Deception

Title: Deception

Pairings: Haldir/Legolas

Rating: This chapter: Not even PG.

Summary: Legolas tries to convince Haldir of his innocence, but Haldir wonÂ’t listen until itÂ’s too late.

Archive: It would be an honour, but please ask.

Beta: Nope.

Notes: All characters are Tolkien's. I just like to have my own brand of pervy fun with them.
Thoughts are in --...--, and emphases are written as *...*.
Feedback and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism are always welcome at: elvenbeauty@hotmail.com or merenwen_fefalas@yahoo.co.uk

****
Chapter Four


--Why would he do this to me? Perhaps I was foolish to tell him I loved him.--

When Haldir reached a clearing in the woods, he sat upon a large, flat rock. This was one of his favourite places to be alone, and he'd come here many times in the last few weeks to ponder his feelings for the Prince. Now he was here to escape them. So lost in thought was he that he did not hear Legolas approach.

"You did not let me explain myself."

The voice brought Haldir back to reality. Unfortunately, it was a reality he didn't much care to be in at the moment.

"What is there to explain? You admitted you were with him. I would be surprised to learn that it had not been the first time." Haldir's words were harsh, even to his own ears. The hurt suddenly reflected in the Prince's eyes was almost too much for him to bear.

"On second thought," Legolas spoke as he turned to leave, "I will honour your request. You will not be bothered by me again."


*~*~*~*~*

It had been three days since Haldir had spoken to Legolas. He only saw the Prince at mealtimes or from a distance as he walked with Gimli. Haldir longed to walk with them, perhaps holding Legolas' hand as they strolled through the forest. He would gladly tolerate the company of the Dwarf if he could only be near the one he loved.

On the fourth day, he could stand it no more. After everyone had retired for the evening, and he was certain Legolas would be in bed, Haldir once again took his place on the balcony rail. He sat, looking longingly at his would-be lover as the sheets rose and fell with each breath.

--There is no bigger fool than I in the whole of Middle Earth! How could I have let him go like that?--

"I thought we had discussed your spying through my window."

"I miss you," was all Haldir could say.

"You see me everyday. How can you possibly miss me?" Legolas' words were cold.

"I see you, yes, but we are not as friends should be."

"Oh, so now you wish to be my *friend*? Very well. We shall be friends." Legolas nestled back into the sheets, facing away from Haldir.

"Is that all?" Haldir waited, but there was no response.


*~*~*~*~*


The next morning, after breakfast, Legolas approached Haldir.

"Where shall our feet take us today, cousin?" The Prince's tone did not indicate that there had been any argument at all. Nor did it give the indication that there had been a confession of love.

"It matters not." Haldir could be just as emotionless. "Wherever we go is fine with me."

Legolas started walking, not certain where he was going. Haldir walked by his side, and neither spoke a word. Every now and again, they would steal glances at one another, each wanting to break the silence, but neither knowing what to say.

They walked for hours this way, until Haldir finally stopped and took Legolas' hand.

"I love you."

Legolas did not respond. He didn't even look at the Warden.

"I do not know why you chose to go to Orophin, and I no longer care. I love you like I have never loved another, and I forgive your indiscretion."

"Indiscretion? You *forgive* my indiscretion?" Legolas was incensed. He pulled his hand away.

"Yes."

"'Tis a shame that with all your years, you possess the wisdom of a mere Elfling."

"I offer you my forgiveness, and you call me a fool? I do not understand you at all!" Haldir's grey eyes turned nearly black with anger.

"You *are* a fool! You think you know what happened that day, you you are wrong!"

"What am I supposed to think happened?" The Guardian's eyes were beginning to tear and his voice quavered. "You were alone in the woods with my brother, leggings about your ankles, and you think I do not know what happened? I hope you enjoyed yourself."

"I was not alone with Orophin. Rumil was there." Legolas lowered his voice. "He is the reason my leggings were about my ankles, as you so eloquently stated it."

"What are you saying? You had *both* of them? Do you take pleasure in flaunting your conquests?"

"Your dear brother neglected to inform you that my hands were bound behind my back. Look." Legolas held his turned-up wrists out for Haldir to inspect. There were faint traces of the red lines that had been so prominent five days before. "*I* conquered no one, Haldir. It was I who was conquered." As his eyes also filled with tears, Legolas added, "And quite against my will."

"Oh, Legolas," Haldir whispered, brushing the back of his hand against the Prince's face. "I am so sorry."

Legolas pulled away. "As am I. I thought I could love you, but your lack of trust in me has convinced me otherwise. I will not give my heart to someone who thinks I am unfaithful."

"I cannot be just friends." The Guardian lifted Legolas' chin with his index finger. "I *cannot*." He tried to move in for a kiss, but Legolas turned his head.

"No kisses." As much as he longed for Haldir's touch, his taste, he could not bring himself to allow it. "Friendship or nothing, Haldir. Choose."

"Then I choose nothing."

"Fine. I had better not hear you outside my window telling me how much you miss me." Legolas turned away from Haldir and headed back toward the city. Haldir reached out and hooked arm arm around the Prince's waist. Legolas did not fight to get free.

"You want more than friendship, I know you do. I can see it in your eyes and I can hear it in your voice." Haldir pulled Legolas backward against his body and wrapped his other arm around the slender waist. "Do not leave like this."

"Please let me go," Legolas breathed. "I cannot give you what you ask."

"Never?"

"Never." Haldir released his grip, and Legolas nearly fell to the ground. He had not realised he'd leant so far into the Guardian's embrace.

When Legolas walked back toward his room Haldir did not follow.


To be continued. . .