For Gondor

FIC: For Gondor
Author: Foofy
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Aragorn/Legolas, Aragorn/Legolas/Boromir
Summary: After the Fellowship is formed, Boromir is forced to face the possibility that he could willingly break one of his father’s rules. However, his upbringing proves difficult to resist ** Cookie Challenge**

Original challenge: X finds out that Y and Z are in a relationship. Is outraged for some reason and states that he will tell someone in charge. Y and Z cannot afford to have someone in charge find out and must decide in some way to convince X to change his mind. X is homophobic.

Optional challenge: x/y/z threesome, x becomes both Y and Z's submissive.


*

He should have noticed by the way that they looked at each other. He should have noticed by the way that they occasionally let their hands brush against each other, the fact that often the elf’s hand trailed across the man’s back in a manner that was familiar and intimate. He should have noticed by the way that the man’s voice softened whenever he spoke towards the elf, the way that the elf’s name was almost caressed by his tongue.

But he hadn’t. It had taken actually walking into the library where they were engaged in what his father had labelled ‘unsuitable and inappropriate behaviour’ for Boromir to realise that Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood, were something a little closer than simply the good friends that he had so innocently believed when he had entered Rivendell.

On seeing them, the Gondorian had automatically ducked behind one of the pillars, his vision partially obscured by a large wooden bookcase but still good enough to see Aragorn’s back arch as the elf plunged into him again, a muffled gasp echoing across the library. The corner of the next bookcase obscured some of the elf’s movements, but he could see the long blonde hair trail down, hear the pants and gasps coming from them, see the almost ferocious way they went at each other, the elf only vaguely winning in dominance and that was through sheer positioning.

Boromir had never been good at keeping silent, but at this point he was as quiet as a mouse. Not that he expected either of them to notice what was happening. He could attempt one of the hobbit’s many dances and most likely they could still focus entirely on what was happening between them.

He didn’t know how long he had waited there before Legolas finally climbed off the body of his lover. Boromir could see the sweat glisten on Aragorn’s body from here, the man choosing to simply lie on the rug to regain his breath rather than get back to his feet like the elf had managed. Legolas looked down at him and murmured something. There was a shaky laugh in response from Aragorn who finally managed to roll onto his side and get up, reaching for his clothes.

Boromir shrank back into the shadows, green eyes fixed on them firmly. So. That was the reason was it? No wonder he was going to lose each argument if the Fellowship was controlled by this pair. No doubt Gandalf already knew of their involvement and had carefully chosen which elves to attend the council on this very basis.

Legolas had managed to move entirely out of his vision, but Boromir could still see Aragorn. The man had managed to pull on his breeches but had as yet neglected to put on his tunic, the ranger stretching his arms briefly. Boromir watched the muscles work under the smooth tanned skin, his eyes narrowing. Denethor had always taught him that such men were cowardly, unable to focus on anything but their own desires, and by the Valar-

“ Something caught your interest, Boromir?”

The Gondorian almost hit the ceiling. He swivelled on the ball of his foot, glancing back at the politely interested face of Legolas. Not a mark on the elf showed what he had been enjoying for the past however many minutes. His eyes were cool and steady on Boromir.

Feeling flustered, Boromir shook his head. Legolas raised an eyebrow, and folded his arms.

“ Really? Then can we help you with something?” the elf’s tone was nothing if not polite. However, the first traces of steel were already noticeable. Boromir snorted.

” I had come to seek some advice with regards to the journey we are making in four days time. However, I see you are already busy,” his eyes slid towards the corner of the library which had been used and then back again, Boromir’s disgust already clear. Legolas looked faintly surprised and looked up as the ranger walked around the corner. Aragorn’s mouth, which had opened to comment on food, closed again sharply as he recognised the visitor.

“ Aragorn. It seems that we had a surveyor in our midst,”

The ranger didn’t look too happy with this suggestion. Boromir was treated to a suspicious look before Aragorn managed to get a hold of himself and look idly towards Legolas.

“ I see. Well, I hope he enjoyed the show,” there was a definite element of displeasure in his voice. Legolas watched Boromir closely.

” I’m not sure he did,” he murmured.

Right. That was it. Fed up of being talked across, Boromir’s frown had deepened considerably. His full annoyance had been saved for the ‘future king of Gondor’, who had not even had the decency to ensure he was fully clothed before moving.

“ Is this what you get up to in your spare time? Unnatural pursuits?” he snapped. “ And you wonder about my displeasure about your claims to Gondor! By the Valar *Aragorn*, could you not have kept your mind away from your breeches for two minutes?”

Legolas’ face had turned neutral, which was more than could be said for Aragorn’s. The ranger’s annoyance was only too clear.

“ And I would have expected slightly more from the Steward’s son than spying at corners!” he snapped back. “ What’s the matter, Boromir? Scared we’d jump on you?”

“ Don’t be ridiculous,” spat back Boromir. “ You might enjoy being humiliated in that fashion, but not I. I would rather die first,”

“ It seems a rather drastic option,” murmured Legolas, but the argument was raging too strongly for the elf’s comments to be heard. Legolas sighed to himself, and patiently waited for the men to run out of breath. The level of their argument, however, was becoming problematic. Aragorn’s anger had managed to forgo his usual cautiousness, and Boromir had no qualms about speaking at the top of his volume.

Finally, and without allowing the steward time to squeak a protest, Legolas calmly took hold of his arm. Boromir’s gaze snapped round, startled, before the customary fury reinserted itself.

“ Let me go,” he snarled, trying to pull his arm away from Legolas’ grip. However, his strength was simply not good enough, and it was not assisted by the fact that Legolas had twisted his arm slightly to ensure that Boromir could not simply pull away without a large amount of pain. A stunned expression had fallen over Aragorn’s face, although this changed into a more neutral expression as soon as Legolas gave Boromir a little push towards the doorway to the library, the ranger pulling on his tunic as he walked behind them.

Almost stumbling, Boromir righted himself and snarled again, trying to get his arm away from the unforgiving grip of the elf.

“ What in the Valar’s name d’you think you’re doing, elf?” he spat. Legolas seemed neither bothered nor impressed by Boromir’s anger, and simply kept moving Boromir along, occasionally giving him a push whenever he ground to a halt. Legolas could see the Gondorian considering whether to call for help, just as he could see the counter argument already occurring to the warrior. Boromir, despite his best efforts to hide it, was not stupid. Calling out for help in the halls of Rivendell would not go down well with anyone, and certainly would do nothing for his reputation of which he seemed so very protective.

Legolas could see Aragorn following behind, and would almost hear the query without the ranger needing to speak it. They had already discussed the problem of the steward of Gondor’s son at length last night. Forcing said son towards Aragorn’s chambers – for that was their destination – was certainly not part of the original plan.

Boromir’s nerves seemed to increase dramatically as they got closer to the door. Legolas could feel the warrior tense under his hand, and almost believed the Gondorian would try and bolt should the opportunity arise. However, his hand was still firmly on Boromir’s arm. The likihood that the Gondorian would be able to break away was minimal.

Aragorn eyed his lover thoughtfully before pushing open the door and entering. Boromir’s panic was almost immediately replaced by his anger, which seemed an automatic reflex whenever the man was uncertain about anything. Legolas calmly shoved him into the room with a hefty push and swiftly shut the door behind him.

The Gondorian immediately swung round, his eyes fixed on the door before slowly moving to the elf that stood calmly in front of it, a flesh and blood guardian. Legolas could see a definite look of calculation on the man’s face and simply nodded towards Aragorn. Boromir’s eyes immediately slid to the ranger in suspicion, although Aragorn had not done anything more than fold his arms.

