Chapter Text
Boromir slumped down on the chair with a groan and let his head sink against the backrest. Théodred waited until the servants had finished putting food and drink on the table and stepped away, then he pushed a tankard in Boromir’s direction and picked a place on the other side of the table to give him some space.
He kept his silence, knowing Boromir would start talking about what bothered him when he was ready. Théodred still wasn’t quite sure how he’d ended up as the confidant of the Gondorian. It wasn’t that Boromir had no friends at home, he was quite popular as far as Théodred could tell from his visits to Mundburg. And yet, when he needed to get something off his chest, he came all the way here. And Théodred enjoyed his company even if he sometimes felt like beating some common sense into his head. For all that the Gondorians thought themselves above the Eorlingas, Théodred found them to be slightly lacking in that regard.
Boromir drank deeply and wiped the foam from his upper lip. “That’s better,” he sighed. “Can I stay here for a while?”
“You’re always welcome at my hearth.” Théodred answered. “But you know that. What happened?”
“I fought with Father.” Boromir rubbed his face.
“Faramir again?” For some reason Denethor seemed to find fault in anything Boromir’s younger brother did and Boromir protected him as best as he could.
“No, this time it’s all me. I feel pretty bad for leaving him behind, but I just couldn’t…” Boromir made a frustrated sound. “He told me I needed to put my efforts toward finding a wife — never mind that he married when he was in his forties. And I said, I felt more akin to King Eärnur, that protecting Gondor was more important to me than marriage. That… didn’t go over well.”
Théodred cocked his head. “Why?” He too felt the expectations of fathering an heir heavy on him. He’d recently agreed to a betrothal, but wasn’t too keen on moving it forward. His own inclinations lay somewhere else. He was not sure, if Boromir felt the same way. He certainly wasn’t reacting whenever he tried to flirt with him. It was as if he didn’t even notice. “I thought your father would be pleased that you put the realm first.” Boromir tended to brag about his feats of arms and how pleased Denethor was whenever he came home with orc blood on his sword.
“Yes, well… I forget how little you know about the history of Gondor.”
Théodred threw a rind of cheese at him. “Oh, and you know all about Rohan’s, I bet.”
“No, but I can count on Faramir being prepared in case of a state visit.” Boromir grinned wryly, then sobered again. “King Eärnur was the last king of Gondor. He went to accept the challenge of the Witch-king and was never seen again. And because he had no heir, the Stewards ruled in his stead. So according to my father I’m endangering the Line of Stewards by refusing to marry. I shouldn’t have doubled down by saying that luckily I have a brother.”
Théodred snorted. “You really should think before talking.”
“I was angry! How dare he insinuate I would willingly bring about the Downfall of Gondor!”
“You are both so full of yourselves!” Théodred threw another piece of food at him. “Rohan survived the death of Helm and his sons, Gondor apparently survived the drying up of the line of the kings. What makes you lot think, you’re so special?” That earned him a wry smile and a mock growl.
“And you, are you taking nothing serious?”
Théodred shrugged. “Oh, don’t mistake me. I know my duty, but I also believe life will go on here as it always has, whether I live or not. People will still breed horses and ride across the grassland. And they will fight bravely to protect our land. We will never be subdued, whatever comes.”
“I envy you. The success of our military endeavours has always rested on my shoulders since I was deemed old enough to lead. There’s so much pressure on me.”
“But you like the glory,” Théodred drawled. “I know you do, you prideful man.”
Boromir laughed. “I can’t deny it, you know me far too well.”
“Eat and drink and later we’ll listen to the bard tell of glorious battles long past.” Théodred pushed the platter of cold roast and the basket with bread invitingly at him. He knew Boromir had calmed down a little, when he dug in. His friend never felt like eating when his frustration got the better of him.
He wondered if Denethor knew that his son was coming here whenever he vanished from home. There’d never been inquiries, even when Boromir stayed for a few weeks, so maybe he made sure people knew where to find him. If his father was as keen on keeping the line going as Boromir said, he would surely get worried, if his heir left without a word. Théodred reached for his cup. Luckily that was not his problem.
