Was always you (Aralas)

{Ch2} when feelings are realised

When the fellowship heard of Aragorn and Legolas's plans they where not shocked as they all knew about how they used to adventure together.

Aragon watched as Legolas readied Arod, his horse. Maybe he was staring just a little longer than he should have but it didn't mean anything, and, even if it did, he doubted Legolas would return the feelings. But that didn't matter, because there weren't any feelings, or that's what Aragorn tried to tell himself.

"Ready to go, mellon nín?" Legolas asked in his angelic, honey like voice, as he flung himself gracefully onto Arod's back. Aragorn nodded and mounted Brego, too captivated at that moment to form words.

They galloped into the distance, already feeling freed of heavy weights on their shoulders.

2

After riding and racing for a couple hours the two decided to make camp in a small clearing surrounded by trees. As Legolas tied up Brego and Arod to a near by tree, making sure they had water and were near good grass to feed on, Aragorn gathered sticks and dried leaves to build a fire.

"My dear ranger, it would appear your skills have abandoned you" Legolas teased as Aragorn worked on lighting the fire after about ten minutes, and sat next to the ranger after placing down their blankets. "I would watch your mouth if I were you, tithen adhel (little elf). This dear ranger is soon to be king" Aragorn said, sarcastically. "Forgive me my king, I have trouble biting my tongue," Legolas mock bowed and Aragorn gave him a little shove. Legolas laughed and the fire lit. "Aragorn? Why are you staring at me?" Legolas questioned, clearly amused. Aragorn drew his attention to the Elf's words "I- I wasn't," he said and turned to look at the sky. "whatever you say, mellon nín."

Legolas opened their bag to find dinner and pulled out lembas, elvish way bread. "Not that I'm complaining but is this all we have?" He asked. "I figured we could catch some fish from a river near by but that is all we have with us, yes." Legolas looked for a second and then broke the lembas in half. "Here," he passed half to Aragon "restore your energy."

As Aragorn ate, Legolas layed down in the soft grass, his smooth and pristine golden hair spread out around him as his eyes twinkled in the starlight, and in that moment Aragorn decided that Legolas was heavenly and he wanted nothing more than to spend his days with the elf and never leave his side. What that meant exactly, Aragorn was coming to the realisation of. He loved Legolas, but not as a friend or a brother.

"There is something still playing on your mind," Legolas looked up at Aragorn, sleepily. "Do not worry about it little elf," Aragorn said as he tucked a strand of hair behind his friends pointed ear and, although Legolas rolled his eyes, at the nickname and at his friends undying stubbornness to carry burdens by himself, it was clear that Legolas held only adoration in his eyes for the human gazing down at him.

The only trouble was, it wasn't clear to Aragorn, he was somehow blind to the fact that the elf loved him and he retreated his hand from Legolas's hair, much to the Elf's disappointment.

Legolas gazed up at the man for a few seconds longer before turning his eyes to the sky. "Lay, mellon nín. Look at the stars with me," Legolas said and Aragorn did. He gently slid down to lay next to his friend, slightly closer than would be expected but not close enough for it to be questioned.

The stars glistened, like a promise of a better day and Aragorn smiled, content with the company he had. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" Aragorn said, turning to face his elven friend, only to find him already looking at the man.

Legolas turned back to the sky, his cheeks turning a pale pink as he said "yes, it is. It doesn't matter how many times I see it, the sky will forever be beautiful." As Aragon chuckled at his friends poetic tendencies Legolas sat up. "Have a said something amusing, I did not realise." Legolas looked like a confused puppy, often oblivious to how funny he was. "You're such a prince," Aragorn scoffed, though affection laced his eyes and Legolas knew he was joking and chuckled. "Well, I have nothing to say to that because it is both true and I have no comeback," he replied as he lay back down.

"You should get some rest, sleep dear Aragorn."

"Alright, I suppose I shall," he closed his eyes, and thoughts of Legolas carried him to sleep.

2

When Aragorn awoke he noticed Legolas was gone, he sat up worriedly but relaxed when he saw the elf by the river, splashing water on his face. Aragorn walked over and sat where Legolas crouched. "G'morning," Aragorn said which startled an unknowing legolas and almost caused him to fall in He glared at Aragon for a second but it was quickly replaced with an amused look. "Good morning, Estel," Legolas smiled. Aragorn returned the smile, enjoying the sound of his elven name coming from his friends lips.

Legolas stood up and Aragorn joined him. "You know you could really use a bath," Legolas stated. The man chuckled at his friends bluntness. "Care to join me?" Aragon asked. Legolas turned away, to disguise the blush creeping on to his face. "I-I was planning on it, I haven't bathed in three days," the Elf said it like it were one of the worst things to happen which only humoured the human as he started unbuttoning his red shirt and lifting it over his head to lay on the floor.

He was gorgeous, toned muscles and broad shoulders, a light amount of hair on his chest and strong arms. His dark, raven hair flew messily around him. Legolas loved it, the roughness of Aragon's face and body, although he'd never admit it.

Legolas had to tear his eyes away from Aragorn, so as not to raise suspicion. And focused on taking off his cloak. Aragorn was down to his underwear now and decided that was ok and jumped in the river, it's coolness relieving him.

As Legolas took of his tunic Aragorn tried not to look but he couldn't help it. Legolas's wide muscular shoulders, from pulling back arrows, complimented his lean, curving stature, and although he didn't have as toned muscles on his stomach as Aragorn, his slightly pulled in waist and prominent v-line made up for it. He was the definition of beauty and the realisation hit Aragorn that his love for Legolas was romantic.

Out of shock of the sudden realisation he looked at the water, unblinking, before turning back to Legolas just in time to see him jump in. The jump caused a wave of water to splash at Aragorn. The elf stood, clearly amused by what he had done. Aragorn splashed Legolas back, gently and the two continued to splash eachother, enjoying the childishness of it. Aragorn loved when Legolas was like this, his princely act gone replaced with a part of the Elf that only Aragorn truly knew.

He stopped after a while and said "this isn't very princely of you, you know." Legolas rolled his eyes and smiled. "Oh shut up," he leaned back to float in the water. "Hey, that's no way to speak to the future king of Gondor," Aragorn stated, the playful banter relaxing him. "Whatever you say, ranger," Legolas smiled and so did Aragorn. Legolas started taking out the braids in his hair and dipped it in the water, washing it properly. Aragorn had to turn away before thoughts involving that hair properly entered his mind.

Aragorn dipped his hair in the water too, cleaning the dust from it. Legolas smiled and blushed slightly at the sight of shirtless Aragorn with wet hair and decided it was time to exit the river and dry off in the sun, that was warm and comforting. Aragorn followed, trying to get the majority of the water out his hair before getting out.

A/n ok so when I said the next chapter would be longer, I really meant it. I know the storyline is slow moving right now but it will pick up the pace very soon. I hope you have enjoyed it so far.

Hannon le (thank you) for reading and please vote and comment, tell me your favourite character from lotr and why you like them.~~

A/n Hi so this is the later a/n hope this was ok I haven't reread it yet so yuh