf's fall, the sound of Galadriel's words, and the continuous debate over his feelings for Aragorn. He had stayed with the fellowship the night before, listening to the elves' lament, but feeling too grieved to translate the song for the curious hobbits. It was all extremely overwhelming, and so, at first light, Legolas dressed in his warrior garb and took to the forest to find some solitude. Knowing he was too exhausted to run, the elf settled for simply walking amongst the trees. After some time, the sound of water reached his ears, reminding the elf that he desperately needed to bathe. Following the sound of the babbling water, Legolas came upon a clear and swift stream. It was obvious that this would not serve his purpose, so Legolas followed the current through the woods. It was not long before the steam widened, joining a deep, slow-moving river. It was a wonderful sight to behold, and Legolas could hardly wait to shed his travel-warn garb and indulge in some much-needed rest.

The water was cool and refreshing, and in moments Legolas felt his muscles relax after weeks of tension and use. He had every intention of cleaning the grime and dirt from his body and hair, but for now he was content to simply float in the water. The sun was warm on his body, and for the first time in many weeks, Legolas felt at peace. He was in a safe place, surrounded by trees and elves, yet still a shadow lingered. Gandalf was gone; the fact that he would never see the Istari again was finally sinking in. The wizard was well-respected in Mirkwood, and had become a close friend of the royal family. It was he who suggested that Legolas be sent to Rivendell for the council, instead of an older, more experienced representative. Legolas had long wanted to journey farther than his home and the surrounding areas, and Mithrandir had given him that chance. Looking back, it seemed to Legolas that Gandalf had known all along what would happen; that he would offer his bow to the fellowship. Perhaps he had also known of his own death, for the wizard could see many things that had yet to come. This thought was comforting for Legolas, in a small way. Gandalf would not have died in vain, and the repercussions of his act were still to be revealed.

Galadriel had said something similar to that when they met, and Legolas knew the Lady's words should be heeded. The encounter with the Lady of Light was also troubling, for she spoke to him in both words and thoughts. It was not the first time Legolas had encountered this in powerful elves, but her words disturbed him.

"Legolas Greenleaf long under tree

In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!

If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,

Thy heart shall rest in the forest no more."

He could not understand those words, despite the fact that they repeated themselves continually in the back of the elf's mind. Though he did not wish to believe it, he could not help but think Galadriel was foretelling his death. Perhaps she was warning him so that he could prevent this from happening, but this made little sense to the elf as well. The Fellowship had no intention of going near the sea; they were to travel down the Anduin, but only as far as the Falls of Rauros, and to Mordor from there. But if his death was not to come on their journey, why would the Lady tell him of it now? He had tried to ask her, but she provided no answer.

Deciding that cryptic messages and prophesies were better left for another time, Legolas swam back to the shallow bank of the river. Most of the dirt had washed from him, but he took a few minutes to ensure that his hair, face, and body were completely clean. When this was done, Legolas retrieved his clothes from the bank and washed them as best he could. Laying those on the flat, smooth, riverbank rocks to dry in the sun, he took some time to explore the area. Legolas was rewarded for his explorations when he came across a bush of wild berries. He could not deny his hunger, as it was now close to midday, so he picked a handful of ripe berries and sat in the sun for a makeshift meal. It had been a long time since Legolas had tasted anything so fresh and delicious, and it put him in an immensely good mood. For the first time in quite a while, Legolas began to sing, not of grief and danger, but of hope and better times. His travel-worn clothes were not yet dry, giving Legolas the opportunity to enjoy the refreshing water once again.

This swim was not so pleasant; after only a few minutes, there was a noise in the forest. At first, Legolas assumed it was an animal of some sort, but he soon realized that no animal, or elf, would make so much noise. The creature was headed directly toward him and, not having time to do anything else, the elf dove under the water and swam to the very bottom of the deep pool. While holding to a rock to keep from floating, Legolas tried to formulate some sort of plan. His weapons were with his clothes, and though he could gain a fair head start by surfacing at the far bank of the river, he would have no chance if the creature could use a bow. With his lungs beginning to burn, Legolas decided his best chance was to surface under the low-hanging branches of a few trees on the far bank and get a look at his enemy before doing anything else. He was careful to make no noise as be broke the surface and took in a lungful of much-needed air.

What he saw on the other bank did nothing to calm his rapidly beating heart, however. There, sitting in the sun, with his head cocked to one side and an eyebrow raised, was Aragorn, looking as if he could barely contain his laughter. Legolas could not decide if he was enraged or relieved at the man's antics, and so he settled for an icy glare and a small smile. Aragorn, for his part, had given up trying to remain serious and allowed himself a hearty laugh.