Boromir sat beside Théodred in front of the roaring fire. It threw shadows across the hall, making him feel like the words of the bard were coming to life. He was chanting a lay of Eorl’s ride south to aid Gondor and although he was far from fluent in the language of the Rohirrim, he knew the story well enough to follow.
The tension had bled out of him, he was starting to feel his sore muscles from a day in the saddle. He smiled at the thought of how Théodred would laugh at him if he’d confess to it. Boromir did consider himself a decent enough rider, but his friend had been born to the saddle and rode as if he and his horse were one creature. He was above such things as saddle sores.
Deep down he was still angry at his father, but after venting about it to Théodred, he felt better. He was glad he had a friend in him. They’d started off eyeing each other warily after they’d been introduced to each other. But they’d found a common ground and had grown to like each other. For his friends at home he would always be the Steward’s son, no matter how much they loved him. He could never tell them the things he told Théodred. And while the prince had an entirely different idea of the importance of lineage, he still knew what it meant to have the responsibility over his people and lead men into a fight and sometimes their death.
Boromir looked down when he felt a touch on his hand. Théodred had moved his hand over until their knuckles touched. Boromir wasn’t quite sure why he didn’t pull away when Théodred’s fingers slipped between his. He suddenly remembered the times Théodred said something that sounded like an echo, a mirror, of what women said at parties to show their interest in him. He wasn’t very good at noticing it anyway and had already offended a few young ladies who took his ignorance as rudeness. He’d thought nothing of it coming from a man although he was aware such things existed. When he looked up again, he looked into Théodred’s eyes. His friend had turned to him and was watching him curiously.
“When you talked about not wishing to marry, I wondered if you might be like me after all.”
Boromir felt heat creep up his neck. Is first impulse was to violently deny it. He jerked back his hand and felt sorry for the look of disappointment on his friend’s face. He would have punched anyone else who’d dare to insinuate… But this was Théodred and despite his outrage he realised that his friend had taken a risk because he trusted him. They’d always been honest with each other.
“I…” Boromir was keenly aware of the fact that they were not alone and one of the people present was the King of Rohan. “Not here.” He would not cause a scene. And also he was painfully aware that he’d summoned up his outrage because that seemed like the proper reaction in such a situation, not because he genuinely felt that way.
“All right.” Théodred rose quietly and he followed him to his room. Belatedly it occurred to Boromir that it might not be the smartest idea to enter the bedroom of a man who’d just tried to seduce him. But it was still Théodred and he doubted he’d try anything dishonourable.
“I’m sorry, if I presumed too much. I just thought… well, I was wrong.” Théodred squared his shoulders. “I won’t mention it again. Are we still friends?”
“Of course. And you are… maybe not right, but… I don’t know.” Boromir rose from the chair he’d just sat on, because he couldn’t keep still. “I’ve wondered… if I could fall in love with a man, because… but it’s not that I don’t like women… But now I understand why you weren’t keen on coming to the brothel with us, when you visited! I just… what I meant, when I spoke of Eärnur earlier is, I don’t fall in love. I don’t know what they want from me when they talk about the love of husband and wife!” He looked helplessly at Théodred. “I don’t even know how to explain it. Everyone else seems to know what they are talking about, but for me there is just… nothing there. Maybe I’m wrong somehow. Maybe I lack something.”
Théodred rose and took Boromir’s hands in his. “You’re not wrong. I’m not wrong and neither are you.”
Boromir squeezed Théodred’s fingers. He was ashamed in the face of Théodred’s acceptance. “I’m sorry, I was ungracious before.”
“I didn’t thing you ungracious. Just surprised.”
“I thought ungracious thoughts. You are clearly the better man.”
Théodred shrugged with a boyish grin on his face. “I knew I was taking a chance. You Gondorians are so uptight and insistent on your manliness. But if you ever feel adventurous, you know where you can find me.”
Boromir laughed at that. “You are impossible, my friend, but I’m glad to have you.”
Théodred squeezed his hands. “My friend,” he said emphatically. “Always.”
Chapter Text
“I wish Mithrandir would just leave! My father does not like him and he likes it even less that Faramir is so interested in what he is willing to teach him.”