“ Well?” Boromir asked finally, after a lengthy pause had developed. “ What do you want?”

“ What I want is for you two to be in a position where screaming at each other will not be a problem,” replied the elf calmly. “ I know Minas Tirith may not have much in the way of libraries, but the tradition is to keep a low voice at all times whilst you are within them,”

Boromir looked at him, then back at Aragorn in disgust. “ I have no time for this. Reflecting on the perverse situation you two seem to revel in is not what I consider an enjoyable time.”

“ Perverse?” echoed Legolas softly. Boromir glared back at him.

“ Are you suggesting that it is perfectly acceptable, elf?” there was a snort of bitter amusement. “ We men may not have the age of elves, but at least we are capable of keeping our private lives away from the battlefields. And yet your Lord Elrond seems perfectly satisfied to allow two lovers,” he spat the word. “ to fight with the Fellowship, distracting themselves from the task that must be completed!”

There was a pause. Legolas looked slightly bored of the conversation. Aragorn, however, looked towards the window. A slightly knowing smile crept over Boromir’s face.

” And he doesn’t know, does he?” he murmured, an evil glint in his eyes. “ What would he say, I wonder, if he was to find out the relationship between you two? Would he be as forgiving as you maintain I should be?”

“ Enough, Boromir,” Aragorn’s eyes were fixed back on the Gondorian, a cold rage within them. Boromir stared back at him, a smile that had nothing to do with warmth still gracing his features.

“ Really? And who’s going to make me?” he asked softly. The two men stared at each other until the air almost crackled with tension between them. Legolas sighed softly.

“ Boromir, you won’t tell Lord Elrond,” it was said as a simple fact. Boromir glanced at him, slightly surprised.

“ Won’t I? This .. *relationship* threatens to put conflicting issues within the quest itself! The elf lord should be able to decide for himself how important this matter is,” Dangerous green eyes glared at him. Aragorn ground his teeth silently. Legolas simply looked back at the angry Gondorian.

“ But it is not the quest you think about, is it Boromir?” the elf took a step forward, the Gondorian’s eyes narrowing in suspicion, trying to work out the elf’s next move. “ I can see the indecision in your eyes, young one. You do not fear difficulties to the quest. You fear difficulties to yourself.”

“ What are you bleating on about, elf?” snapped Boromir after a pause. “ This foolhardy mission is supposed to be the most important factor. I will not see it sabotaged just because you have a taste for man flesh!”

The elf had stopped directly in front of the human, watching him. The tension in Boromir’s body was clear. It was even more clear when Legolas calmly and swiftly took hold of the man’s shoulders and propelled him backwards, Boromir almost tripping and falling over. He was shoved unceremoniously within Aragorn’s bathing chambers, the door firmly shut closed behind him. Legolas leant against the door and smiled at Aragorn who was staring at him in shock.

“ Could you fetch me a chair please, Estel?”

The chair was duly fetched. Legolas was aware of the dubious expression on Aragorn’s face as he did so, but the ranger managed to keep his tongue still until the chair had been firmly placed under the handle so that Boromir remained a prisoner.

“ What are you doing?” his voice was low and urgent. Legolas seemed completely at ease with the situation, as though he did this every day. He wandered towards the bed and sat down, stretching his legs out with a sigh. Aragorn gave another dubious look at the door, which had held against Boromir’s few determined attacks from the other side, and went to sit near him.

“ He needs time to consider the matter fully,” replied the elf. Aragorn raised an eyebrow and looked back at the door.

” You cannot lock the steward of Gondor’s elder son in a bathroom, Legolas,” his voice was patient but full of tension. Legolas looked amused.

” I believe I have rather conclusive evidence to show that I can,” he replied mildly. Aragorn sighed heavily.

” Fine. You *should not* lock the steward of Gondor’s elder son in the bathroom. What do you hope to achieve by this?” Aragorn stared at his lover, and then shook his head angrily at the lack of reaction from him. “ You cannot treat him as a sulking teenager, Legolas!”

Legolas’ eyebrow raised at this. Aragorn sighed once more.

“ You *shouldn’t* treat him as a sulking teenager, then! He is, despite his arrogance and sheer ability to be annoying, important to the quest,”

The elf seemed completely unabashed at his actions and simply watched Aragorn with general politeness. The ranger glanced doubtfully at the door which still seemed firmly closed. Boromir’s attacks had lessened considerably in the meantime, now not even solid thumps indicating the presence of a prisoner. He looked back and lowered his voice even further.

“ What did you have planned?”

“ What makes you think I have anything planned, Aragorn?” he asked mildly.

“ Experience,”

Legolas finally stretched and laid his hand on Aragorn’s shoulder lightly. The ranger glanced at it briefly as though surprised of its existence, then back at the elf in slight confusion. Legolas smiled at him warmly, his eyes full of suggestions. Aragorn hesitated, uncertain whether his interpretation of the hungry look in the elf’s eyes was the right one.

“ You don’t want to-?“ he queried before Legolas cut him off.

“ Well, seeming we have nothing better to do whilst Boromir cools his heels,” there was a definite invitation in Legolas’ voice. Aragorn stared at him in shock, then shook his head and laughed.

“ You do have your timing, don’t you?”

” After the first thousand years, it gets easier,” the elf shrugged and leaned towards the man. Aragorn willingly moved to meet him, their lips touching briefly before Legolas pushed the human to lie on his back, staring up at him trustingly. Their recent encounter had done nothing to lessen the ranger’s appetite, his eyes dark on the elf who had moved to straddle him. Legolas ran his hand gently down Aragorn’s chest, feeling the man tremble against him. Aragorn’s eyes moved to look at the closed door again doubtfully. Legolas seized hold of his chin and moved his head to look back at him.

” Do not get distracted, Aragorn. He’s not going anywhere,” Legolas said sternly, releasing him and straightening back up.

“ I just don’t like the idea of him being there when we’re ..busy,” Aragorn trailed off apologetically. The elf considered the matter thoughtfully and with a particular gleam in his eye.

“ Then where would you like him? Do you want me to just release him, so he can go and seek out your foster father?”

He felt Aragorn’s muscles stiffen in reply underneath him. The elf shrugged.

“ So be it. So he either stays in there or comes out with us.” Legolas leaned forward again, chest on chest, gently kissing Aragorn at first and then harder, more insistent, the ranger responding hungrily against him. Legolas could feel Aragorn’s hardness pressed up against him and smiled against his lover’s lips. The ragged groan that came from Aragorn’s lips as the elf gently touched his arousal was still enough to ensure that Legolas stayed hard for hours to come.

However, it was still not enough to keep Aragorn’s attention directly on him. Legolas sighed. Obviously the younger human was going to play a part sooner than he had anticipated. Moving off Aragorn with a graceful movement and noting with satisfaction the noise of protest at this, the elf walked towards the bathroom door. Legolas could see Aragorn out of the corner of his eye; the tense expression on the ranger’s face would hopefully fade, he prayed.

“ You are aware he still has his sword?” came Aragorn’s low voice as Legolas went to move the chair. The elf glanced back at him

“ Boromir wouldn’t be that stupid,” he said firmly.” You might get in trouble with your father for having a relationship with me. Boromir would certainly get into trouble for attacking a prince of Mirkwood and a son of an elf lord with a sword.”

“ Hmmm,”

However, the same thought had obviously occurred to Boromir, who was sat against the opposite wall to the door, staring at it steadily. His hand rested on his sword’s hilt but did not attempt to draw it from its scabbard as he glared back at the elf.

