Aralas Oneshots

Psychogenic pain

He was going to do it today. It was not the best timing to do it, since they were in the middle of a war, but he just couldn't live without knowing any longer. He knew, that he had fallen in love with Aragorn. And now he needed to know if the man felt the same.

They were resting next to a tiny river a few miles away from the borders of Lothlórien. It was a calm and nice place, the birds chirped and the hills around them were filled with colourful flowers. The hobbits had cooked some potatoes that they had found growing wild in the forest and it smelled lovely from their cauldron. Gimli lay in the grass and seemed to be sleeping, judging by the loud snores that came out of his mouth, and Frodo, Merry and Pippin played with a squirrel nearby, while good old Sam cooked their meal. Aragorn was washing his feet in the water, and Legolas himself was silently watching him from behind, pretending to braid a crown of daisies. His stomach hurt a little, but he knew it was the nervosity about what he was going to do. 

But first they had lunch. As expected it tasted delisciously and not only the hobbits wanted a second refill. Luckily Sam had cooked a lot. He knew his friends, and he knew he was good at cooking. Afterwards, Aragorn decided it was time to rest. They would still have to walk a good distance today so they needed to have enough energy in their legs. Although Legolas was sure only Aragorn himself and Gimli would really sleep, he immediately complied to the idea, since it gave him a chance to talk to Aragorn alone. 

And that chance came soon enough. The hobbits lay down next to each other in the flowers and silently chatted with each other, and Gimli continued his nap from before. Aragorn had leant against a tree and closed his eyes, but Legolas knew he wasn't sleeping. He could tell from the movement of the man's eyes under his eyelid.

Finally, Legolas had worked up the courage to go and sit next to the man, leaning his back against the treetrunk too. Without looking at the ranger, he said:

"You're not sleeping, are you?"

Aragorn sighed deeply.

"No."

Then he opened his eyes and looked at Legolas.

"There's too much to think about for my head to rest."

He smiled and turned around again, now facing the beautiful setting they were in. The playful squirrel from before was snacking acorns in a tree in front of them. Legolas took a deep breath. Now he needed to do it.

"I have something to tell you, Aragorn", he said quietly, his nervousness making him anxious. But he repressed it and continued, as his opposite smiled and nodded. "I know this comes out of the blue, but I have to tell you anyways. And I know it's not the perfect time either..."

"Just tell me, Legolas, mellon nîn (my friend)", Aragorn said with his gentle voice, smiling at the elf. 

"I don't know if you feel the same, but I want to be honest with you: I know I have fallen in love with you. You are such a kind and brave and caring man and you are nice to everyone. I always enjoy spending time with you and when I see you I feel happy. But even if you do not perceive me in the same way, I hope you just see this revelation as a compliment and nothing will change between us. Because I cherish our friendship, I really do."

By this time, Legolas was only saying exactly what was on his mind, not caring about what Aragorn would say or feel. He just needed to get it off his chest. When he was finished, he anxiously glanced at the ranger. The latter one was looking at him, a smile on his face, but it was a sad one. After a minute of silence, he spoke:

"I am glad you told me", he said. "And I truly cherish our friendship aswell. But I must tell you, and I'm really sorry I have to, that I see you as a friend. A very good one, one whom I couldn't lose, but still a friend. I know this was probably very hard for you, to confess your innermost feelings, andyou are extremely brave for doing so. I really worship you for that."