Th éodred had met the wandering wizard and while his counsel was never easy , he usually was right. He trusted him more than Saruman who ’d turned into an uneasy neighbour. “Your father is a proud man. I can see why he would feel… challenged by the wizard,” he offered.
“And right he is!” Boromir growled. “He comes in like he owns the place and requests — nay, demands! — access to the Steward’s Archives.”
Th éodred rolled his eyes. “Oh, come now. Don’t tell me you rode for hours to whine about an old man’s impoliteness.”
Boromir tended to be touchy when he thought the right and honour of the Stewardship slighted in a way Th éodred would never understand. Sure, he too had certain privileges as prince, but honour came with action and if someone denied you respect, you had to find out why. As for the wizards: They were something else and he felt normal rules didn ’t apply to them. He wasn’t even sure they were humans.
“No, you’re right. I just hate how his presence makes Father pick on Faramir all the time. He’s finding fault in anything he does lately and if I try to intervene, I’m being reminded of my own shortcomings. It’s just so… frustrating. I want to please him — Faramir and I both do — but in this regard I simply can’t.”
“Still going on about your marriage?”
“I see you gave in at last.”
“Yes, well. With my father’s health getting worse, it was thought our people would be pleased with a wedding.” Théodred sighed. “She’s nice enough and I suppose I’ll get her pregnant eventually.” He grimaced at the thought. She was a nice person and he liked to talk to her, but he felt no interest at all in bedding her. “It feels… dishonest somehow. I mean, I’ve never made a secret out of my love for men, but it is less accepted, if you never intend to marry. And she clearly thinks I’ll eventually come to love her.”
“I get it.” Boromir shook his head with a frustrated noise. “How can I think of choosing a wife? How would I choose? And while I’ll probably enjoy bedding her more than you, it seems so dishonest to make a woman — any woman — believe something that is not true.”
They looked bleakly at each other. Boromir snorted.
“What’s so funny?”
“Oh, I just thought, if either of us were female, they’d have married us to each other long ago.”
“I have a cousin, who’s of marrying age, if you are interested,” Théodred said with a wink.
“Oh, I know. Father already thought of that.” Boromir shook his head. “No, I think better not.”
Th éodred didn’t say that he thought they might actually not fit that badly. Éowyn was a handful and knew her way around sword and spear. They might not find love but at least companionship. If Denethor had mentioned her, it might already be in their future. No need to try to convince Boromir and make him feel miserable.
After a long, brooding silence, Boromir said slowly: “You made me an offer, once.”
Th éodred felt his heart leap into his throat, a spark of excitement shot through him. He couldn ’t mean …
“Does it still stand, even though you are married now?”
“It does,” Théodred answered, trying to keep his voice calm. He shifted his weight, his trousers felt suddenly too tight.
“And it won’t change our friendship? I’ve told you, I don’t love the way other people do.”
“I remember.” Théodred leaned over and cupped Boromir’s cheek in his palm. “Will it change our friendship? It might. But whether this lasts a night or a year or a life, I will always be first and foremost your friend.”
Boromir turned his face and pressed his lips to his palm, a shock ran up Th éodred’s arm. “Come,” he said with a tremble in his voice. “I know a place where we won’t be disturbed.”
He grabbed both their cloaks and led Boromir outside and through the town towards the winter stables. The horses were in their paddocks until the weather turned colder, no one would be in here.
“What changed your mind?”, Théodred asked.
“I’m… not sure I changed my mind. It’s more that I’m finally allowing myself to admit I want this.” The light he’d taken with him was not bright enough to see much of Boromir’s face but he sounded rather flustered and Théodred smiled.
“Don’t worry, I won’t make fun of you because of it.” He linked their arms. “I’m happy you came around.”
“It just… In recent years I’ve longed more and more for sex that is more than a transaction between strangers. I care for you very much. Just not in a romantic way.”
Th éodred turned towards his friend and held his gaze. “I care for you too, Boromir. And I would not want you to fall in love with me. That would make things rather complicated. Don’t you think?”
Boromir smiled wryly. “You’re right.”
Th éodred led him up a ladder to the hayloft and hung the lamp on a hook. He spread their cloaks on last year’s hay before sitting down and patting the spot beside him. Boromir sat down gingerly.