"You know, Legolas," he commented when his laughter had subsided, "I'm not sure you've been properly trained as a warrior. There are usually better places to hide than under the water, and I'm fairly certain most enemies would realize that these clothes belong to someone. Or were you hoping to scare them with the prospect of a nude elf running rampant in the forest?"

"By the way the air smelled, I had assumed it was a troll coming toward me, not a human. I suppose I should have known better," Legolas managed to reply as he swam back across the river.

Aragorn tried to look offended, but he only succeeded in bursting out into laughter once more. This time, Legolas joined him, and the two enjoyed a few moments of light-heartedness. Upon reaching the bank, Legolas hesitated. Elves, he knew, were extremely comfortable with nudity. Aragorn, being raised by his race, felt the same way. But things seemed different now, and Legolas was not sure how to act. In the end, Legolas realized that he could not change himself for the sake of his feelings, and he certainly shouldn't shy away from Aragorn. With that thought in mind, the elf rose from the water and walked to the flat rocks Aragorn still sat on. He had formed an idea, and before Aragorn had a chance to say a word, Legolas had lifted the man from his seated position and tossed him lightly into the water. In the time it took Aragorn to return, sputtering and swearing, to the surface of the water, Legolas had donned his breeches and was sitting exactly where Aragorn had been; head cocked to the side, one eyebrow raised.

"You see Aragorn? You smell much better already. I suggest you take advantage of your current location, for I will not allow you back on land until I am satisfied that you are clean."

Legolas said all this with a look on his face that was both friendly and calm. Yet Aragorn knew that the elf would hold to his word, and that he truly had no hope of besting Legolas' strength. So, muttering under his breath, Aragorn proceeded to clean the grime of his travels from himself. As he scrubbed, Legolas redid the warrior braids in his hair, and the two shared with one another what they had done that morning. It seemed their days had been similar; both took to the forest to find solitude and to organize their thoughts. Aragorn had heard Legolas' song and, recognizing the voice, decided to find his friend. Eventually, Legolas deemed Aragorn as clean as he could become, and allowed him to climb out of the river and onto the sun-warmed rocks. The man shed the light shirt he wore and lay it to dry next to the elf's before stretching out on the stone next to Legolas. For a long time the two remained silent, simply enjoying one another's company and their peaceful surroundings. But after a time, Legolas' thoughts became too persistent, and he decided to voice them.

"Aragorn?"

"Hmmm?" The man replied, eyes still closed in contentment.

Releasing a breath, Legolas asked, "What happens to men when they die?"

This got Aragorn's attention, and he sat up. Looking at Legolas closely, he attempted to understand why his friend would ask him this, finally saying, "Legolas, if you're asking about Gandalf, I do not have an answer. I am not even sure he was ever a man, so-"

"Nay, Aragorn. I have made my peace with Gandalf's passing, and it is not what troubles me," with this, Legolas paused. After collecting his thoughts, he continued, "I have learned much over my lifetime, yet I do not know what will happen to you if you should fall. I will go to the Halls of Mandos, yet I am unsure if this will be your path as well. If we do not survive this journey, will I see you again, or will you be elsewhere for eternity?"

Aragorn was somewhat taken aback; this was not what he had expected Legolas to say. In fact, it was still unclear as to what the elf was saying at all. Was he worried they would not be together as friends and fellow warriors, or as something more? And why would the elf even ask such a thing? Had Gandalf's death affected him more than he realized, or did this question come from somewhere else? It didn't seem like Legolas to ask such a thing to begin with; the elf usually tried to avoid personal questions when at all possible. Then again, maybe he was attempting to find meaning in Legolas' words where there was none.

Not knowing what else to say, Aragorn replied, "Legolas, I'm not sure about you, but I plan on living for many more years. Besides, if I died now, who would you harass? All of your other friends smell like trees and flowers all the time."

Legolas smiled, appreciating his friend's lightheartedness, while still knowing that Aragorn had avoided his question. He was still unsure about the man; the moments they shared in Moria went beyond friendship, yet perhaps it was not meant to last outside the mines. Perhaps Aragorn had just done what he had to so that Legolas would get through, and had no desire for more. Was it worth the risk to find out? Was he willing to lose the friendship for even a chance at something more with Aragorn? Everything inside Legolas screamed for him to risk it, to take the step and see what would happen, but still he hesitated. In all the elf's long years, he had never been without confidence, even when it came to relationships. He knew of his own beauty, and found it easy to gain the company of another when he desired it, but Aragorn was unlike any of his previous companions. Legolas felt for this man on a deeper level, and more was at stake if something were to go wrong. The elf couldn't imagine life without the ranger, without his company and humor and strength. Yet, at the same time, he could no longer accept life half-lived, with the constant regret that comes from allowing an opportunity to slip away.