“ Boromir!” Legolas’ voice was that of one who had made a pleasant discovery. “ Have you recovered yet?”

“ Recovered from what, exactly?” Boromir’s voice was like ice. “ Being kept captive against my will, or were you considering something more general?” He didn’t bother to move from his sitting position on the flagstones, one leg bent at the knee.

Legolas raised an eyebrow and glanced back at Aragorn who was still watching avidly from his position on the bed. The ranger had rolled to lie on his stomach, head resting on his arms. He looked the picture of relaxation, if you could forget the tense expression in his eyes. The elf returned his gaze to Boromir.

“ Your bad humour was what I was referring to,” he said pleasantly. “ Although your rudeness could be considered a general matter, I suppose,”

The frown increased on the Gondorian. “ I hardly think I was being rude. Possibly a little forthright, although this is no crime,”

“ Forthright upon your opinion, though. You are entitled to have your own beliefs Boromir, but everyone else is entitled to have their own as well.” Legolas watched him thoughtfully. “ Although I wonder how much of the disgust you speak of is your own,” his added after consideration.

The said look of disgust was back on Boromir’s face. “ You speak in riddles, elf,” he snapped, although he didn’t press further. Legolas waited patiently, and lowered his voice slightly.

“ I am aware of your father’s policies when it comes to same sex relationships,” his voice was low and steady. There was the slightest hesitation from Boromir, who finally snapped back into life and shook his head.

“ My father’s policies are the policies of the land,” he replied gruffly. Legolas nodded thoughtfully.

“ And do you agree with them? Do you agree about the .. ‘examples’ that are made each year to discourage such behaviour?” the elf looked nothing more than interested. Boromir frowned harder.

“ How do you know of this?” he asked finally, his voice showing a little more of the strain.

” Is it not true? Does Gondor not seize the unfortunate men and-“

“ I asked you how you knew of this, not asked you to speculate,” There was definite tension in Boromir’s voice. His hand had clenched on the sword hilt, showing whitened knuckles. Legolas paused.

“ I understood this was fact, not mere speculation.”

“ It is the law of the land. It is my duty to enforce the law, not to query it,” Boromir’s gaze met Legolas’ in a hard glare, his jaw set. Legolas nodded to himself, then met Boromir’s gaze with a mild one of his own.

“ Not even for your brother?” he asked softly, lowering his voice to such a soft level that it drifted only to Boromir. The effect on the Gondorian was electric. Boromir was standing in a mere moment, his sword drawn from the scabbard in a smooth yet automatic motion. Legolas noted the slight tremble in the man’s body.

“ That is not true,” he managed. Legolas seemed undisturbed by the display of violence and simply looked back at him, not bothering to answer. Boromir broke the glare and stared around the chamber desperately as though looking for some way of escape, before returning to Legolas almost nervously. The sword returned to its scabbard. The human wet his lips before speaking. “ How much do you know?” he asked finally, in a low defeated voice.

Legolas shook his head. “ Not much. Just the reasons behind your brother’s banishment to Ithilien,” the elf’s eyes were sympathetic. “ And that he has you to thank for such a mild reaction from your father. Do you think your brother’s preferences an unnatural pursuit?”

Boromir didn’t say anything. The elf nodded and stepped away from the chamber door, moving towards the bed and Aragorn. The ranger looked at him in curiosity, half the conversation lost to him through the minimal volume. Finally the Gondorian moved to follow, his posture still speaking of how shaken he was. Legolas glanced back once and smiled, before moving to get on the bed and straddle the backs of Aragorn’s thighs. The ranger allowed this with enduring patience, his eyes already fixed on Boromir.

Boromir hovered near the bathroom door, as though finding comfort in its mere presence. Legolas seemed neither concerned nor bothered by this turn of events and simply began to massage Aragorn’s shoulders with practised hands. Aragorn’s eyes drifted shut briefly in satisfaction then opened again lazily to watch the elder son of his steward.

The Gondorian clearly had no idea what he was supposed to be doing. His usual furious expression had been replaced by one that spoke of deep rooted wariness. Aragorn imagined it would be the same one that Boromir would use in a situation where he suspected an ambush, alert, tense and suspicious of every movement. Aragorn sighed in contentment as Legolas continued with his massage, his swift elven hands seemingly everywhere.

“ You can move, Boromir,” Legolas murmured.

His words managed to jump start the Gondorian into doing something. Shaking his head as though coming out of a daze, Boromir muttered something along the lines of escaping, before making a move towards the door. However, he was not quick enough. With a bounce that spoke of the natural dexterity of the elves, Legolas vaulted off Aragorn like a skilled horseman off his steed and stepped in the way of the retreating Boromir.

Surprised green eyes stared at him before remembering the outrage.

“ Legolas. Move. If you please,” he said.

“ I was expecting you to stay, Boromir,” the elf smiled. The green eyes widened a little more.

“ What?” he asked.

“ What?” came Aragorn’s contribution from the bed. Legolas ignored his lover, and rested a hand on Boromir’s shoulder. Boromir stared at it as though never seeing one before in his life, before dragging his gaze back to Legolas who was still smiling that sweet little smile that suggested of background knowledge.

“ How much do you resist, Boromir? Ah, I can see you wish to be a dutiful son, and that is a valid enough merit, it is true. But do not walk away simply because your father would disapprove. Walk away for your own reasons, not those you have inherited,” the elf watched him thoughtfully, his hand sliding across Boromir’s shoulder towards the soft sensitive skin of his neck. Boromir shivered through the touch, although he held his ground. Legolas could see Aragorn move out of the corner of his eye, watching.

“ I cannot do what you seem to be suggesting,” Boromir’s voice was ragged. “ It would not be right,”

“ You still believe what we do is wrong?”

“ I do not believe. I know.” Boromir’s eyes had hardened slightly. Legolas recognised the look of a man clinging desperately to a simple belief he had held on for the whole of his life.

” Have you ever tried it, Boromir? Do you know of what you deny yourself?”

There was a guilty flash in Boromir’s eyes. Legolas looked interested. It was Boromir who had to look away first, although he still did not escape the elf’s touch, despite the elf’s hand gently stroking his neck and shoulder.

“ So you have tried something along these lines then,” the elf’s voice was pleased. Boromir growled.

” It was nothing more than a drunken kiss,” defiant eyes returned to him. “ It is not something I look back on with enjoyment.”

“ In which case,” Legolas raised an eyebrow. “ I doubt you were doing it correctly.” The elf’s hand dropped away from the man he had been caressing, Boromir looking slightly startled for a moment. Green eyes stared towards the door to the corridor thoughtfully before returning to Legolas.

“ Your king lies on the bed, Boromir,” Legolas’s voice had completely changed. It was now stern, proud, steady. Boromir stared at him in confusion at the change of pace, and a familiar frown nestled itself back on his features.

” I do not have a king,” he spat.

” Then you are in danger of committing treason, Boromir. You know his position. Even if you did not, he is still the son of Lord Elrond. Equally, you know that I am the son of the King of Mirkwood, a valuable political ally,”

Boromir narrowed his eyes, uncertain of where this was leading. Legolas raised his head.

“ Is this not true?” the elf demanded.

“ Well… I guess…,” suspicion was clear in Boromir’s voice. Legolas nodded in satisfaction.

“ I assume your father is very clear about pleasing diplomats?” he asked politely.

Legolas watched the comprehension dawn on Boromir’s face and smiled to himself. He glanced across to where Aragorn was approaching them, his eyes on Legolas in question. The elf nodded once and turned back to the younger human who was staring at them in a mixture of outrage and apprehension.

