#justspeculating

Let me explain two people’s behavior with each other (both of whom I incredibly fond of) for I need the opinion of one wiser than I and who has lived far longer than I:

They constantly blush around each other, especially when one shows the other affection. They are intensely protective of each other. They know the little details of each other’s preferences. They anticipate each other’s needs and desires and ensure that those needs and desires are met. They tend to each other when the one is unwell. They dare not ask anything of the other that would cause distress. They both believe the other is due nothing short of the best life can offer in all things.

Do you think these two may have over the years they have been friends developed romantic feelings for each other?

Ah, well…

How curious! Ahem, let me see if I understand this properly, for I am not an expert on such matters.

Though, it would seem to me that these two are extraordinarily kind to each other, yes? That they show affection, protectiveness, and a deep care for each other’s well-being sounds almost... unusually close, doesn’t it?

Now, my own observations of friendships (and the nature of elves, especially), have led me to believe that sometimes—just sometimes—such bonds can grow into something beyond mere friendship.

However! It is equally possible that these two simply share a very deep and affectionate friendship, where they are in tune with each other’s needs, preferences, and desires. The little details they know about each other, the fact that they anticipate one another’s wishes, and even the care shown when one is unwell—all of these can be signs of a noble and selfless friendship. Many of us—particularly in Rivendell—can be quite attentive and sensitive to those we hold dear, and such connections don’t always necessarily imply romance.

Still, I can’t help but wonder. The fact that they both believe the other deserves nothing less than the best that life can offer… is romantic, don’t you think? If I were to speculate (and mind you, I don’t usually indulge in such wild suppositions), it does make one wonder if these two might have, over time, developed something more than friendship—especially considering the way they blush around each other.

Blushing, you say? Oh, that is definitely an indicator of something.

In my knowledge, when people are so protective and attentive, and yet blush when showing affection… Well, it could be a sign that something more is blooming between them.

And if they’re already tending to each other’s needs and desires without a second thought, they may very well have become… emotionally entangled, you might say. Romantically inclined, dare I add?

But! As I said, I am no expert in such matters. I would suggest that perhaps you wait and observe a bit longer. It might be that these two are simply exceptionally good friends—or, perhaps... the romantic truth might reveal itself in time.