Kittens ➵ Legolas Greenleaf
f! human! reader
ao3 link
wc: 3,200+
summary: legolas finds you injured after battle.
tags: human/elf, angst/fluff/happy ending, background aragorn/arwen, legolas/gimli friendship (and drinking games), drunken confessions, first kiss, injury, tending to said injury, post battle of the black gate, legolas gets drunk
a/n: love you all!!!
divider cred: me!
The light that filtered through the clouds made you wince, your adrenaline giving way to the dull ache from your side. A weak whimper left your lips, unable to lift your head from the grass. The shouts of soldiers echoed around you, making your head throb.
➵
“Have you seen our ace?” Legolas asks, rushing to find Aragorn as he looks over the battlefield.
“Last time I saw her, she was killing orcs one by one. Never seen her like that.” Aragorn smiles proudly.
“But have you seen her since?” The panic in Legolas’s voice makes Aragorn’s brows furrow.
“I don’t think I have.”
“Last time I saw the lass, she was fighting orcs to the west! She’s like a blur of blades, that girl.” Gimili snots, making Legolas’s gaze shoot up, scanning the bodies of orcs and their shoulders. He rushes down the stone stairs, stepping over the bodies and filtering through the faces he passes.
Your blood is the first thing he notices about your limp form on the ground. Your eyelids dropped with pain, teeth clenched in discomfort. He drops to his knees, face covering the sun as you blink up at his form. “Legolas?”
“I’m here, I’m here… you stupid human…” He mutters, grabbing a knife to cut through your pants and find the gash on your leg.
“I think I’m bleeding…” You hum softly, making him scoff and cup your cheek.
“You need to stay awake, alright?”
“You called me stupid…” You murmur with a smile as he rips a piece of fabric and ties it around your wound. Apologies leave his lips as you let out a soft whimper of pain, Aragorn and Gimili’s steps moving closer to the two of you.
“We need to get her to the medics!” Legolas cries out, the tears in the elf’s eyes making Aragorn’s eyes widen. He’d never seen the elf so distraught.
“Can you carry her?” Legolas nods, lifting your form into his arms and softly kissing your forehead with apologies at the cry of pain that leaves your lips.
“Legolas?”
“Yes?” He asks softly, clutching you closer as you move towards Gondor.
“I’m tired…”
“I know, my love… but I need you to stay awake for a little longer, ok?” You groan, making Legolas’s tears fall harder.
“Your love?” You murmur slowly.
“Stay awake… please stay awake.”
“I’m getting blood all over you.”
“I don’t mind at all…”
➵
The first noise that leaves your lips is a soft whimper of pain, making Legolas’s head shoot up and grab your hand softly. “Hey, hey, hey…” He whispers, grabbing a wet rag and pressing it to your brow.
“Legolas?” You whimper, shifting in discomfort. “What happened?”
“You took a sword to a leg… you’ve been sleeping for almost three days.”
“It hurts…” You whimper helplessly, making Legolas’s brows pinch in discomfort.
“I’m sorry, my love… I’m so sorry I wasn’t there.” You squeeze his hand as another wave of pain crashes through your body.
“I want to keep– sleeping–” You grunt, making Legolas nod, thumb running across the soft skin of your cheek.
“Keep sleeping… it’s alright…” You nod weakly.
➵
“You haven’t left her bedside.” Aragorn’s voice rings out softly, Legolas’s head resting on your stomach, watching your face as you sleep.
“I left her on the battlefield, and look what happened.”
“It wasn’t your fault, Legolas.”
“I could’ve been there for her!” Legolas sits up, his hand in yours, as Aragorn sets a heavy hand on his shoulder.
“She’s going to be ok.”
“She shouldn’t have been hurt in the first place.”
“This anger isn’t like you.”
“She’s hurt! You, stupid humans, don’t understand your mortality! She almost died! I almost– I almost lost her!” He shouts, tears filling his eyes as Aragorn watches sympathetically.
“You love her, my friend.”
“What?”
“You love her. The thought of her… the thought of losing her is your worst nightmare, yes?” Legolas turns back to your body, shoulders heaving with breath.
“I cannot lose her.” Legolas’s voice breaks, the emotion echoing through the space.
“Why?” Legolas’s silence makes Aragorn nod softly. “Do you need food?” Legolas shakes his head.
“I need her awake.”
➵
Legolas’s form was warm against your back, a large hand cradling your skull, the other arm around your middle. Your head was tucked against his chest as you writhed in pain as your bandage was changed. “You’re alright…” Legolas soothes, heart, tearing at the sound of your suffering. “Almost done.”
