When least expected

Chapter twenty three wake between sleep

Glorfindel easily lifted Elladan after making sure Lindir was comfortable in one chair and Elrond in another. He felt drained himself but refused to give into it, not when all others needed him to look after things.

Cradling Elladan he carefully walked to the adjoining room. He figured placing Elladan in Erestor’s care might be the best thing. The raven-haired elf needed something to stop him from brooding. He softly entered the room and grinned wickedly. Upon seeing the bed he abandoned his original idea to place Elladan in the chair next to Erestor’s bed now that he knew the bed was big enough for two elves and he decided to place Elladan in the bed.

“Erestor, meldir, move over.” He saw Erestor’s empty eyes turn towards him and he had to force himself not to flinch at their void. /Erestor, what did you do to yourself?/
“Elrond healed Elrohir, at least we hope. But he lacked sufficient energy, so we all lend him ours. Elladan is exhausted and needs to rest, so move over.”

Erestor wanted to ask why the blond didn’t bring Elladan elsewhere but he remained silent. Silent and motionless.
Seeing Erestor was not going to cooperate Glorfindel simply lowered his charge on the bed and turned. “I still need to make sure Elrond is alright. Take care of Elladan for us.”

This prompted reaction from Erestor. Glorfindel’s words made him remember his failure and he stared at Elladan in pain and fear, the blond’s words ringing in his ears. ‘take care of Elladan, take care of Elladan’.

Slowly and gradually his eyes filled with affection as he took in his beloved’s form. /Elladan./ He sighed longingly and closed his eyes. /I failed you but I cannot leave or I would fail you again. I have to look after you now. I have to take care of you. I shall wait until Elrohir is better and then I’ll leave./
His mind made up Erestor moved to his side, so Elladan had more room. Against his better judgement Erestor caressed his face and slowly his eyes lost their focus.

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“That’s it! I want to know what is going on. The suspense is killing me. I am going whether you’re coming or not.” Waiting was not one of Celeborn’s strong points.
Haldir embraced his lover from behind. “Saes, carat ve Envinyaroa maquetë. Ni ná istaina Orophin tuluva nyarë meten. Hanyan ar peryan lencafumëlla ar rucmëlla, nan rucin man naillë túva. Saes, melmënya, léstëan carë úqua hebë ten símen?”

The pleading note in Haldir’s voice brought tears to Celeborn’s eyes and he turned in the embrace. The look in his eyes was pleading as well but Celeborn read between the lines. He understood that Haldir wasn’t pleading with him to stay here, o yes, it sounded like that, but what Haldir really wanted was some reassurance his lover would stay with him.
“Ná te sa talt or melnya?”

Haldir’s eyes went wild atse wse words and he slowly started panting. He didn’t wish for Celeborn to find out. Not now. The healer had said it took little things to create the biggest complications and Haldir didn’t want to risk it. “I believe you wanted to go?”

Celeborn refused to take the bait. “I do, but you mean just as much to me, Haldir, if not more. I love you, and I wish I could wed you, but I am still bound to Galadriel. You know that just as well as I do. When the baby is born I shall write her, or far-speak if you prefer, to ask her to set me free. I can’t do it now, please understand Cuilenya.” By now he was planting tiny kisses on Haldir’s face. “I love you, only you. I am even carrying your child.”
Haldir grinned. “That was an accident.”
Celeborn smiled. “Aye, it was, but I wouldn’t change it if I had the change. I am glad I get to raise a child again, your child.”
Haldir melted against him. “I love you and I -do- trust you, your love, -our- love. But I can’t stop being afraid she’ll come back one day and take you away.” Seeing the disappointing look enter his lover eyes he hurried to erase it. “I wish I could, but I can’t. That doesn’t mean I listen, though. Come on, I am eager as well. But please let me look first.”

Celeborn allowed him to let it be, for now. /But when my hormones are under my control again we are going to a have a serious talk. This can get worse if you let, my love. And I would hate to see that happen./

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Haldir slowly, carefully and silently opened the door and was surprised to see a lot of sleeping elves. The fact that his lover was constantly pinching his side for information wasn’t helping to to look properly. “They appear to be sleeping.” Before Haldir realised it the door opened further and a grinning Glorfindel stood in the door. “Not everybody. Come in, don’t just stand there like two elflings on rampage.”

Celeborn smiled and grateful accepted the chair the eprespresented him.
The blond could read the questions in his eyes. “Your idea worked, Celeborn, though it took a lot of energy. Elrond is fine, though a little plagued. Erestor is getting better as well” /He’d better be./ “I’ve placed Elladan in his care and Lindir is asleep over there.”

