(A sequel to "Malicious Intent")
Haldir stood motionless, the words he had so carefully planned seeming both elusive and irrelevant under Elladan�s glacial stare.
�You wished to speak with me?�
The voice was toneless, the question excruciatingly polite, but Haldir sensed he would receive little more encouragement. �I did,� he replied, joining Elladan at the table, though no invitation had been extended. �I wished to apologize for not being here to greet you. I was on patrol and could not...�
Elladan cut him off with an impatient wave of the hand. �You were offered a three-day leave and refused it, Haldir. You left for the border the very morning of my arrival.�
�How...�
�Grandmother thought to encourage our visit, and fancied your presence a fitting bribe for me. I knew before the offer was made. She did not realize you would decline her gift.� Elladan�s lips twisted into a bitter smile. �It seems she, too, presumed too much.�
�I spoke no promise nor intent. I did not deceive you.� The defensive words came reflexively, the curse of a lifetime�s hiding, and Haldir wished desperately to recall them, but could not. He watched in horror as the last of the light left the elder twin�s face.
�Very honorable of you, Haldir,� Elladan replied, his voice cold and steady despite the ache building in his chest. He had so wanted to believe Orophin�s assurances true, but now he yearned for nothing so much as to be alone with his anguish. Even the thought of Elrohir�s consoling touch held no comfort. �There seems little more to be said, so if you will excuse me...�
�No.�
One ebony eyebrow arched sharply, and Haldir could have wept with joy at the familiar flash of temper in his lover�s eyes. �I asked you to leave, Marchwarden,� Elladan ground out testily.
�And I refused,� Haldir retorted, though his voice was surprisingly gentle. �I will not leave before having my say, Elladan. You may toss me from the talan when I have finished, but first you will listen.�
�I will not,� Elladan spat, �I have had enough of your self-righteous honesty to last through the Ages...�
Elladan�s tirade was abruptly silenced when he was pulled unceremoniously to his feet and drawn into a fiercely possessive kiss, his shock giving way to a rush of unthinking desire before outrage firmly took control.
The unpleasant �thwump� of fist on jaw surprised Elladan as much as Haldir, whose eyes widened in astonishment, then narrowed dangerously before he launched himself at his assailant.
A string of curses and inventive obscenities left Elladan�s mouth as they tussled, his fury heightened by the vague smile that played at the corners of Haldir�s mouth. Finally, pinned to the talan floor by the Galadhel�s greater weight, Elladan deigned to address his opponent directly. �What is so bloody amusing?� he snapped, looking up into hazel eyes sparkling with mirth.
Haldir chuckled, shifting into a more comfortable position. �That last suggestion is a physical impossibility,� he teased, �unless I acquire a good deal more flexibility.�
�You are an idiot.�
�I am,� Haldir agreed. All teasing left his eyes as he raised one hand to trace Elladan�s flushed face. �And I love you.�
�What?�
�I love you,� Haldir repeated, the words coming easier once said. �I made no promise, but I should have done so...would do so now, if you will have it.�
Elladan bristled. �You think it so simple, Marchwarden? That you can make everything right by saying �I love you�?�
�Yes,� Haldir answered, holding his lover�s gaze. �Yes, I do.�
There was a moment�s silence, then Elladan smiled.
�And you are right.