A heart's miscommunication

Chapter thirteen Together again

Elrohir flew through the trees in order to stay close to his twin, who seemed to be flying; his feet not even touching the ground. He only stopped when he reached the practising area, a stop so sudden Elrohir was unprepared and crashed into Elladan, who completely ignored his twin.

Elrohir smiled when he noticed the orbs shine, fastened on the training elf, whose muscles were tense. The movements alone were indicator enough for them.
Elladan sighed happily and Elrohir embraced him from behind, though his eyes locked with Glorfindel’s.

The seneschal ‘accidentally’ tripped and fell, thus losing the match. “You win. But then again, you’ve always been the only one to best me.”
Coirëhón smiled; the exercise has done him good. He had not realised how much he missed it. He leaned on Orophin’s sword, catching his breath. “I was about to go down myself, Glorfindel.”
The blond nodded and he frowned. “I hope that black comes out, eventually. It doesn’t suit you.”
Coirëhón rolled his eyes. “None of your business, Seneschal.”
Glorfindel grinned. “But it is. I’m a friend.” He stood up and clasped the shoulders. “Well done. Please consider moving back with us. You are sorely missed.”
Coirëhón shrugged and sat down.
The blond opened his mouth to say some more but a warning look from Elrond stilled his words. “Well, we’re off.” He bowed politely to the counsellor and left, grinning when Elrond didn’t move.

Elrohir now had enough of Elladan’s fidgeting waiting and pushed him forward. “Go on, now’s your chance.”

Elladan yelped when his twin pushed him and he blushed when Thrilmaldur and Coirëhón turned around.

Thrilmaldur smiled and leaned to whisper into the other’s ear. “This is your chance to talk to him. I’ll wait.”

Coirëhón felt his heart speed up when Elladan stepped closer, looking at him the way he had done before they became lovers. Hope, love and admiration in his eyes. He swallowed and cocked his head in anticipation.
Elladan felt a similar rush going through him and now that he was looking close and looking good he wondered how it had been possible he hadn’t noticed.

He smiled shyly and shrugged. “Can we talk?”
Coirëhón shrugged again and didn’t move.
Elladan closed his eyes and forced them to remain dry. He had no idea what to say. He wanted nothing more than to pull the other close and kiss him, kiss him and a lot more. But he couldn’t. Not with him leaning on a sword and thinking he betrayed him.

“I’m sorry.”
He could see those were not the expected words; the eyebrows rose enormously high and once again there was no other movement.
Elladan sighed. “It’s all my fault. Can you forgive me?”
Now the eyes widened in disbelieve.
Elladan inhaled deeply car carefully took one step closer. “I’ve been such a fool. Aiwandila never could have done this if I hadn’t been such a fool. Please forgive me? We should never have stayed secretive, never! And it’s my fault, I know that.” Now that he was finally admitting it the words flew from his lips without pause and it actually was rather liberating to Elladan. “But I was terrified of losing you. That someone would steal you away from me. I’m so sorry, Él, I really am.”
He fell to his knees and couldn’t hold his tears back any more. They flowed freely down his face.

Coirëhón still hadn’t moved and Elladan was sure he’s lost him for ever. He looked at him hopeful. “I’m not asking you to come back, I know you’re Haldir’s lover now, but please give me a chance to redeem myself. Please?” He lowered his face in his hands and was angry with himself for his tears and everything he’s done to his beloved.

Coirëhón was staring at him with disbelief and bdermderment. Elladan has surprised him by saying all that. He just couldn’t believe Elladan blamed himself. It was his fault. /Why does he need to redeem himself? It’s my fault I ran away./
Normal sense kicked in. /But if indeed we weren’t secretive it indeed wouldn’t have worked. But do I blame him for that?/ He shook his head. He already knew the answer to that and hearing Elladan tell him he was with Haldir now actually hurt. /How could I even think I could just walk away from hHe’sHe’s in my blood, my soul and my heart./ He knew then he could never give Haldir what he wanted to give him. /Thrilmr’s r’s question is a little different now. Because I cannot stay with Haldir whether this mess was true or not./
He completely failed to notice the other twin and seeing Elladan weep so openly, begging him a c a chance made his walls crumble.