Aragorn's mind was blissfully blank while Legolas debated with himself. The elf looked more beautiful than Aragorn had ever seen him; wet strands of golden hair fell over his shoulders and back, and it was hard for the man to keep his eyes from Legolas' flawlessly smooth skin. His face was troubled and open, allowing Aragorn a rare glimpse at the elf's emotions. He seemed worried, or perhaps nervous; Legolas was clearly in turmoil over something, and Aragorn wished he understood what it was. He would do anything for Legolas, to ease any burden he may have, or to bring a smile to his lovely face. Really, Aragorn thought, he would do, say, or give anything within his power for the chance to touch that face. Then, before he could even think to stop himself, Aragorn had reached up and brushed one tanned knuckle along Legolas' jaw line. He would have been horrified by this act, if not for Legolas' reaction. Though completely unexpected, this was exactly what the elf wanted, and when it came he simply closed his eyes, leaning in to the man's touch. When Aragorn broke the contact, both let out a sigh of contentment. Legolas opened his eyes and looked to the man beside him, momentarily surprised at the intent expression on Aragorn's face. The man looked completely uncertain, though he was clearly bold enough to maintain eye contact. Legolas could not contain the joy he felt at Aragorn's simple action, smiling brightly at the man, who returned the sentiment. No longer harboring doubt about the rangers feelings, Legolas leaned toward Aragorn and placed a light, but meaningful, kiss on the man's soft lips. Before he could pull back, however, Aragorn closed the distance between them once more. This kiss had far more passion, but before it could be deepened, Legolas pulled away. Aragorn, worried that he had done something wrong, became extremely confused when he found the elf practically rolling on the ground with laughter.

"Does something amuse you, Legolas?" He asked, unsure if he should be offended or not.

"Nay, Aragorn! It's just… your beard." The elf replied, calming himself.

Confused, Aragorn asked, "What about my beard?"

"It tickles," Legolas said with a smile and a shrug. Aragorn could not believe his ears. This was obviously a side of Legolas he hadn't previously known, but Aragorn had never realized that the elf could be so endearingly lighthearted. With a mischievous grin, Aragorn wasted no time in leaning over the reclining elf and placing light kisses on his face and neck, making sure to allow his beard to brush lightly against the pale Elvin skin. Legolas, for his part, could hardly keep himself from screaming; he squirmed and gasped from the feeling of the scratchy facial hair.

"Aragorn! Please, it tickles!" he managed between bursts of laughter.

Aragorn stopped long enough to mutter, "I didn't realize Mirkwood's prince was so easily undone. I wish someone had told me sooner," before continuing his teasing ministrations on the elf. Finally, Legolas could take no more, and rolled the man so it was the elf on top. Aragorn could do nothing but grin up at the archer, who looked ready for revenge. Truthfully, Aragorn would happily accept any punishment Legolas chose for him… or so he thought.

Moving too fast for Aragorn to react, Legolas picked the man up, threw him over his shoulder, and began to walk toward the river. Aragorn managed to wrap his arms around the elf's torso, while spitting out any threats that came to mind and begging Legolas to keep from being thrown in again. Legolas, satisfied with the amount of groveling coming from the man, turned and placed the red-faced ranger back on the ground. He never would have expected things to go so well, but everything felt so natural when it came to Aragorn. The man stood before him now with a soft expression on his face, looking as if his thoughts mirrored Legolas'. They shared a smile and another soft kiss before moving back to their rocks in the sun. Both knew they would have to return shortly, for the fellowship would miss them after too much longer. Yet neither man nor elf was willing to leave the place, or each other's company, quite yet. Moving together, they settled on the grass at the forest edge. Legolas rested his head on Aragorn's chest, trying to commit to memory the feeling of the man's arms around him, and the sound of his beating heart. It was much faster than his own heartbeat, Legolas noticed, and he decided that he enjoyed the differences between Aragorn and himself immensely. And although Legolas had not forgotten the troubles which had plagued his thoughts earlier that day, he could not help but feel as though everything would be alright. It was not long before both man and elf had fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep by the lazy river.

Mmmmm, sweet delicious fluff! Remember, reviews fuel my imagination!