“ You wish to order me to do things under a flag of .. diplomacy?” Boromir was struggling to come to terms with this. “ My father would never-“

“ Would he not? Did he not send your brother away simply because he looked at another man? What wouldn’t your father do in order to obtain the best for Gondor?” Legolas chose his words carefully. Boromir was clearly a loyal son. “ You could look him in the eye and say you were thinking of Gondor throughout.”

“ Just think,” Aragorn had moved to stand behind Boromir, his hand on the shoulder that Legolas had left, his mouth so very close to Boromir’s ear that the human could feel the warmth of Aragorn’s breath against his skin. “ you could simply follow orders. A basic requirement of any soldier of Gondor, is it not?”

“ We do not simply follow any order that is given. It has to be the correct order, made by the correct person,” however, they could both hear the tremble in Boromir’s voice at the closeness of Aragorn to him. The ranger pressed himself against Boromir, testing. There was a long pause. The timid lean backwards caused a wolfish smile to appear on Aragorn’s face.

“ You query your father because you do not agree with his orders?” pressed Legolas. Boromir looked back at him and smiled grimly.

“ I do,” he replied. There was a hesitation. “ However, if he insists, I will obey,” It was said so quietly that Aragorn had to glance towards the elf for confirmation. He felt the man stiffen his entire body as he leant his head down, kissing Boromir’s neck in a gentle version of a vampire’s embrace. He could hear Boromir’s breathing suddenly quicken.

“ I should not,” Boromir said wretchedly.

Aragorn kissed him again, before nuzzling the younger man’s earlobe. “ I disagree,” he murmured.

Legolas smiled at the frozen expression on the man’s face. He could almost see the panic through him, although in typical Man style Boromir seemed as though he would prefer to die than show his fear. An interesting possibility, indeed… the elf stepped forward, causing the Gondorian to slide his gaze back at him, startled.

And now they were testing Boromir to his limits. With Aragorn behind him and Legolas directly in front, there was no immediate escape route open to him. He was, effectively, trapped. The elf could see the trust battle with the suspicion in the man’s eyes.

“ Don’t think so hard. Just go with it,” he murmured, and pressed his lips to Boromir’s lightly. It was clearly obvious that Boromir didn’t know how to react. He was as still as stone as Legolas ran his tongue over the Gondorian’s lips, persuading him. Finally Boromir relented, slowly returning the kiss as though reluctant to do so. Legolas could feel the tremble through the man already, and pressed himself against him.

However, Boromir being Boromir, he could not let things lie. Although, reflected Legolas mildly, he would probably have been disappointed if the Gondorian had meekly submitted to them. The man pushed the elf back from him, and stepped out of Aragorn’s grasp. His breath was uneven, his composure completely ruined. The ranger took a step back, his expression mild but still cautious. Boromir was certainly unpredictable, and unpredictable men with swords were a dangerous mix.

“ Do not think I don’t know what you are attempting to do,” he growled. Aragorn raised an eyebrow.

“ And what would that be?” he asked, his voice low and in a manner that Legolas recognised from many tussles in the bedroom. The ranger’s eyes were fixed on Boromir, an almost sly smile was on his face. Legolas shivered briefly and returned to look at Boromir who was giving Aragorn a stare almost as good as he received.

“ You try to get influence over me before you even set foot in Gondor! I will not betray my father,” Boromir’s voice was hard.

Aragorn looked mildly surprised, and looked at Legolas.

“ Did we ask him to betray his father?” Aragorn was mildness itself. The elf could see Boromir’s jaw set at the slightly patronising tone.

“ Not unless it was carefully hidden. I would have remembered something along those lines.” replied Legolas. The Gondorian growled again and made to step towards the door. He suddenly found an elf in the way.

Legolas shook his head sadly. “ You still do not understand, do you? Never mind. You are young,” The elf moved slightly to block Boromir’s next attempt to get past. Boromir sighed through his teeth. “ No, Boromir. You are staying put. And you will do as we say,”

The Gondorian stared at him. “ Or else what?” he growled. Boromir’s eyes moved towards Aragorn immediately, checking the ranger had not moved closer to him. The fact that Aragorn still stood where he was expected to be did not assist the Gondorian’s suspicions any less. However, it at least kept the tension in his body to a suitable minimum.

“ You say that as though you expect to be resisting. Come now, Boromir. We all know your desires, regardless of how hard you bury them. Your father is not watching,”

There was a sad snort of laughter from Boromir at this. “ You do not know my father’s capabilities,” he replied. “ Trust me. He will know.”

However, Legolas had focused on something entirely different. “ So you do not deny your desires?” he asked softly, and was fascinated by the flush that rose to Boromir’s cheeks. The warrior was unable to look him properly in the eye.

“ I will not bother to pretend to you,” he growled, and each word sounded as though Boromir had been forced at knife point to speak it. “ You have been pressed up against me long enough to know any denial would be .. an exaggeration. However, that does not mean this gives you the right to force me!”

“ Force you?” echoed Legolas. There was another flush to the man’s cheeks. It was obvious he was so very uncomfortable with the whole situation, as though all his clothing was one size too small. The elf stepped forward, running his hand down Boromir’s cheek. “ Why, I was not planning to force you. Unless you liked it like that of course,”

This only managed to make the younger man more uncomfortable. However, Legolas noted again the lack of denials. It was obviously a day of discoveries.

“ Get on the bed, Boromir,” he said mildly. Boromir glared at him, able to do this part.

“ I do not think-“

“ GET ON THE BED.” Legolas cut him off mid flow, his voice stating there be no misunderstandings on the order. He could see the desire to refuse shine in Boromir’s eyes and waited to see the conclusion of this little battle. Boromir’s lust or Boromir’s pride.

The Gondorian slowly glanced towards Aragorn, still debating. The ranger folded his arms, his own expression stern. Legolas smiled to himself. For an off the cuff plan, Aragorn seemed to have worked out Legolas’ ideas very quickly indeed.

There was a soft growl from the back of Boromir’s throat. But he did it. Ah, he did it, and that promised so many fine opportunities. The elf could see the smile on Aragorn’s face before the ranger managed to stamp down on it and move towards the bed where the younger warrior had now perched himself.

Legolas’ eyes fell on the sword that was still at Boromir’s side. Never a good bed partner.

“ Take off your clothes,” he ordered. The chain of authority still appeared not to have filtered through to Boromir, who stared at him with a gaze that spoke of incredulousness. Legolas’ eyes flickered to the sword again, then back at Boromir with steady determination.

The Gondorian finally worked out the main reason for the order, and reluctantly removed his belt. The sword was placed on the floor carefully, the leather over-tunic and boots following it swiftly. However, the remainder of the clothing was causing him to consider matters. As it had just been a day walking through Rivendell, the man had thankfully not bothered with his chain mail shirt or his additional armour. Just the crimson silk tunic hid his torso from the elf’s hungry eyes, his breeches clothing his lower half.

“ You appear to have stopped, Boromir,” Aragorn spoke up. Obviously Legolas wasn’t the only one to be keen for the man to continue. The ranger stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the human steadily. Boromir gave him a look that still spoke of some annoyance, although his voice was calm enough.

“ Why should I be the only one who is undressed?”

“ As you are new at this, I will allow that to pass. Although I expect you not to speak back to me in future, young one,”

“ Young!” snorted Boromir, his eyes assessing Aragorn. “ You look not much older than I,”

” And in that you would be wrong,” The ranger stepped forward, his hands on his own tunic, untying the knots that had hastily been applied previously. “ I would advise you caution, Boromir. You do not know with whom you mess,”

The defiance in Boromir’s eyes at that little statement made Legolas want to roll him over and take him there and then. But Aragorn liked his little games. In certain matters, Aragorn had the patience of an elf. In others, he had the grace and tact of a dwarf however.