“Can I kiss you?” Théodred asked leaning into him. “I’ve wanted to for a long time.”
Boromir nodded and Th éodred closed the space between them. Their lips met tenderly and Théodred let the kiss linger while his hand stroked Boromir’s neck. He wanted him now and he wanted to draw this out, he ’d longed for this for such a long time. Boromir’s hand moved down his back and slipped under his shirt to touch his bare skin. Théodred jolted, every touch made him ache for more. He pulled Boromir closer and down until they lay flush against each other. He could feel Boromir’s erection press into his belly and his own cock strained against his trousers. Théodred reached down to untie his laces, he wanted to feel skin on skin.
“Théodred,” Boromir said haltingly, his hand hovering over his. “You know, I never…”
“I’m aware.” Théodred gave him a quick peck on the lips. “For once in your life, great Captain of Gondor, let someone else lead.”
Boromir snorted but seeing what Th éodred was at, obligingly wiggled out of his own pants. “Alright,” he said, the muscle of his thigh was tense, but his face was full of trust and Théodred kissed him again, because he did not want him to see him overwhelmed with feelings. “You’re going to enjoy this, I promise,” he said, caressing Boromir’s long thigh before letting his hand dip down. Boromir sucked in his breath and moaned.
“Now, I’m sure you’ve done this plenty of times to yourself,” Théodred teased, reaching for Boromir’s hand and leading it to his own aching cock. “So you know what to do.”
Boromir laughed breathlessly and Th éodred leaned his forehead against Boromir’s shoulder when his broad, calloused fingers closed around him. He was relieved that he wasn’t as quick to come as he’d been in his younger years or this would have ended embarrassingly fast.
After a bit of fumbling, they found a common rhythm. Moving together, breathing each other ’s moans. Boromir’s free hand was in his hair, massaging his scalp, tugging whenever he stroked him just the right way. Théodred shivered, thrusting into him, feeling his peak coming closer. He moved his head down, Boromir still wore his shirt but his nipple was clearly visible through the fine linen, Théodred licked it before biting down. Boromir moaned, arching his back, his hand fisting his hair and sending a spike of painful pleasure down his spine.
Th éodred thrust against him, spilling himself messily over his thighs. Fingers jerking, he quickened his strokes, sucking and tugging Boromir’s nipple until he felt the body under him shudder and warm fluid between his fingers. Théodred let his trembling arm give way and rested his head on Boromir’s chest, breathing heavily and the sound of his friends racing heart under his ear.
Boromir ’s hand slid down his head and came to rest at his nape, warm and reassuring. Théodred felt a grin spread over his face. He was so happy.
Boromir stared at the wooden beams of the roof, Th éodred was curled up beside him, his head pillowed on his chest. He had fallen asleep and Boromir felt deeply happy lying here with him, skin to skin, after sharing their pleasure.
It was odd, for most of his life he ’d thought of sex between men as scandalous if not outright wrong, but here he was with a man in his arms and he felt satisfied in a way that he’d rarely felt with women. Théodred touching him in all the right ways… and his banter that spoke of how well he knew him… Boromir rubbed his face. This felt right. More right than paying a stranger for sex. Théodred moved and blinked up at him.
“You alright?” he asked sleepily.
“Very.” Boromir answered and hugged him close. “This feels great.”
“I’m happy.” Théodred snuggled into him. “I’m glad it’s what you hoped for.”
“But is it for you? I’d hate to think I was using you.”
“Oh, shut up! None of that.” Théodred rose on his elbows and looked sternly at him. “I knew what you were offering. I’m not a blushing youth fancying himself in love at the smallest encouragement. We are friends and this is just another facet of our friendship now.”
Boromir was relieved, he ’d had a touch of second thoughts, but Théodred had dispelled them with his words. “I’m so lucky to have you as my friend,” he said and kissed him again, feeling daring for initiating it this time.
“And I you.” Théodred slid his hand under his shirt and pushed it up. “Let’s get rid of this.”
Boromir obliged him happily. He felt younger than he was, this was new and exciting in a way he hadn ’t thought about sex since he’d been in his teens.
