What if. A Beleg/Orodreth kiss 14. hesitantly
“You did not fret too much about me, did you, dear Orodreth?” Beleg’s smile was thin, despite his words. It had been so long since they had last seen each other; Beleg felt as though he lived another life in all that time, and they had not sent even a letter. But Orodreth had come to visit his sickbed, so he was at the least, grateful for that.
“Hmph,” Orodreth tutted sharply, fluttering about at the bedside with nervous energy. Something heavy lay between them. “You had us all fretting, Captain. Your young friend most of all. I find myself surprised to see he has been pried from your bedside.” Orodreth looked almost disappointed.
Beleg’s laugh ended with a hiss of pain. His wounds were still sore. “I told him to go and rest. I think I am well enough now that he is content to leave my side.”
“Ah. It is sweet that he cares for you so.”
“Yes.” The silence grew heavy. Beleg looked down at his hands, picking at a loose thread on his blanket. His voice was softer when he spoke again, quivering. “Do you still care for me, Orodreth? We had such sweet times ourselves, in Menegroth.”
“In Menegroth.” Orodreth repeated. “I confess, my mind has been occupied, and strayed little to thoughts of you in these last years.” He hesitated, twisting his bracelets anxiously.
Beleg felt a rush of guilt; he shouldn’t have said anything. He should have let the lingering affection he felt for the King fade into memory. But Orodreth continued.
“But my heart is glad to hear your voice again.” he leaned closer then, and pressed a single, hesitant kiss to Beleg’s lips. As he pulled back - too soon! - Beleg caught his chin and pulled him into a second kiss, bolder than the first.
“And I am glad to hear it, my lord.”
Perhaps the fleeting love they had shared would not take root again, but for now, Beleg would bask in the comfort of Orodreth’s company.