“ My apologises, Aragorn,” Boromir’s emphasis on Aragorn’s name managed to portray his irritation. There was also a distinctly cocky air about the warrior. Ah, a red rag to a bull.

Indeed, a smile had already crept to the corners of Aragorn’s mouth.

“ Would you like me to show you, boy?” he said softly, seductively. At this Boromir’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. He glanced towards Legolas who had chosen not to move. To add two people to this equation would be to spook Boromir, and it was going so well without this.

“ Show me? And how do you suggest to do that,” Boromir’s eyes flickered down his body dismissively then back up. “ .. ranger?”

Aragorn smiled again, a low, lazy smile.

The movement was impressively fast. Boromir suddenly found himself shoved over backwards, Aragorn’s body hard on his, the ranger already succeeding in seizing hold of Boromir’s wrists with his hands. However, Boromir was no push over. A growl at the back of his throat, the Gondorian fought against him, bringing his leg up to kick out. Aragorn narrowly missed being a target, and shoved his weight down hard to stop the man from taking that particular movement again. There was another growl from Boromir signifying his disapproval of this development.

Blue-grey eyes were inches away from furious green ones.

“ Any other questions?” Aragorn asked gently. Boromir ground his teeth but said nothing. Pleased, the ranger leaned back again and glanced towards the elf carelessly. “ Did you have a particular schedule you wished to keep with, or shall we simply do what appeals at the time?”

Legolas noticed Boromir giving him an assessing glance at this as well. The elf was pleased to note that the younger man was more annoyed he had been taken unawares rather than any dislike of having Aragorn essentially pinned over him. Another welcome development indeed.

“ You carry on Aragorn. I can watch,”

“ Watch?” echoed Aragorn in disbelief. “ Since when have you ever just watched?”

“ I did not say indefinitely,” protested the elf. “ besides which, you have not even begun. His clothes still cling to his body. So, I might add, do your own.”

Aragorn looked down at Boromir’s silk tunic and smiled to himself. Boromir tensed automatically. However, the hand that moved down from Boromir’s left wrist to his tunic failed to rip the offending clothes from his body. Instead it carefully unbuttoned the tunic as though handling a delicate and precious item, twitching the material aside as it fell open in the centre. Boromir shivered slightly at the cold air that hit his chest, and almost again at the hungry gleam in Aragorn’s eyes as he stared down at him. The Gondorian did not bother to move his freed wrist.

The ranger sat up, his backside resting on Boromir’s thighs, his legs straddling Boromir’s own.

“ Take it off,” he commanded, and there was no room for disagreement. Boromir swiftly shrugged himself out of the top and tossed it aside, where it fluttered to the floor like a wounded butterfly. Aragorn’s hands were quick to seize the drawstring of Boromir’s breeches, untying them swiftly and tugging them down, the Gondorian raising his hips to assist. A slightly larger smile appeared on Aragorn’s face as he freed Boromir’s length, hard and quite obviously already aching. He ran a hand over it experimentally, and smiled again at the ragged broken groan that came from Boromir’s throat.

Climbing off his prey, Aragorn immediately took the opportunity to rid Boromir entirely of the breeches and then turn his attention his own clothes. The ranger glanced back in amusement at the elf as he stripped.

“ Do tell me when you’re bored of watching,” he remarked. Legolas gave an incline of his head towards him, and simply folded his arms. Aragorn shook his head and turned back to the figure on the bed who had pushed himself up to rest on his elbows, trying to watch the two. Boromir’s eyes fell back on Aragorn as the ranger advanced on him again.

“ So.” Boromir found his voice, and it turned out to be a dry and sarcastic one. “ what now, fearless master?”

“ Oh, I’m sure we can come up with a few suggestions,” replied Aragorn. “ Get on your knees,”

There was more than a moment’s hesitation from Boromir. The ranger’s eyes narrowed.

“ That was not a request, sweet heart. That was an order. MOVE.”

Grudgingly, Boromir shifted himself to kneel on the bed, facing the ranger who stood at the foot of the bed watching him. A smile hovered on Aragorn’s face before it too was swallowed by the intense look of concentration that crossed the ranger’s face.

“ Touch yourself,”

“ What?” Boromir was taken aback. Having resigned himself to the inevitable, having to touch yourself with two other men in the room seemed odd beyond belief. However, it was clear that the ranger was not messing around. Even more reluctantly and not without a large amount of embarrassment Boromir slid the palm of his right hand over his aching member before gently beginning to stroke himself.

“ Don’t shut your eyes,” commanded Aragorn as Boromir’s eyes automatically drifted close. The Gondorian glared briefly but kept them open, all the time his hand working. The ranger was silent for a few moments, before closing the space between them and brining his lips hard on Boromir’s. There was no tenderness in his kiss, no gentle mercy. Aragorn kissed with almost desperation, sheer desire driving him forward, a wild, untamed embrace that took Boromir completely by surprise. The Gondorian allowed the ranger to take possession of the kiss, and took Aragorn did. He possessed the younger man’s mouth, his hands moving around the soft golden skin of Boromir’s chest to his back, pulling him forward to be able to press as much naked skin together as possible.

However, it wasn’t enough.

Aragorn swiftly moved his mouth down Boromir’s neck, landing kisses on the younger man’s chest, his hands moving over Boromir’s to be able to stroke the man himself. Boromir arched his back in shock, a gasp coming from his lips at the touch. The ranger could feel the sudden alarm race through the Gondorian, could almost sense Boromir’s conflict within himself. It could no longer be seen as innocent in any shape or form. With Aragorn’s touch, rules were being shattered.

Not that the ranger gave Boromir any time to reconsider his position. His hands were fast and they were skilful; almost within seconds Aragorn had the Gondorian whimpering in his need, sweat forming on Boromir’s brow, an odd unfocused look in his eye as though half hoping he did not have to consider who was giving him pleasure. Aragorn ran his tongue down Boromir’s neck, tasting the salt, feeling the man tremble, sucking at the sensitive point where neck met shoulder with more enthusiasm than a vampire.

“ Lie down,” Aragorn broke away from the kiss, gasping. The dazed and confused expression on Boromir’s face was understandable. Obediently, Boromir moved to lie down but stopped when Aragorn shook his head. “ On your front,” he ordered.

Boromir froze. His eyes sought out Aragorn’s in mute appeal. However, he found no hint of mercy there. Aragorn simply looked back at him, his eyes suddenly cold as ice.

” Don’t look at him,” he snapped as Boromir was about to glance towards Legolas. “ Just do it.”

The Gondorian paused for another moment, then sank obediently, lying on his stomach, facing away from Aragorn. Aragorn’s breath caught. He ran a hand across Boromir’s buttocks, feeling the man tremble underneath his touch but still keeping his muscles and body still, his body tense but waiting. Aragorn glanced back at Legolas mockingly.

“ You still wish to watch?” he asked. Legolas nodded.

“ I do.”

“ Hmmmm,” Aragorn looked at him with an expression that was so similar to Boromir’s suspicion, before getting onto the bed himself and re-straddling Boromir’s thighs. He ran his hands along Boromir’s back with firm, slow strokes, feeling the man squirm underneath him. Aragorn bent over Boromir’s back, his mouth near the younger man’s ear once again. “ You’re doing well for a virgin, I’ll give you that,”

There was a muffled curse at this, as Aragorn knew there would be. There had been no question that the elder son of Denethor would have anything other than extreme objections to being labelled a virgin anything.