He slid his fingers over Th éodred’s chest, the white lines of scars clearly visible on his tanned skin. They both led a dangerous life. All the more precious was the tenderness of these moments. They shared another long kiss. Théodred’s hand was slippery when it wrapped around Boromir’s rising cock.
“I want you inside me”, he said, straddling him.
There was a joke about stallions and riding floating through Boromir ’s head, but Théodred lowered himself slowly, his muscles hot and pulsing around him and all words deserted him. His hands flew to Théodred’s hips and clutched his buttocks.
“Look at me.”
Boromir opened his eyes that had fluttered shut. Th éodred plucked one of his hands off his skin and led it to his lips, nibbling at his knuckles. And then he started to move on him, rising and falling, his strong thighs flexing until Boromir felt like he was drowning in the blueness of his eyes, ecstasy rushing through him. He reached for Théodred’s neck, drawing him down for a sloppy, passionate kiss when he came. Théodred rocked against him, his cock caught between their bodies, until he spilled himself on his belly.
A while later Th éodred sat up and reached for his discarded clothes. “I hate to say it, but we should sneak back into the palace before we are surprised by the dawn.”
“Yes, I suppose so.” Boromir dressed himself regretfully. “Maybe it would be wise to get some sleep while we can.”
It had already been late when they slipped out of Meduseld and there hadn ’t been much sleeping afterwards. He reached for Théodred’s hand and held it tight. “Your warmth will help me through many dark days.”
Théodred smiled gently at him. “And I’ll think of you when I’m lonely.” They shared a last kiss before climbing down the ladder and hurrying back to their beds.
Chapter Text
Boromir arrived late at Edoras. He’d sent a message ahead, hoping Théodred could manage to be there when he came. He was on his way north towards an uncertain destination and not sure when he’d return. He wished to see his friend one last time before riding into the unknown.
Th éodred waited for him with food and drink and a happy smile, but Boromir noticed quickly that all was not well.
“What’s wrong?” he ask softly.
“Nothing,” Théodred said unconvincingly.
“Come now.” Boromir reached out to squeeze his friends shoulder. “Through so many years you have listened to my problems. Won’t you let me listen to yours?”
Th éodred sighed deeply. “It’s father,” he finally said. “His health has been in decline for a while and… he listens more to his advisor than he should. I’m doing everything I can to protect our borders — and luckily we have competent marshals — but I wish he would let me help with making decisions. I don’t trust Saruman anymore, there seems to be something going on in Isengard. And on top of it we’ve had all black horses stolen from our eastern pastures.”
“Mhm, things are moving in Mordor. We had to weather an attack on Osgiliath not so long ago. Faramir and I barely escaped alive.” Boromir shuddered when he thought of the strange, suffocating presence they’d both felt there. “I wish I could help you with Saruman. If you like, I can send a message back home and ask father to send a delegation there — Isengard is still technically a fortress of Gondor — but I’ll be honest, as things stand right now, I doubt he can spare any men. And I have to be on my way in the morning.”
“What’s the hurry?” Théodred looked surprised, usually Boromir’s visits lasted longer.
“I’m on a journey northwards.” Boromir hesitated, not sure if Théodred wouldn’t think him mad to follow words spoken in a dream. “My brother has been dreaming and I too had it once.” He quickly recounted the words. “I don’t understand half of it, but Imladris is an Elven city to the north, I’m on my way to find it and seek counsel there.”
“You think they’d help?” Théodred sounded less than convinced. “I’d have to be very desperate to seek out the Lady of the Golden Wood.”
“My people were close to the Elves once. We fought together against the Enemy. It was a long time ago, but we hope there might still be some goodwill there.”
Th éodred looked into the fire and it seemed to Boromir that his eyes shone more brightly than was usual. “What if you don’t come back?”, he said softly. “Could no one else go?”
“No”, Boromir answered firmly. “My brother wanted to go, but I took the task from him. If anyone goes into danger unknown, it should be me.”
“Like King Eärnur, lost in a strange land, to the depths of time.”
“I’m not going towards a fight. Théodred,” Boromir said gently, “we always knew that one of us might die in battle. We are soldiers, both of us.”