When Coirëhón remained silent Elrohir rushed forward, intending to aid his twin and knock some sense into the weird elf, but two strong arms held him back. “Nay, Elrohir, this is between them. We cannot intervene.” Elrohir sagged against his father and prayed Coirëhón would say something. Finally he shook his head, making Elrohir gaps and glare and only Elrond’s hold prevented him from attacking him.

Coirëhón closed the distance between Elladan and himself and went on his knees as well. His hand reached out to brush the hair out of the face he loved so much. He smiled meekly at Elladan’s tear streaked face and rested his hand on the right cheek. He didn’t speak but slowly leaned in closer and claimed the lips, wet with tears.

The movement surprised Elladan and the twin happily sagged against him, his eyes filled with surprise, hope, love and dedication, which grew when he saw the love reflected in Coirëhón darkening orbs. He pulled the elf on top of him, never ending the kiss.

Elrond groaned, realising what was about to happen. He had no trouble leaving them alone now, knowing they were making up, starting their reconciliation, which would probably be a swift and easy one.

Elrohir, however, needed to be sure. He pulled himself free from Elrond’s grip and rushed forward. “Elladan?” His voice was insecure and his eyes looked hopeful.
The kiss ended and two faces looked his way.
Coirëhón smiled at him and kissed Elladan again before jumping up, pulling Elladan along. “Elrohir… ehm… I’ve been foolish.” His light was back and his eyes were happier than ever.
He lowered his eyes but Elrohir had seen the love for his twin in them and immediately hugged him. “What about me? I didn’t even recognize you, know that? And I have my full senses.”
He shook his head. “But please tell me that black comes off?”
Coirëhón laughed. “Aye, in time.” He happily leaned against Elladan, but his eyes misted over in guilt. He did feel guilty towards Haldir.

Elrond stepped forward. “We shall leave tomorrow. There’s a wench awaiting her punishment.” His voice was harsh but he smiled warmly at them. “I’m glad you two made up. Look towards the future, remember your past but forget these last months.” He grinned. “I shall talk to Haldir, if you want?”
At first Coirëhón wanted to accept, but he shook his head. “Nay, I should do that.” He grinned and looked hopeful at the twins. “-We- should do that.”
Elladan looked at him and stepped back. “Please don’t do this because of me.”
Elrohir widened his eyes at the words. How could Elladan say that?
But Coirëhón smiled and shook his head. “Thrilmaldur helped me think. You’re in my heart, Elladan. My heart and soul are yours. Haldir will understand, but I hope he’ll forgive me.” He sighed. “Maybe it is best if you came along, after all?”
Elrond nodded. “We shall. Or do you want Galadriel to talk to him?”

His eyes twinkled. “At least some good came out of all this.” Elrohir now directed his he’s-insane-look at his father, who nodded. “Galadriel and Celeborn will visit us more often. She will miss you, Coirëhón. And we shall travel here more often too, I wager.”
Elladan nodded. “Aye, or the smith will attack us. Are we really leaving tomorrow?”
Elrond cocked his head. “Aye, we have to.”
Elladan sighed. “Then I will not see you before we leave, Él, I’m sure. You have so many goodbyes to say. Or do you wish to stay?”
Coirëhón shook his head. “Nay, I want o hoo home with you. I love you.” Again he claimed the eager lips and moved closer. “But you are right. I have to say goodbye and pack and…”
A laugh erupted behind them. “I believe Haldir was already packing?”

Thrilmaldur walked closer and hugged his friend. “I am so happy for you. And I shall keep my eye on Haldir for you.” He looked at the eldest twin. “And you better treat him better than you have or you’ll deal with me. And you,” His eyes now settled on Coirëhón. “better write me.”
Coirëhón nodded. “I shall. And will you also look after my surrogate father for me? I think I shall miss him most.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Aye, I will.” He grinned when he saw something enter the eyes and shook his head when the elf ran off after swiftly claiming Elladan’s lips again.

“Come, us gus go.” He picked up Orophin’s sword.
Elrond extended his hand. “I shall bring this back and pick up Coirëhón’s clothes. You and Elladan go pack, Elrohir. Thank you for keeping him safe, Counsellor.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “He’s a friend. And My Lady is extremely fond of him.”
Elrond grinned. “So I’ve noticed.”
TBC