” Ah? But you disagree?” Aragorn stroked his finger down the cleft of Boromir’s buttocks. The man froze again underneath him, his breathing shaky, almost panting. “ Perhaps,” murmured Aragorn. “ if you are experienced, I should simply take you now? Hard and fast? Would you like that?”

Ah, he was an evil man, he knew it, but he couldn’t help the grin that formed as Boromir whimpered something.

” I could take it slower,” mused Aragorn. “ Torment you a little. Play. Tease.” His finger was already flickering over Boromir’s entrance with light touches, causing even more squirming from the Gondorian. “ Do you want that, Boromir?”

However, Boromir was not allowed an answer. There was a grunt of surprise from Aragorn as suddenly he was caught underneath the arms and pulled to one side by Legolas. He stared up at the elf, then grinned knowingly. He knew Legolas would be unable to last.

“ Let me guess. Got bored waiting?”

” Got bored with your speech, actually. Aragorn, do you ever consider doing anything different?” sighed Legolas. Aragorn gasped himself at the elf’s touch on his erection.

“ Do I look like I have time to work out anything different? Besides which, I like it. I like feeling him tremble underneath me, wondering whether I’ll go through with it. Whether I’d just thrust into him without even a finger to sooth the path.”

They both knew that Aragorn’s words were for Boromir’s benefit. Legolas sighed again, and ran his thumb over the top of the ranger’s cock.

“ You,” he said. “ are a bad, rude man.”

“ You say that as though you expect me to be upset about this,” replied Aragorn cheerfully. Legolas was aware of Boromir’s eyes on them in curiosity, the man having already taken the opportunity to roll to one side and try to feel slightly less vulnerable to any forceful thrusts that might come his way. The elf increased his actions. Aragorn temporarily lost the ability to speak as he was pushed ever forwards towards his peak.

However, Legolas was more than aware how far to push Aragorn before stopping. The ranger groaned aloud as the elf paused at the perfect moment to cause maximum discomfort and torment.

“ If I had left it to you, Boromir would still be sulking in his room and with all his clothes on,” Legolas reminded him with a severe voice.

“ I don’t sulk,” came Boromir’s answer.

” And hobbits are fussy eaters,” came Legolas’ dry response. “ Shut up otherwise I’ll give you back to Aragorn and his little fancies,”

Boromir weighed the options and decided to shush. Legolas nodded his approval on the decision and turned back to Aragorn who was hot, bothered and flustered underneath him, his hands twitching to touch himself and achieve the orgasm that was currently being denied to him, but equally unable to do this knowing exactly what the elf would do in response. A heartfelt groan came from Aragorn’s lips.

“ You’ve made your point, Legolas. Please!”

“ That’s marvellous. So you won’t mind telling me what the point was,”

There was a very, very long pause. The ranger squirmed.

“ Well, when I say made a point, it’s more .. uh…,” Aragorn glared at Boromir who was looking extremely smug. “ And you can shut up as well, otherwise I’ll make sure you’re suffering by the end of this!” the ranger snapped.

“ Yeah, I can imagine,” Boromir was definitely getting happier with this situation and smiled cheerfully back. Aragorn could have happily throttled him. Legolas raised an eyebrow towards the Gondorian.

” Boromir, could you fetch the oil please? It’s on the table over there,” Legolas gestured with his eyes. Boromir obediently disappeared. Legolas smiled back down at Aragorn who was watching him with a sulky expression.

“ I believe it was my turn?” the ranger protested.

” Did you?” asked the elf innocently, and looked at the Gondorian who had returned bearing oil bottles. Boromir glanced down at Aragorn, his attention completely drifting from the task in hand, and it took a light cough from Legolas before he snapped back into action.

“ Oh! Sorry,” the bottle was handed over. Legolas nodded.

” Lie next to him, Boromir. Keep his mouth occupied with your tongue, there’s a good boy,”

The good boy obeyed swiftly. Aragorn closed his eyes at the feel of Boromir’s tongue, no longer timid, exploring his mouth. He allowed the younger man his moment of dominance. The Valar knew it certainly wouldn’t last, although how Boromir was going to take this he had no idea. Boromir’s hot body was pressed against his side, his erection grinding against Aragorn’s thigh.

Well, Legolas didn’t say anything about Aragorn hands not being allowed on Boromir…

The Gondorian jumped as he felt hands squeeze between their bodies, and groaned into Aragorn’s mouth as his erection was roughly handled once again. The elf, who had been anointing his hand with oil, glanced up at this pleading noise, and frowned.

“ Aragorn, you are pushing your luck,” he warned.

” Push away,” murmured Boromir in Aragorn’s ear. The ranger began to laugh but managed to get it under some control at the sharp look that Legolas gave him.

“ Legolas you really shouldn’t -“ Aragorn cut off immediately as an elven finger inserted itself within him, a glazed look coming over his face. Boromir took one look at Aragorn’s face and glanced down at the elf, confused about what exactly was going on.

Bless, thought the elf.

“ Aragorn,” he said pleasantly. “ You will roll over onto your stomach and then get to hands and knees. After that, you will then place those talented lips of yours over Boromir’s erection and give him something to focus on. Clear?”

The finger probed further. There was a strangled noise from Aragorn which had elements of acknowledgement in it. Boromir looked stunned, and looked even more stunned as Legolas withdrew his finger and Aragorn got shakily into the required position. The Gondorian was aware of hot breath over his cock before he was swallowed by a delicious warm wetness.

“ Fuck!” he howled.

“ I assume that’s your way of saying it’s good rather than a request?” queried Legolas lightly, as he pushed two fingers into Aragorn and began to move them back and forth. Boromir didn’t have the breath to answer him, simply nodding, his hand clenching in Aragorn’s hair as the older man worked his arousal skilfully.

Legolas smiled and moved back to strip himself of his clothing. He was aware of Boromir’s gaze on him, green eyes widening at the sight of the delicate yet strong form, almost white in the light of the room. The elf smiled. Humans were always so predictable in their reactions.

The elf moved back into position, pressing his length against Aragorn. Thanks to their previous session, Aragorn didn’t need much in the way of preparation at all. By the immediate push back against him, neither had Aragorn’s enthusiasm waned. Legolas swatted Aragorn’s rump with a hand, and pushed into him swiftly.

Aragorn groaned around Boromir’s cock, the younger man crying out at the vibrations that suddenly threatened to overwhelm him. Boromir was almost whimpering in his need, his hands desperate to cling to something. Aragorn licked and sucked him, trying to stay focused even as Legolas began thrusting into him, harder and harder, giving him no time to rest or recover. Just, in fact, how Legolas knew he liked it.

Bastard.

Boromir had already shut his eyes, knowing that to watch the erotic activities in front of him would simply ensure that he reached his peak within a matter of seconds. Not willing to be generous to anyone else, Aragorn merely began to caress him with his tongue, slowing the contact until it was an agonising torment of pleasure. Boromir half growled, half sobbed at this, his hands tightening in Aragorn’s hair in reflex.

The elf, meanwhile, was enjoying himself tremendously. No matter how used Aragorn’s body had been, he was always so incredibly tight and incredibly enthusiastic. The ranger was slamming back onto him as hard as he could without becoming detached from the man he was suckling. Legolas’ eyes slid to Boromir, whose eyes were shut, his eyes thrown back slightly, so still it was as though he had been turned to stone. Only his fast breathing gave away the fact that the younger man was very much still living. Legolas smiled to himself, and slammed into Aragorn once more, then carefully changed angle.