The wrinkles you’d eventually leave in his blouse from your grip couldn’t bother him as he helped you tighten. Aragorn apologises softly as he cleans the wound, weak sobs leaving your lips, the breath hitting Legolas’s neck.
As Aragorn finally finishes wrapping your wound, the tightness in your body eases, and your muscles limp against Legolas. “It’s healing well,” Aragorn mutters softly.
“This is the worst pain I’ve ever felt.” You sniffle softly, curling closer to Legolas. His hold tightened, swaying softly.
“I’ll leave you two. Make sure you rest.” You nod against Legolas’s chest, watching the other man leave the room.
“Not much of an ace now, hm?” You mutter softly, making Legolas let out a soft snort.
“We won the battle.”
“But here I am… a mere human… hurt… weak.”
“You are not weak.” His lips press to the crown of your head. “You’re a warrior. A beautiful one at that.”
“You flatter me.” He smiles softly. You shift uncomfortably in his arms with a weak breath.
“Does it hurt?”
“Horribly.” He hums, kissing the crown of your head again, letting it linger, ignoring the feeling stirring in his chest.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.” You whisper, lifting your head to look at him. A weak smile crosses his face as he gently cups your jaw. “Why haven’t you gone home?”
“I want to stay till you’re better. And Aragorn refuses to have his coronation until you're able to stand beside him.”
“Well, that’s stupid of him.” You mutter, making the elf snort out a laugh. “I cannot imagine I smell nice.”
“I’ll forgive it, considering your condition.”
“You cannot talk, elf.” You tease, gently hitting his chest. “You smell like fresh pine and river.”
“Fresh river?”
“Forgive me!” You giggle happily, making a smile grace his face.
“I will. Always.”
➵
“Legolas!” You call out, the elf quickly making his way into your room.
“Are you alright?”
“I’ve been cleared to bathe!” You grin, making his brows pinch in confusion for a moment. “Would– if it’s not too much to ask– can you help me bathe? Please?” Legolas’s heart stutters, frozen for a long moment as he looks at you.
“Are you sure?” You nod gently.
“If you don’t want to, you don’t have to.” He shakes his head, moving to take his boots off and set his things down. He helps you stand and moves you into the bathroom. “Aragorn already filled the tub.”
“You didn’t want him to help?” You shake your head lightly, and Legolas ignores the way the revelations make his shoulders stiffen in pride. He helps you undress, being conscious of making you feel safe and avoiding irritating the wound. He slowly helps you into the water, moving to sit by the edge of the tub. Your chest was hidden beneath a layer of bubbles, and the air smelled of elven remedies.
“Arwen must’ve brought some things.” He hums softly in agreement, watching you. Your eyes meet his as you give him a light smile. “Are you alright?”
“‘M glad you’re alive.” He whispers, making your expression soften. “You humans play too often with your mortality.”
“I didn’t want to get stabbed.” He snorts. “Will you wash my hair?” He nods, sitting up as you move to have your back face him. You hum happily as he begins to wash your hair, massaging the exhaustion and rest from your scalp. He takes his time, making sure to comb through the delicate strands.
“Better?” He asks gently, making your eyes flutter open with a nod.
“Much… thank you.” He nods, leaning forward to kiss your temple. Your eyes flutter shut at the feeling, humming softly.
➵
“You sure you’re up for this?” Aragorn asks softly, making you smile.
“I can stand for your coronation, sit for the party. Legolas will watch me like a hawk.” You snort, making Aragorn grin.
“He sure does love taking care of you.”
“I’m amazed he hasn’t gone home since the battle.” Aragorn gently ties your dress.
“He refuses to leave your side. I’ve known him a long time, but I’ve never seen him as worried as when he couldn’t find you after the battle. Carried you all the way to your room.”
“Did he really?” He nods, and you gently slip your earrings in and watch the other man’s expression through the mirror.
“Got blood all over his tunic, and he didn’t say a word. Wouldn’t even leave your bedside till you woke up.”
“Are you being serious?” You ask softly, turning to face the man. Aragorn nods with a knowing smile. A knock snaps the two of you out of your conversation, the familiar head of blonde hair making you grin.
“I’ll leave you two to it.” Aragorn smiles, pulling you into a light hug. “Don’t be late!” He teases, making you laugh as Legolas steps into the room.
“You look… beautiful.” He breathes out, making your expression soften.
