A friendly trip

12.

Aragorn slowly awoke, but did not want to open his eyes. He felt Legolas warm skin against him, and unconsciously hugged him closer. A soft chuckle sounded and he opened his eyes to see Legolas watching him. He had his hands under his cheek as he lay facing Aragorn, their faces inches apart.

"You look so peaceful asleep." He whispered and smiled a little.

Aragorn grinned as he remembered last night and gently kissed his lover. Legolas smiled wider and kissed him back, raising a hand to feel his stubbled cheek gently.

Aragorn sighed and looked up at Legolas, who stood in front of him.

"You think he won't accept it?"

"Legolas, that was not what I meant. I hope of all my heart he will." He said and looked into his eyes. Legolas met it, and pressed his lips in a line.

"What will you do if he don't?"

Aragorn looked at him, pain clear in his eyes. He did not know what he would do if his father would decide to hate him after this.

"Legolas, I almost lost you this week. I will not lose you now."

Legolas smiled sadly and leaned in to embrace him, and felt the man lay his arms around his shoulders tightly. Legolas common sense told him this was wrong, but he tried to tell him if was the right thing to do. He could handle the grief when it came, he had to. And besides, he always had his father to lean on. He wanted this so badly he was willing to risk it.

"But I will still lose you." He whispered softly and the pain returned to Aragorn's eyes. He raised a hand to comb through Legolas hair, and the elf closed his eyes in bliss.

"I think it will hurt just as much if you leave now." Aragorn said, feeling guilty for letting it go this far.

"Yes." Legolas said honestly.
"It will. That's why I stay."

"It that what you wish?"

They found eye contact, and without hesitation Legolas nodded.
"Yes, but if it comes between you and my father..."

"It won't." Aragorn said and gripped his shoulder tightly, assuring.
"Trust me."

"I trust you." Legolas smiled, getting one in return.
"I will talk to him, I promise. But you need to talk to Elrond first."

"I want to talk to him alone." Aragorn said quietly and his grip on Legolas shoulders loosened.

"Of course." Legolas said quietly.
"I will wait here for you."

"Thank you my love." He said and kissed Legolas gently on the lips, earning immediate response.

He took a deep breath and raised his hand. He closed his fist and knocked twice with his knuckles, earning a 'Come in.'

He pulled the wooden handle down and entered the room. Elrond sat at his desk, papers spread over the plain surface. He was tired by the look of it, but when he saw his fosterson his eyes lightened up.

"Estel." He said and put his elbows on his desk, twisting his fingers.
"Is Legolas well?"

"Aye Ada he is doing great." Aragorn said and smiled.
"No infections."

"That's good."

"Father, I came here because I had a matter to discuss with you."