Forgiveness Kiss: A Legolas and Aragorn Fanfic

The Hesitation

 It took Aragorn almost a week to make it back to Imladris. Along the way, he tracked Legolas' steps, confirming that he had indeed returned to Mirkwood. Satisfied that the Elf had gotten home safely, Aragorn turned his thoughts to his own path.

 Dusk had just fallen in Rivendell when Aragorn rode into the main courtyard. He dismounted his horse and led it to the stable, where he ensured it had fresh food and water before wearily making his way to the library. At this time of day, Arwen was sure to be there. She often got lost in her studies and showed up to supper late. While everyone else in Imladris was eating, Aragorn would have a higher chance of slipping in unnoticed.

 Aragorn slowly opened the library door. Sure enough, he spotted Arwen sitting at one of the low tables at the far end of the room, engrossed in a large tome. She didn't even glance up when Aragorn entered. His stomach churning, he cleared his throat to get her attention. She looked up at him, startled.

 "Aragorn," she said, surprised. "You're home so soon? Usually your trips with Legolas last for weeks." She rose from her chair and made her way to him. Her smile faded when she saw the look on his face. 

 "Is something wrong?" She gently touched his cheek.

 Everything was wrong. It had been so much easier to think of confronting Arwen when he was in the woods, but now that she stood before him Aragorn couldn't find the words. He felt no romantic love for her. But her fair face was so full of concern, her hand was soft against his cheek, and she smelled like flowers. It would be so easy to tell her that nothing was wrong, to pull her into a kiss and ask her what she was reading. He could forget about that night in the woods, forget Legolas' words. He could try to be the King that Arwen wanted him to be.

 But kissing Arwen would never feel the same as the way kissing Legolas did. And now that Aragorn was thinking of Legolas, his heart fluttered and a warm sensation spilled through him. A sensation that he had not felt in Arwen's presence for a very long time. It felt safe and comforting, as though he was filled with light. 

 His resolve hardened. He needed to do this. He needed to tell her how he felt, or he would spend the rest of his life wondering what could have been.

 Arwen was still looking at him, waiting for him to answer her.

 "Aragorn?" She asked again. "Are you alright?"

 He took a deep breath.

 "Arwen, there's something I need to tell you."