“Yes, but this is different somehow. You might die somewhere in the wilderness, alone, and I’d never know.”
Boromir changed places so he could lay his arm around Th éodred’s shoulders. For anyone around them it would look like nothing more than a friendly gesture, but Théodred leaned into him and Boromir felt warmth spread through his body.
“I cannot promise you that I will return, that would be wrong. I’ve come here, because I wanted to see you one last time, before I head into the unknown. But I can promise that I’ll do my best to come back. Will you promise me, you’ll do your best to be here, when I do.”
Th éodred looked at him with sad eyes. “I promise. Although I, too, don’t know what the future has in store for me.”
Boromir leaned his forehead against Th éodred’s. “Come to my room tonight? I crave to be close to you.”
Th éodred’s throat moved. “Yes”, he whispered back. “I’ll meet you there.”
Boromir waited in the light of the fire. He knew Th éodred would come and yet with every moment he became more worried that he wouldn’t. Maybe he was too worried about his father, maybe he shouldn’t have asked him to take care of him once again, when he clearly had so many troubles of his own.
“Idiot,” Boromir mumbled at himself. “When could you not count on him.” Théodred would come. He just needed to wait for a little longer.
Boromir breathed a sigh of relief when he heard a quiet knock at his door and stood up to let his friend inside.
“I’m sorry. I was held up by my cousin. She’s terribly worried about my father and I owe her deeply for all the care she gives him.”
Boromir hugged Th éodred tight. It had chilled him to see Théoden growing old and infirm during the last few years. He was much younger than his own father and he’d never quite realised how much the Númenórean blood still prolonged their lives beyond that of other men.
“I never knew my mother”, Théodred whispered into his shoulder. “And now I’m facing the reality of losing my father, too.”
Boromir rubbed his back and thought of his own mother who ’d died far too early. “Your father has always been kind to me,” he said. In earlier years, Théoden had sometimes joined them riding out or talking at the fire at night. He had felt much more approachable than his own father. It had made him realise there were different ways of being a ruler and inspire one’s people. “I wish I could help.”
“You can. You can give me a few happy hours and make me think of something else tonight.”
Th éodred stepped out of his arms to get rid of his clothes and Boromir followed suit. He, too, didn’t want to think of tomorrow and the uncertain journey ahead of him, while behind him Gondor was in danger. And while Faramir was not a reckless man, a lot could happen in war, and he feared he would be egged on by their father to dare more than was sensible.
Th éodred traced Boromir’s eyebrows with his thumb. “We both need a bit of peace tonight, I think,” he said gently.
Boromir took his hand and kissed the pad of each finger. “Come to bed.” He drew him down on the mattress and kissed him deeply. Théodred clung to him almost desperately, as if he wanted to melt into him. Boromir turned him on his back and caressed him with hands and lips and teeth, making him moan and bite down on his hand to muffle his cries. He pushed everything but the pleasure of his friend out of his mind while he moved down his body and pressed his lips to the head of Théodred’s cock.
Th éodred sucked in his breath, his fingers gripped a fistful of Boromir’s hair when he took him into his mouth. Boromir closed his eyes and put all he had into pleasuring him. He had spoken lightly but he worried and if this was the last time they were together, he wanted it to be especially good. Théodred tugged on his hair and urged him breathlessly to turn around until he could stroke Boromir’s cock.
Although they didn ’t meet that often, they’d found a common rhythm over the years that was easy to move into. Boromir relaxed, worry melting away with the pleasure. They came almost at the same time and hugged each other close. Usually they were more careful to not be found in the same bed in the morning, but this night they were beyond such worries.
Th éodred stood on the steps in front of the Golden Hall and watched Boromir ride away west over the plains. The wind blew his hair behind him, and surely it was only the wind, stinging in his eyes, that made tears run down his cheeks.
“Good luck, you proud, foolish man,” he said softly. “May all the good wishes of both our people be with you and bring you home safely.”
Masked_Man_2 on Chapter 1 Sun 07 Sep 2025 12:15AM UTC
Comment Actions
ChrissyStriped on Chapter 1 Sun 07 Sep 2025 03:32PM UTC
Comment Actions