Boromir had no option but to open his eyes as Aragorn yelped in sheer sensation as Legolas grazed the bundle of nerves. The elf was suddenly treated to a surprised and tense expression from the younger man, assuming that Legolas had accidentally caused the ranger pain. He winked at him, and carefully struck the same spot again. This time Aragorn simply groaned, his breathing hard and completely uneven. A look of vague understanding crossed Boromir’s face, although the wary caution managed to triple.

The concentration on Legolas’ face was now clear to any who looked at him, although both Aragorn and Boromir’s attention were a little more on what was happening to them than the world at large. Aragorn had been unable to continue caressing Boromir with his tongue, needing all his oxygen, and was simply touching him instead, playing with the heavy sacs between Boromir’s legs and causing all types of moans to issue forth. The elf managed to bit back a gasp himself as he felt Aragorn clench his muscles deliberately around the elf, adding to the already unbearable friction.

Once last slam and Legolas came heavily within the ranger, although not a moan escaped the elf’s lips. Aragorn gasped in Boromir’s lap as elven fingers dug into his hips, before Legolas carefully withdrew from him and gave him a friendly slap on the backside. Aragorn recovered enough to glare round at him, his hand itching to touch himself, the burning ache in his groin taking up more than enough of his conscious thought.

“ Boromir,” Legolas ignored the ranger, and looked at the Gondorian pleasantly. The younger man looked at him expectantly. “ Roll over on to your front.”

There was another pause but not as long as previously, as by this time nearly all thought was being controlled by the unbearable tension in Boromir’s body. Aragorn lifted himself up a little to allow the younger man to position himself, and moved to lie on top of him without needing any further word from Legolas, Aragorn’s mouth already on the sensitive nape of Boromir’s neck. Boromir moaned at the contact and pressed his quivering hot body against the equally hot ranger, eager for contact.

Legolas sighed to himself. Men were so impatient. It was like sharing a bed with a couple of mating lions, even down to the growls.

” Please,” Boromir whimpered. However, whimpers were obviously not going to assist. Aragorn merely continued to play with Boromir’s body, finding delight in touching the soft firm skin under him and causing the reactions within the Gondorian. Boromir growled.

“ For the Valar’s sake, Aragorn, get on with it!” he snapped finally.

Legolas laughed to himself silently. Aragorn himself was taken aback.

” I thought you wanted time to prepare-“

“ You thought wrong! Hurry up before I explode!” Boromir squirmed underneath him. Aragorn gave a long suffering sigh, and held his hand out to Legolas who passed him the oil bottle. Not entirely certain what was going on, but knowing something was happening, Boromir wriggled again. He jumped violently as a finger inserted into him. It took all Aragorn’s strength to keep him on the bed.

“ Good boy,” murmured Aragorn with a grin as Boromir settled down, trying to get used to the invasion. There was a further growl from Boromir, although his body was now entirely still as though frozen. Aragorn carefully inserted another finger, noting the tremble through Boromir’s body. However, the elder son of Denethor was not likely to be passive for long.

“ Are you going to do anything or not?” came his muffled response. Aragorn raised an eyebrow towards Legolas who shrugged.

“ You want me to just do it?” his voice dropped seductively. Boromir shivered again.

” Yes! For fuck’s sake, just do it and stop beating around the bush!” the younger man tried to push back against Aragorn’s questing fingers. The ranger met Legolas’ eyes again in question.

“ If he says he’s ready…,” murmured Legolas.

That was all the encouragement Aragorn needed. Forgoing any further foreplay, the ranger swiftly coated himself and gently pushed into Boromir beneath him. Well, that was the intension anyway. Seizing hold of his bravery, Boromir slammed back against him hard, a guttural groan coming from his lips at the feel of Aragorn’s substantial length within him. Aragorn wasn’t much better. Boromir’s action had almost managed to tip him over the edge as it was, and he was left gasping for breath, trying to recover enough to allow him to move without immediately coming deep inside the younger man.

He wasn’t allowed much time to recover at all. Boromir was pushing against him experimentally, the occasional hiss showing that he wasn’t as comfortable with this as he appeared, despite his demands. Aragorn eyed him thoughtfully, and deliberately moved back slowly before slamming in as hard as he could. Boromir groaned again, his head tipping forward, back arched. Aragorn grinned to himself, readjusting the pace to one that they were both comfortable with. Occasionally he slammed in harder whenever Boromir demanded a little more action, although the feel of Aragorn driving into him hard was normally enough to keep Boromir satisfied for a while.

Aragorn had already gone through the numbers from fifty backwards in his mind, but was still having no more success in keeping himself in check. He adjusted his position slightly, pulling Boromir’s hips back to allow his hand space to burrow underneath the man’s body. Apparently it took having a cock up his backside to make Boromir completely obedient, as he did what Aragorn requested without a murmur of protest. Boromir was so close it only took a few strokes before the man came hard in his hand, crying out. Aragorn cursed inwardly as already tight muscles gripped him, milking his length mercilessly. There was no question of resisting.

Aragorn collapsed onto Boromir’s spent form gasping for breath, before rolling off from him and staring up at the ceiling, trying to regain his bearings.

Boromir finally lifted his head from the bed and looked towards him. Sweat glistened on his brow, exhaustion showed in his eyes. Aragorn grinned back at him and pulled the younger man towards him, kissing him fondly before releasing him again. Satisfied, Boromir flopped to the bed again.

A hand on his backside made Boromir raise his head again in shock. Nervous eyes met Legolas’. The elf traced a pattern on the Gondorian’s right buttock thoughtfully. Aragorn chuckled.

” You’re going to kill him if you keep doing this,” he warned.

“ I suppose you’re right,” sighed Legolas, an amused gleam in his eyes. “ Pity.”

There was a shuffle from Boromir. “ Does that mean I can move now?” he queried over his shoulder.

“ Yes, I suppose so, my little impatient child,”

” I’m not your little impatient anything,” protested Boromir, moving to lie on his side. “ Much less a child!”

“ Well, I suppose it does depend on your perspective,” replied Legolas idly, resting his hand on Boromir’s raised hip instead. “ Incidentally, can I assume that if we let you out of the room now, your first destination will not be Lord Elrond’s chambers?”

Boromir looked uncomfortable.

“ I guess,” he mumbled. “ although it’s still not a good idea to have relationships within a war. What happens if one of you is injured or killed? Would the other keep going?”

Legolas exchanged glances with Aragorn, then shrugged. “ Would you?” he bounced the question back.

Boromir laughed, slightly shakily. “ I am hardly in the same position,”

“ You’re lying naked on a bed with Aragorn’s seed spilling out of you whilst your own dries on your stomach. I think it is certainly a similar position,” replied Legolas. He was faintly amused by the flush that rose to Boromir’s cheeks. Obviously the first destination Boromir would head to would be a bath.

“ That’s not the same thing. That’s just .. well.. casual,” The Gondorian avoided eye contact. Aragorn met Legolas’ gaze. The elf could see the annoyance in the ranger’s eye to what Aragorn saw as further evidence of Boromir’s disgust. Legolas shook his head slightly at him. Now was not the time. However, Aragorn did not share Legolas’ assessment.

“ I don’t do casual, Boromir,” Aragorn chose to ignore half of Legolas’ warning and slipped off the bed to retrieve his clothes, the irritation showing in his voice. With Aragorn’s focus firmly fixed on getting on his clothes, only Legolas saw the hurt, scared look cross Boromir’s expression before that too was hidden behind the usual frown.

The elf could already see the concerns. Once could be explained away. It could be possibly be in Gondor’s best interests, the art of diplomacy and political acknowledgement always important.

