A friendly trip

3.

The day went on quickly after the storm. They had a competition in archery, Legolas obviously leaving as a winner. After that their clothes had dried in the sun and they put them on. They had actually caught a few fishes and Aragorn successfully made a stew. They ate it, and sat talking by the fire all day and evening. It was so nice Aragorn really fought against sleep until he lost that battle.

Legolas awoke with a gasp and sat up, accidentally startling a sleeping bird who flew off with a scared sound. He looked around himself, but only saw his sleeping friend on the other side of the fire. The dream quickly came back and he smiled humourlessly. Same dream as always. He needed to get it out of his head. Valar, not even in his sleep he could stop thinking of the man. He seriously began to think he had some kind of spell over him.

Legolas had fallen asleep shortly after Aragorn. He did not necessarily needed to sleep, but sitting up alone all night is not so entertaining.

The sun had not yet rose and it was a comfortable silence over the forest, bathing in the light of the full moon. Legolas looked around, mapping every inch of the forest. His gaze finally landed on his companion again and he couldn't help but smile.

The man lay on his left side, facing the remains of the fire who had burned out during the night. The light from the moon shined on him, and Legolas could make out his silhouette. He had his hand under his cheek, lips slightly parted as he breathed softly. He looked so innocent, like he had no troubles in life. Unfortunately Legolas knew he had a few but he did not know the biggest of them all, which was himself.

He lay back down and looked at the man. He lay on his side, his hand under his cheek. Coincidence or not, he ended up in the exact position as Aragorn.

What happened under the storm still played in Legolas mind. How close they were, their warm skins touching, shutting the cold out. Not did he know that the same event played itself in Aragorn's dreams right that moment.

Then he lay awake watching him until the man woke up.

He looked so peaceful, and Legolas couldn't look away. He wished he could just kiss the man, but remembered how many things would go wrong if he did. Arwén would be heartbroken if Aragorn felt the same, which he almost wished he did. His father would hate him, and Aragorn would have a heir less death. Not to mention Legolas would dwell in despair when he died. No, it would be irresponsible.

After about an hour the man awoke, slowly at first. The sun had finally woken and the sunlight was blinding the poor man. The elf grinned at the sound Aragorn always made as he stretched and covered his eyes, before he sat up.

Legolas also sat up, facing his friend.

Aragorn narrowed his eyes at the blinding sun and held his hand above his eyes before he got used to the light.

"Good morning sleepy head."

"Good morning elf."

The elf grinned and reached for his bag to pull out the Lembas bread. He gave a piece to Aragorn who took it gratefully through his new awakened state.

"You really need to learn how to cook." Legolas grinned and ate the bread.

"And you need to learn how to clean meat."

"Aragorn, both you and me know I don't eat meat if I don't have to. It's slaughter." Legolas said, now arms crossed over his chest.