Meleth-nin

Disclaimer: Not mine but J.R.R. Tolkien’s.
A/N: Hey folks, laeglass and Meleth-nin are back. :) As always, thank you for the reviews – they really make the author’s day. I’m sorry for not updating for a while… but you know how real life can get in the way and keep you from doing the things you want (in this case, writing). I hope you’re still with me and interested in reading more, even after this break in updating. But enough said; here’s a brand new chapter, hope you enjoy. :) Feedback is a lovely thing.


thoughts


Chapter twenty-seven

Imladris, 4 weeks later…


Aragorn woke up with a pleasant stiffness between his legs. He lay on the bed with his eyes closed, a small smile playing on his lips. He knew even without opening his eyes that Legolas was lying next to him, his subtly sweet scent lingering in the air. Keeping his eyes closed still, Aragorn reached for his husband and was rewarded with a content little sigh and a round belly pressing into his side. Aragorn cracked his eye open and realised that Legolas was still fast asleep, his blue eyes unclear and unblinking. A delighted smirk tugged the corners of the King’s mouth. Slowly he rose to lean on his elbows and turned to face Legolas. The Elf’s breathing was even and slow, and for a while the Man was just content to gaze at the beauty that was his beloved.

My sweet Legolas, he thought fondly. You will probably never know how much you mean to me, but I will spend my every waking minute showing you how much I love you and our son.

He extended his hand and gently stroke Legolas’ smooth cheek, not wanting to wake him up but needing to confirm the fact that his husband really was there, in bed with him, in his arms. It had been four weeks since their reunion but Aragorn still couldn’t believe that Legolas really was his. The Elf licked his lips in his sleep and Aragorn’s cock twitched enthusiastically at the sensual sight. He couldn’t help thinking what exactly those lips could do to his member – and what they had already done on several occasions during their relationship.

He inched closer to his still sleeping husband and covered his lips with his own in chaste kiss. Legolas sighed softly but didn’t wake up. Encouraged, Aragorn slid his hands under the sheets and lightly let his hands slide on Legolas’ warm skin. His hands mapped the Elf’s changing body, travelling down from his collarbones to the round stomach and even lower to his mate’s member. The Man was getting more aroused by the minute. Aragorn brought his lips to Legolas’ neck, peppering the white skin with little butterfly kisses as he closed his fingers around Legolas’ member. The sleeping Prince let out a small whimper at the contact between the Man’s calloused hand and his smooth and slender cock.

Aragorn stroked him slowly, pleased when Legolas’ Elfhood started to fill under his knowing fingers and the Elf’s breath quickened ever so slightly. Mindful of his mate’s round belly he pressed against the warm body next to him and claimed Legolas’ lips in a passionate kiss. His hand rubbed the Prince’s member and balls while the other stroke his hair and forehead. The King wanted to give Legolas a pleasant wake-up and get something for himself in the process, as well.

The Elf parted his lips to allow the Man entrance and Aragorn didn’t waste any time in slipping his tongue inside the warm cavern. He explored Legolas’ mouth slowly, enjoying the unique feel and taste that was his Elf. By this time Legolas’ member was throbbing in his hand and Aragorn decided that it was time to move on and take things a bit further. His lips blazed a trail from Legolas’ mouth to his collarbones and to his chest. The nubs stiffened under his tongue and the Elf let out a small moan as Aragorn nibbled the tender nipples. Then the Human stuck out his tongue and licked his way to Legolas’ bellybutton and after a few long licks continued even further south.

His eyes sought Legolas’, wanting to see if the Elf was already waking up. The blue eyes blinked slowly as the Prince returned to reality from his dreamlands. When Legolas’ eyes met Aragorn’s, the Man wrapped his lips around the head of his beloved’s stiff Elfhood and the Elf couldn’t suppress a gasp. Aragorn smirked triumphantly around the mouthful of Legolas and started an agonisingly slow slide downwards. He was surprised when he felt Legolas’ strong fingers thread in his hair and pull him off the shaft. His eyes looked questioningly at his mate and saw him shaking his head and frowning. Reluctantly Aragorn released the Elf’s member and sat up.

“What is wrong, melethron? Did you not enjoy my touch?” He couldn’t help sounding annoyed. He knew that Legolas had liked what he did, up until the moment he woke up. This wasn’t the first time his husband had stopped him from going any further, coming up with a different excuse every time. This was beginning to take its toll on Aragorn. While not overly sexual, he was still a man and had his needs. It seemed that Legolas, who once was as interested in sex and shared intimacy as his husband, now didn’t care about being intimate with his mate.