“It’s just a dress.”
“A green dress.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“You look best in my favourite color.” You roll your eyes with a grin. “I mean it!”
“You look nice all… dressed up.” He looks down over his white attire with a bashful smile.
“I hate all of this formality.” You step forward to straighten the crown on his head gently. The red spreads across his ears, making you giggle. “Is your leg feeling alright?”
“I may need to lean on you during the ceremony.”
“You know I do not mind that.”
“And I’ll sit through most of the afterparty.”
“I’ll sit with you.”
“Oh, please, you don’t need to. I know Gimili wants a rematch on that drinking game.” Legolas snorts.
“I won’t leave you if you don’t want me to.”
“I want you to win the drinking game again and then sit with me, deal?” He nods, cupping your cheeks and kissing your forehead.
“Did Aragorn want you wearing a headpiece?” You nod, turning to the vanity and grabbing the headpiece. “May I?” You tilt your head softly but nod, handing it to him. He steps forward, setting the jewelry on your head with a proud grin. “Ready to go?” You nod, taking his arm.
➵
The ceremony drags, the customs are boring you, and your face is pinched in discomfort. Legolas offers his arm, and you send him a thankful glance, leaning your weight against him. You catch a fleeting glance from Aragorn, sending him a gentle glance to which he nods, glancing back to Gandalf.
Legolas’s arm drifts around your middle, supporting you softly and pulling you closer. The ceremony slowly comes to a close, and you smile as Aragorn sees Arwen for the first time, kissing her softly. “I’ve always admired their love.” You whisper to Legolas.
“It does amaze me.” He whispers back. “Giving up your immortality is probably the greatest… effort of love I’ve seen.” You nod softly.
“Someday, hm?” You mutter softly, leaning your head on the elf’s shoulder.
“Someday.”
➵
You watch with an enamoured smile as Legolas guzzles down pints of beer, Gimli at his side, muttering about his mock distaste for the elf beside him. You happily cheer Legolas on, making him shoot you a grin. “Feel it yet?”
“Barely!”
“Don’t listen to the elf, lass! He’s just a liar!”
“Interesting, coming from a dwarf who’s about to be a two-time loser!” Gimli shoots you an offended look as Legolas bursts into laughter. Aragorn walks over, standing beside you to watch, and you smile as Arwen sits beside you, greeting you gently.
Your conversation is eventually interrupted as Gimili falls off his seat, making the four of you giggle and making you cheer happily for Legolas. “Can I keep going?” He asks, making you smile affectionately.
“Why’s that?”
“I want to see if it’ll make me finally feel something!”
“Have at it, my friend.” Aragorn smiles.
“Would you grab me a pint?” You ask softly, gesturing to your legs. The new king nods, moving to stand beside Legolas and grab the drink.
“He adores you, y’know?” Arwen says softly, making you look at her.
“What?”
“Legolas.”
“He’s my friend!” You grin lightly, watching him gulp down another pint with Aragorn.
“He looks at you with more than that. You know how terrible he is at showing emotion… but I can’t help but notice how horrible he is at keeping his facade with you. Especially since after the battle.”
“You really think so?” You whisper, making her smile, and cup your cheek.
“Know so. Elf-to-elf and all.” You smile again, glancing at Legolas as Aragorn hands you your drink.
“How’s he doing?” You ask Aragorn, sipping at the ale.
“He took care of you for a long while, so I hope you’re excited to repay the favour.” You snort softly.
“Do elves get hangovers?” You ask the couple, making both of them laugh lightly.
“Worse than humans.” You nod slowly.
➵
“What are you doing~?” Legolas sing-songs, wrapping his arms around your shoulders and nuzzling the side of his head against yours.
“You’re certainly happy.” You remark, making him giggle happily.
“The ale is working! This feeling is wonderful!” You smile, reaching a hand up to cup the side of his head. He hums happily, the noise similar to a cat’s purr.
“I don’t think you’re going to be very happy in the morning.”
“I’ll be happy if you’re there. You’ll take care of me.” He smiles.
“That I will. It’s how I can repay the favour.” You turn to gently kiss his temple, making his smile widen.
“You don’t owe me anything… Just a smile…”
“You’re a happy drunk, hm?” You tease.
“I’m just happy to see you. Very happy… I love being around you.” His body sinks to the ground, his head resting on your knees, eyelashes fluttering as he looks up at you. Your expression softens, combing your fingers gently through his hair.
“You’re like a kitten.”