A meeting that was not casual suggested a more long term basis. And a long term basis suggested a relationship.

Boromir pushed himself up and slid off the bed as well, refusing to look at the ranger and merely busying himself with his clothes. Aragorn glared back at him, hurt by the Gondorian’s lack of response. The elf held up his hand to Aragorn, who again ignored him. Legolas sighed to himself. It was no wonder that men had so many wars to their name.

“ So you just want to leave it there?” Aragorn pressed. Boromir scowled and tied the drawstring to his breeches before busying himself with his boots.

” I don’t see any other option, *sire*. You’ve had your amusement. Now just let me go,” Boromir’s voice was almost bitter. Aragorn stared at him.

“ Amusement? You think I’m the sort of man who would just pick someone up and discard them as soon as I’ve had my pleasure?”

” A man who left his kingdom to suffer in his absence could do anything at all,” replied Boromir immediately, his eyes finally hard on Aragorn. “ I would not be surprised,”

“ Aragorn, you know Boromir’s difficulties,” Legolas’ voice was low in the room. The ranger gave him a side glance, before glaring back in full strength at the man he had loved only a few moments before. The elf’s words were lost to him.

” If that’s your opinion of me, just go. We will not speak of this day again,” the ranger’s voice was hard, cold. Boromir hesitated, his eyes scanning the rangers, before scooping up his tunic and belt and marching to the door. Legolas sighed in despair as the door shut closed after him.

“ Aragorn,” he shook his head. “ I swear you have the stubbornness of a dwarf!”

“ If he does not want to be here, then he should not be,” growled the ranger, fastening his tunic. Legolas prayed for patience.

“ Of course he does not want to be here. You know his culture, you know his father’s opinions! That was a man who felt guilty about embracing another man once! What did you expect him to do with the possibility of a relationship his father could only disapprove of?” the elf shook his head and stared at the door. “ I only hope that this will not come back to haunt us.”

Aragorn merely continued dressing in silence.

*

The Fellowship began four days later, on a cold morning. Boromir had been true to his word. Not a word had been spoken of the time he had spent with them, not a glance towards them betrayed the anger in his heart. He had merely pushed past when Legolas had stopped to talk to him, refused to even stand near Aragorn.

Rivendell assumed it was to do with the identity of the foster son of Elrond. It was well known that Gondor would not approve of the return of the king, especially not the current Steward of Gondor. It was certainly of no surprise to anyone that Boromir would share his father’s opinions.

Finally, Aragorn had had enough. He had waited until the rooftops of Rivendell disappeared behind the trees and hills before seizing hold of Boromir’s arm and pulling him apart from the main group. Only Legolas saw him do this, the elf staring at them briefly before turning and continuing with the remainder of the Fellowship.

“ Boromir. We need to talk,”

” I don’t believe we do,” replied the Gondorian, although keeping his voice as low as Aragorn’s. He kept his eyes firmly on the path ahead. “ You were right. I should not be with you.”

” I never said that,” protested Aragorn.

“ You believed it. And regardless, it is the truth. Be content with your elf,” Boromir continued to walk without looking at the ranger beside him. Aragorn gave a growl of exasperation.

“ All I was giving you was an option. It need not be a casual sexual fling, Boromir. I know you have concerns over your father-“

” Then why make the statement when you know it is not an option for me?” Boromir finally stopped and stared at him, his voice no less aggressive for being low. “ Do you not know how frustrating it is to be pleaded to do something I cannot do, regardless of how much I would wish to do it? I beg of you Aragorn, please leave me alone!”

They stared at each other for a moment, Boromir’s breath faster in his agitation. Aragorn brushed his hand over Boromir’s cheek gently, feeling the man’s breath quicken even more. Green eyes softened.

” You need not spend your time obeying every order your father gives you, Boromir,” Aragorn said gently. “ You could-“

Boromir moved his head from the ranger’s touch, his eyes sharper. “ I said I would not betray my father. And I will not,” he growled and began to move forwards. Aragorn gave a sigh of frustration and turned to follow.

” You are not betraying him, Boromir-“ he began when the Gondorian swung around on him, fury in his face.

“ I swore loyalty to him! I command his armies!” Boromir stared at him. “ I cannot simply ignore the orders I do not like, regardless of the situation! Or rather, I cannot consistently do so. My brother…,” he sighed and shook his head, some of the aggression dropping from his tone. “ my brother was all but banished for much less than what I have now done. I cannot look him in the eye and do what you are suggesting. It would be wrong.”

“ You do not sacrifice yourself for Gondor. You sacrifice yourself for your father,” Aragorn touched his arm. “ You should not have to suffer because of his prejudices,”

“ Perhaps,” Boromir’s voice was clipped. Aragorn frowned.

” There is no perhaps about it, Boromir,”

Boromir shook his head. “ And what would you have me do? Abandon Gondor as you have?” he sighed, ignoring the deepening frown on Aragorn’s face. “ I cannot say that I agree with some of my father’s decisions. However, I cannot change them. My brother was a fine soldier and yet he was sent to Ithilien, only returning to his home on special occasions. Can you imagine what would happen should my father believe that both his sons have betrayed him?”

“ This is not a question of betrayal, Boromir!”

” That is not how he sees it!” snapped back Boromir. Too loudly. They were aware of Merry and Pippin glancing back at them in surprise. Legolas swiftly shooed them on, but gave them a warning glance. Boromir lowered his voice.

“ I have already heard the argument, I already know what his reaction will be,” he replied, then snorted in amusement. “ Besides which, why should it matter? When I return to Gondor … *if* I return to Gondor,” he amended. “ I am not foolish to believe that you and Legolas will be there by my side. If it stops here, he need not know.”

” I told you,” Aragorn’s voice was soft. “ I don’t do casual.”

” Try,” growled Boromir.

“ You’re giving up before you have even started,” Aragorn stared at him. “ I believed you stronger than that,”

There was a momentary flicker in Boromir’s eyes, the Gondorian turning his gaze away and continuing to walk forward.

“ Then you were wrong,” he said softly. Frustrated, Aragorn seized hold of his arm again and yanked him to a halt, pressing his lips to Boromir’s as the man began to open his mouth to protest.

“ Does it mean that little to you that you are willing to let it go?” said Aragorn softly as they pulled apart.

Boromir paused, recovering his breath. He shook his head sadly. “ No. It means a great deal to me. But that still does not mean I should,”

“ And if Legolas and I would return to Gondor with you?” pressed Aragorn. Boromir raised an eyebrow and laughed in genuine amusement.

” If you are who you claim to be, Aragorn, I believe my father would curse me harder than if I had simply been sleeping with other men! I fear he has become accustomed to the King of Gondor being a mere formality,” he shrugged and moved to follow the others. “ Aragorn, there are battles in this world that you cannot fight. I’m sorry,”

“ I will not accept that!” Aragorn walked quickly to catch up with him. Boromir paused, and sighed heavily to himself.

“ Aragorn,” he said slowly. “ you said that the relationship would not affect the Fellowship or our quest. I trust you not to break your word,”

“ That is unfair, Boromir,” growled the ranger.

“ Since when has this life ever been fair, Aragorn?” Boromir kept his eyes on the track ahead. “ Here I stand and here I draw the line. This is the right thing – the *only* thing – to do.”

“ For Gondor?” asked Aragorn weakly. Boromir smiled at him, a sad, lonely but determined smile of acknowledgement, and stepped up his pace to join the rest of the Fellowship. His reply remained unsaid between them, but it still echoed as though it had been shouted.

For Gondor.

END