A friendly trip

8.

The next few days mostly were Legolas sleeping and Aragorn helping Gléomer around with some chores. Everyday was the same. Clean the wounds, make breakfast, lunch and dinner, sleep and repeat.

Until one day when Legolas woke up and felt slightly better.
The wounds obviously still hurt and it made any moving hard, but they were healing better when his strength was greater.

Legolas immediately noticed it was the the middle of the day, as the sun seeped in through the thin curtains. He sighed as he had just wasted another half day. Not that he could enjoy it anyway, but it was a waste. Not that he couldn't enjoy another one in his immortal life but still.

When Aragorn entered the house again he saw Legolas sit up on the bed, his toes touching the floor. He was still pale but looked better, except that he was holding onto the bed so hard his knuckles turned white. He obviously tried to hide his obvious pain behind a deep frown.

"Legolas lay back down." He said gently and put the bucket of water down. He sat down beside his friend, laying a gentle hand on his shoulder. He pushed gently to prove his point, but Legolas strongly refused to lay back down.

"I'm fine."

"Legolas, you need to sleep more, it has only been 3 days."

"I need some air." Legolas whispered and massaged his pale face with his hands. He whispered as all strength suddenly drained from him. Aragorn immediately noticed and lay an arm around his shoulders so he wouldn't fall backwards. The man knew the sleeping herbs were still in his system, and getting up would be dangerous.

"Tomorrow alright? Then we can both come with you." Aragorn tried, still feeling protective. He knew Legolas was a grown man who could make his own decisions, but right now he doubted it. He needed to be by his side. Every step of the way.

Legolas sighed and looked at Aragorn beside him, who still had his arm around his shoulders. His pained eyes slowly softened and he smiled jokily.

"What would I do without you?" He said weakly, not expecting the answer he got.

"Die?"

They looked at each other for a moment, before they both broke out in laughter. Aragorn was happy to see that his eyes sparkled again, like they always did when he laughed before.

When they were done Aragorn smiled widely. It felt good to laugh again, and for a split second he believed he would never laugh with Legolas again.

He couldn't contain himself anymore and gently lay his arms around Legolas, embracing him. He had wanted to do that since he was told he would survive. He was careful with the elf's arm though which was still healing.

"I was so worried for you..." He breathed in a relieved sigh and felt Legolas put one of his his arms around his back. He felt his fingertips gently rub circles to soothe him and he felt him lay his head down on his shoulder. Legolas bit his lip and tried hard not to blush. He felt his cheek turn hot and knew he was blushing. He did not complain though, no he liked it. He just wished that he didn't felt like he did.

"I'll be fine." He finally said, wanting Aragorn to understand that he would be fine.

"I know." Aragorn bit his lip and leaned back, wishing it could have lasted longer. Legolas wished the same thing.

"I am so sorry I forged you to go to the caves Legolas..If I hadn't..."

"Don't you even say it Estel." Legolas said with surprising strength, using his elvish name to show he was serious.
"Don't you blame yourself for this. I was the one who let you convince me."