At first Aragorn thought it was because of the wound that Legolas wanted to refrain from sex, but in time the injury healed and the Elf was as good as new, but still not interested in bedroom activities. Then, Aragorn thought that Legolas was worried that having sex would harm their baby and asked Lord Elrond if this was the case. His foster-father had then explained to them both that making love, if done carefully, would not endanger the child in any way. ‘In fact, it could make you feel a bit better, Legolas’, the older Elf had said kindly. Both he and Aragorn knew what a burden the pregnancy was to Legolas’ hips and lower back.

After that lecture things, however, didn’t change and Aragorn was beginning to get desperate. He gave massages to his mate, wanting to soothe the pain the Elf was in, and gave him potions to numb the unpleasant feelings on his lower back, but it didn’t help, either. Aragorn had to admit that he was quite helpless. Despite his attempts to discuss their problem Legolas didn’t want to talk about the matter, and when the Man asked him outright what was wrong the Elf accused him of only being interested in sex instead of the wellbeing of his husband and child. ‘You Men are all alike; you only care about your pleasure. Leave me be, Aragorn, I’m tired.’ Those were Legolas’ words from two weeks back. The strange thing was that outside their bed and bedchamber Legolas was as loving and as playful as ever, and there was no doubt in Aragorn’s mind that his partner loved him still.

“Nay, your touch is pleasant as always, meleth, but I am not in the mood right now”, the pregnant Elf answered, avoiding the King’s eyes. How could he explain to his husband the feelings he felt, the turmoil his mind was in? It was no secret to Legolas that Aragorn was slowly losing patience with him. Unfortunately that knowledge only served in making Legolas think that the Man didn’t want to understand the problem, and wouldn’t want to listen even if he tried to explain. Outside their bed the Elf tried to make up his coldness and be the perfect husband he really wanted to be, but it was getting harder and harder.

“I need to use the bathroom”, Legolas finally said and stood up with some difficulty. The Elf noticed that Aragorn didn’t volunteer to help him up and walked away from the bed without saying anything or looking back. He closed the door behind him and leaned on it, sighing deeply. Why did things have to be so difficult? He blinked back the stupid tears, poured some warm water into a sink and washed his face. When he thought he was ready to face Aragorn again he exited the room and closed the door behind him. He was both surprised and disappointed to see that their bedchamber was empty. Aragorn had left.


*~*~*~*~*~*


Looking at Legolas’ retreating back Aragorn made up his mind. He wanted to avoid yet another disturbing confrontation and dressed up quickly. He glanced at the closed door and shook his head. All he had wanted was a pleasant moment of making love with his loved one, but once again his good intentions had resulted in making Legolas feel uncomfortable and himself feeling frustrated. I need some time alone, away from him, Aragorn decided. Mayhap I should go and find Elladan and Elrohir. I haven’t seen my brothers in several days; I wonder what they are up to.

He closed the door quietly behind him, not wanting to give Legolas the impression that he had left in anger. It was already mid-November and Imladris was covered with sparkling snow. The Man guessed correctly that the twins had already been riding that morning – they always got up early, even earlier than Lord Elrond, their father – and had returned by now to the warmth of the Last Homely House. Aragorn knocked on their door with his knuckles, hoping that he didn’t interrupt anything intimate. It wasn’t that the thought of his brothers together bothered him; it was only that he wished to talk with them and forget his problems with Legolas for a little while.

Elladan opened the door and grinned at the sight of his Human brother. “Good morning Estel, what gives us the pleasure?” The dark-haired Elf’s cheeks were flushed and his long mane was in disarray. He noticed the look Aragorn was giving him and smiled coyly. “That is not of Elrohir’s doing. We have just returned from our morning ride and have not had time for such deeds. But come on in and join us. We were just breaking fast.”

“Who is it?” That was Elrohir’s voice, coming from their bedchamber. “If it’s Estel or ‘Las, ask them to come in. But if it is Ada or ‘Fin or ‘Restor, tell them that we’ll meet them later on.”

Elladan rolled his eyes. “Elrohir, you dimwit. You do realise that we can both hear you? Luckily it is Estel and not Ada, Glorfindel or Erestor, or you would be for some serious tongue-lashing, brother dear.”