“Your kitten?” You snort, raising a brow.
“If you’d like.”
“I’d be your kitten… loyal to you… happy to be with you…”
“You're talking nonsense.” He shakes his head softly, his head resting against your good thigh.
“Love isn’t nonsense.”
“What?”
“Loving you isn’t nonsense…” He slurs softly, “It’s easy…” Your heart flutters, cupping his cheek.
“Loving me?” You whisper, thinking back to your conversation with Arwen.
“Dearly… couldn’t stand the thought of losing you in battle… Sometimes I think about giving up my immortality to be with you.”
“You can’t mean that.”
“Every word”
“Hopefully, you remember every word while you’re sober,” You mutter, making him raise a brow. “We need to get you back to the rooms.”
“Must we?”
“Let’s go.” He groans, standing unsteadily and holding onto you tightly.
➵
The morning comes slowly, Legolas’s form wrapped tightly around you as he snores, making you smile as your eyes flutter open at the morning sunlight. Your hand drifts into his unruly hair, a unique sight for the normally pristine elf. “Legolas…” You purr gently, making his nose scrunch up in distaste. “I want to get out of this dress… you’ve got to let me go…” He whines, making you laugh.
“How do you humans put up with this?”
“You should probably go through and then chug some water. If you don’t mind, I’d like to change out of my dress.” Legolas flutters his eyes fully open, scanning over your form and pulling away with an apologetic glance. “I meant what I said about throwing up.” You wink, unknowingly grabbing one of his larger shirts and stepping into the bathroom. You change slowly, trying to linger on the scent attached to the fabric as you pull it over your head.
Legolas pushes past you as you step back into the room, and you wince at the noise of his wretching. “I’m going to go grab you some water!”
When you return, he’s lying on the bed, arm thrown over his eyes. “Did I do anything stupid like you humans last night?” You pause for a long moment, making him move his arm to look at you before letting out a groan. “How bad?”
“I– bad– it–” You sputter, frantically glancing around the room to gather your thoughts. “I’ll tell you after you’ve slept so much.”
“That bad?”
“Not bad. Sleep.” He sends you a questioning glance before nodding.
➵
“He told me he loved me.” Aragorn's fork stops halfway to his mouth, and Arwen gives a knowing smile.
“I told you.” She smiles, making you roll your eyes, desperately ignoring the heat creeping up your cheeks. “And now somebody owes me a new dress.” She teases, making Aragorn smile.
“You bet on us?”
“It was obvious to anyone who wasn’t the two of you. Have you told him?” Aragorn asks, making you shake your head.
“I don’t want to tell him while he deals with his hangover… doesn’t feel very… romantic.” They both nod, continuing to eat.
“Drunk words are sober thought.” Aragorn remarks, giving you a mock toast with his glass.
➵
“Care to tell me what I said yet?” His voice rings out as you stand on the balcony, making you turn to face him.
“Feeling better?” He nods, stepping up to the railing, arm brushing yours.
“Much. Now, please just tell me what I did.” You take in a sharp intake of breath, moving your hand closer to his and gently intertwining your pinkies.
“Youkindoftoldmeyouloveme.” You rush out, making his brows furrow.
“What?”
“You said you’d make a good kitten because you were acting like one, and you said you’d be loyal, and then you said you loved me.” You breathe out, refusing to meet his gaze. “You also said seeing me hurt was the worst you’ve ever felt… and that you wanted to give up your immortality for me.” The silence lingers for a long moment, the only noise the soft hum of the wind.
“Really?”
“Mhmm.”
“Maybe I need to drink more often.” He laughs lightly, making your brows furrow.
“What?”
“It’s easier to say the things I’m truly thinking.” You turn to look at him, faced with a loving smile as he cups your cheek.
“Truly?”
“I… I do love you… almost losing you… I… I love you.” He whispers despraley, looping his other arm around you to pull you closer, still minding your leg.
“Legolas…”
“What did the kitten have to do with anything?” You laugh.
“Clingy and basically purring.” He snorts, kissing your forehead. “Can we discuss mortality another day?”
“Only if you’ll let me kiss you today.” Your gaze softens, leaning up to press your lips to his. He hums happily, hand rubbing your side. “I didn’t tell you how much I like seeing you in my shirt.”
“I like it– smells like you.” He tucks his nose beneath your jaw, pressing a kiss to the warm skin of your neck.
➵
“About that dress?” Arwen smiles, looping her arms around Aragorn’s shoulders
“Name your price.”
