{Nyctophilia Scripturient}

“You’re supposed to be working,” Legolas murmured without looking up.

Aragorn gave a small smile.

“I am working.”

“Watching me does not count as working.”

“That depends on the objective.”

Legolas finally looked up, just enough to give him a look that was meant to be disapproving but wasn’t really. Without a word, he left his chair. Aragorn barely lifted his eyes, following the movement more out of habit than curiosity.

“Where are you going?”

“To get a book.”

Legolas walked off between the shelves, disappearing almost immediately behind the tall rows. Aragorn stayed seated a second longer before closing his notebook without even pretending he was finished. He stood up in turn.

The aisles were narrow, lined with books up to the ceiling, the air thick with that paper scent Legolas liked so much. He was already there, slightly leaning forward, scanning the spines with precision, his fingers pausing now and then, barely hesitating before moving on. Aragorn stopped behind him.

“You’re taking this very seriously.”

Legolas did not startle.

“Unlike you.”

Aragorn stepped closer.

“You could take a break.”

“No.”

Aragorn smiled faintly. His hand found the edge of the shelf, right beside Legolas, reducing the space between them even more.

“Come on… just a minute.”

Legolas turned his head slightly, about to answer and Aragorn kissed him. He stayed still for a fraction of a second, just long enough to understand, before kissing him back. His hand, still resting against the books, slid slightly, finding Aragorn’s hair, brushing through it. The kiss lingered, discreet, restrained, unwilling to draw attention within those overly quiet walls. The silence around them made every movement more present, more dangerous too. Every breath felt closer, every second just a little too short.

A voice suddenly echoed through the nearly empty room, announcing the library’s imminent closing. They pulled apart before the librarian could see them. Their gazes met, but neither of them spoke.

They left the library side by side, their footsteps echoing softly through the empty corridors, their bags settled on their shoulders. Outside, the air was cooler, night already set in. Aragorn reached for Legolas’s hand, and Legolas laced his fingers with his in a gentle, affectionate gesture.

They walked on like that, hand in hand, moving away from the building toward Aragorn’s room.