Aragorn couldn’t help smiling at his brothers’ banter. He had only realised after arriving to Imladris how much he had missed his Elven brothers. Elladan and Elrohir always had the ability to make him smile and forget his worries. They also didn’t hesitate in telling him when he was being foolish or simply ‘acting Human’. Elladan, the more serious one of the duo, often helped him in seeing the big picture and concentrating on the things that mattered whereas Elrohir reminded him of the importance of family and friends and how important it was to spend time with them. Aragorn fleetingly thought how different things could have been if the twins hadn’t left soon after the coronation but stayed in The White City with him and Legolas instead.

“Good morning to you both”, Aragorn said and walked to the brothers’ bedchamber door. “Do you mind if I join you?” He asked Elrohir, who was lying on a rug in front of a fireplace. There were breads, cheeses and fruits on plates along with two bottles of mulled wine. Elrohir was warming it on a kettle in the fire and glanced up as Aragorn spoke.

“Don’t ask foolish questions but come and sit with me. Are you hungry?” He asked, pouring the warm liquid into two goblets. “Elladan, come and drink your mulled wine, it’s awfully hot.”

Aragorn nodded, realising that he was indeed famished. He took a piece of bread and took a small bite. “How was your ride?”

Elladan took a sip of the hot drink and smiled contentedly. “It was very nice. I would say that Imladris is even more beautiful in the wintertime than in the summer. Everything is so white and sparkling and new. You should come with us some morning. I would ask ‘Las to join us, as well, but I don’t think he is up to that sort of exercise any longer. And we most definitely do not want him to catch cold.”

The Man’s expression darkened at the mention of Legolas and it didn’t go unnoticed by the twins. Elladan glanced at Elrohir discreetly. They were both aware that despite the reunion the couple still had many obstacles to overcome before they could truly be happy together. “Do you want to talk about it?” Elrohir asked delicately, his grey eyes watching Aragorn intensely over the rim of his goblet.

The King shrugged. “I do not know what to say. On the outside everything is fine, he says that he loves me and has forgiven me my folly, and yet there is something that is between us. And no matter what I do and say he will not confide in me in that matter. He won’t tell me what is wrong. Believe me, I have tried everything. I cannot help thinking that he wants to punish me for the things I have done, and yet I know that it is not in Legolas’ nature to be vengeful or malevolent.”

“Indeed, that doesn’t sound like the sweet Legolas we know”, Elladan said and leaned his head on Elrohir’s shoulder. “Do you wish to elaborate? Maybe we can help. After all, we have known Legolas ever since he was a small Elfling.”

“Nay, it is an intimate matter”, Aragorn said and blushed. He wasn’t used to discussing such things with his brothers, especially now that he knew that the twins slept together. “Let us just say that not all are as disgustingly happy as you two.”

Elrohir’s eyebrow rose. “What an interesting choice of word. Disgustingly happy? Are there other things you consider disgusting about me and Ella? If so, I would like you to say it now.” Elrohir still wasn’t sure how their Human brother felt about their bonding. When they had told him about the ceremony Aragorn had immediately congratulated them, wishing them well. Still, Elrohir couldn’t dismiss the feeling that Aragorn wasn’t totally comfortable with the idea of the twins being together in every sense of the word. The younger twin had always been closer to Aragorn than Elladan was, and the thought of him disapproving of his choice of mate was very disturbing. He couldn’t help feeling insecure, and when Aragorn said the word ‘disgusting’ the Peredhel twin couldn’t keep quiet.

“No, gwador o ind-nin, I didn’t mean that”, Aragorn quickly exclaimed. “There is nothing about you and Elladan that I find disgusting. Forgive me the poor choice of word, I did not mean it that way. What I meant was, not everyone is as lucky as the two of you; to have understanding and love as well as means and willingness to communicate.” [brother of my heart]

Now it was Elrohir’s turn to look ashamed. “I’m sorry for saying that to you. I didn’t mean to sound so overly sensitive. Come here, lil’ brother.”

The Man and the Elf embraced fondly. “If you and Legolas are having problems in bedroom, I think there is no other way than just talk about it. Or, if he doesn’t want to talk, you could just hold him. Not in the ‘I want to make love to you’ –way, but in the ‘I love you and want to be close to you’ –way. It is not a good idea to pressure him into being intimate. Either he wants it or not, but it has to come from him”, Elladan said.

Aragorn nodded. “I know you are right, but it is just so hard for me. He lets me touch him and gets aroused, too, but every time I try to take it further he backs down and tells me to stop. I have tried to be patient and give him time, but I cannot go on forever like this.” He rubbed his eyes wearily.

“This is what you are going to do. You will go to the kitchens, take a tray and load it with Legolas’ favourite food. Then you and Legolas are going to have a little heart-to-heart. If he doesn’t want to talk, then you tell him how much he means to you and how much you would like to hold him and kiss him. I do not think that this is easy for him, either”, Elladan said firmly.

Aragorn left the twins’ chambers soon after that and did as the older twin had suggested. Balancing the food tray on his left arm he cautiously opened the door to their chambers. Legolas was sitting on their bed, brushing his long blonde hair. His blue eyes were filled with anxiety when they met Aragorn’s. “I brought breakfast”, the Man said hesitantly. “I hope you are hungry.”

The Elf nodded curtly and put away his hair brush. “That is kind of you. Is that why you left earlier?”

“I went to see my brothers”, Aragorn answered at length. “Legolas, we need to talk. I think we have postponed it long enough.”

The Prince nodded again, slowly. “You are right, Estel. Do you want to speak first or should I start?” A part of him wasn’t sure if he wanted to have this conversation but the other part was relieved that Aragorn had brought it up. The Man didn’t speak so Legolas decided to speak. He had done a lot of thinking while Aragorn was away and decided to speak his mind. After all, they were trying to start anew and they needed to be open and honest with each other.

“I know that it frustrates you that we haven’t been intimate. It bothers me, too. It is just that every time you touch me I cannot help thinking if you have touched someone else in the same way. I know that I am not beautiful to look at, especially now that I’ve grown this round, and I feel that I am not enough for you.” He stopped speaking and shook his head. “And every time I tell you to stop in bed I feel even more like a failure. It is a vicious circle, and I don’t know how to break it.”

“What are you talking about?” Aragorn asked, baffled. “I do not touch anyone the way I touch you; you are my only love, Legolas. I love no-one like I love you.” He stood up, walked to Legolas and knelt in front of him, taking the Elf’s hands into his own larger ones. “And no-one is as beautiful as you are, meleth-nin. You were beautiful before, and now that you are with my child you are radiant. I love you so much, and I need and want to be close to you, to be able to touch you, to be allowed to bring you pleasure. Legolas, love, please do not push me away.”

Legolas wept openly. “How can you say that? I am a swollen freak. I need you to be honest with me, Aragorn. Did you ever sleep with Thomas? Did you ever take him to bed?”

Aragorn blinked rapidly. “What? Where does this come from? Legolas, Thomas doesn’t matter. What matters is what you and I feel for each other. It doesn’t—“

“Just tell me the truth”, Legolas interrupted. “Please.”

The Man swallowed with difficulty. He had hoped that the mistake he had made would never reach the ears of Legolas. He also knew that he couldn’t lie. The Elf would know it if he lied, and that would make the matters even worse. “I slept with him once. Only once. It was a horrible, drunken, stupid mistake. It didn’t mean anything; I was inebriated and lonely and thought I had lost you forever. I never cared for him other than as a friend, and we never did it again”, he admitted quietly. Slowly he raised his gaze and met Legolas’ eyes. “Forgive me, love. I am but a foolish Man but I love you. I swear I will never touch another again.”

Legolas pulled his hands off of Aragorn’s grasp. “I don’t know if I should be angry at you for doing that or glad that you told me the truth. I guess I am both. It only happened once?” The Man nodded and Legolas believed him. He raised his right hand and cupped Aragorn’s cheek. “Thank you for being honest with me.”

The Elf knew that he couldn’t really blame Aragorn for trying to find comfort in someone else’s arms. Hadn’t he done the same with Lord Elrond? I would have to be a world class hypocrite to get angry at Estel. And I cannot deny that I am relieved that they only did it once, considering that I thought they were going at it all the time when I was not around, Legolas thought.

He surprised Aragorn by leaning forward and pressing his lips against his mate’s. “Enough talk”, he said in a sultry voice, his eyes darkening with awakening passion. “Come to bed with me.”


TBC…


A/N: Again, sorry for the long break. Hope you liked, please review. :)