Celeborn smiled at him. “It looks like you can do with some sleep as well and I doubt Elrond is comfortable on that chair.” He frowned but cheered instantly. “Elentínya, would you go get that sofa here. Then Elrond could sleep on it, and if it’s as large as I remember it you can do so too, Glorfindel.”
Haldir nodded and left, instantly followed by Glorfindel. He would help him and didn’t mind temporarily leaving the room now that Celeborn was present.

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Elrohir stirred and his eyes shot open. “ata?”
“Shhh, Elrohir, it’s all right. Your father is exhausted and I don’t think a balrog would wake him up now.” He turned his head to the direction of the sound and was pleased to see his grandfather standing beside him. “Ata’da.”

Celeborn smiled at him. “It is I. Your father is sleeping over there. Rather meek welcome, isn’t it? Everybody asleep. Lindir is sleeping on the chair against the wall, see.”
He always gave Elrohir time to follow his finger, so the young elf could ascertain for himself they were there. “Glorfindel and Haldir should be back shortly. I thought it better for your father to sleep on a sofa than on that chair. They’re getting it. And Glorfindel mentioned something about Erestor watching over Elladan.”

Elrohir’s face contorted. “Erestor, how is he. I….I…” Celeborn placed his hands on his shoulders. “Relax, pen-neth, Erestor is fine. It wasn’t a lethal wound, or else he would not be watching Elladan now. It’s not Erestor we are concerned about, pen-neth. Why do you feel there’s no more joy in this world?”
Elrohir shrugged. “There isn’t. But don’t worry. I won’t try again. That would only bring you all to Mandos’ Halls as well and I don’t want that.” Celeborn was pleased he wouldn’t try again and right now the reason didn’t matter.

He gasped when a sudden fierce kick took him by surprise and for a second he feared something was wrong, but then steadied himself. /They’re only kicking./
He saw Elrohir’s puzzled and worried look and grabbed hold of Elrohir’s left hand. Slowly he placed it atop his belly. And almost immediately there were two kicks, firmly against the hand, as if sensing their father’s intensions and wanting to aid in their own way.
Elrohir’s eyes widened when he realised what was going on. “You’re…”
Celeborn nodded. “Aye, I am. Haldir is my lover. He saved me from fading and I am glad he did. Now I know love, true love. And that’s his twins I am carrying. Will you help us raise them?” That way Elrohir had something to look forward to. Elrohir smiled and nodded, already dozing off again. He still had his hand on Celeborn’s belly when he was sound asleep.

He still stood there with Elrohir’s hand caressing his growing abdomen when the two elves returned with the couch. After planting it down they hurried to the bed. Glorfindel smiled at Elrohir’s expression. It seemed better, almost happy.
Haldir embraced his lover and Celeborn melted against him. “He woke up. He said he wouldn’t try again and he feel guilty about hurting Erestor. The babies kicked rather hard just now and Elrohir was pleased when he felt it. I asked him to help us. It will give him something joyful to look forward to.”
Haldir nuzzled his nose against him. “Wait here, Glorfindel, would you help again?”

Glorfindel obediently followed and sooner than before they returned with a second couch. Haldir sat himself down on it. “If you’re not here when he wakes it might set him back.”
Celeborn smiled and approached his lover. He already looked forward to this. It was smaller than his bed, but for some reason looked more comfortable. He laid himself down and allowed Haldir to get them both comfortable.
“Comfy?”
He smiled in the hairy curtain that now blocked his view. Haldir had very early realised Celeborn loved to fall asleep whilst seeing his lover’s hair, so Haldir now made sure he did. “You know I am. Glorfindel, you go to sleep as w Hal Haldir will guard us all.”

The blond had just placed Elrond upon the sofa and had every intention of staying awake, but now he looked over and saw Haldir’s promising nod. It was safe for him to rest.
Haldir understood Glorfindel’s desire to know them safe and guarded. He smiled when he saw the elda coop behind Elrond and pull the Peredhel into a protecting embrace. And it was because of the fatigue Haldir ableable to read Glorfindel’s emotions as well. He easily recognized them and closed his eyes in sadness.
And understanding. The blond’s remark had never meant to hurt him, Haldir now realised, but had been supportive and pleased that at least one of them had accomplished the impossible. /I will do the best I can to make you happy as well, meldir./

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Elladan’s eyes blinked and slowly opened. For a moment he was confused and wondered where he was but then the memories returned and he groaned. /Ro./

A soft, caring voice now entered his hearing, urging him to sleep and rest. He easily recognized it as Erestor’s and frowned. He distinctly remembered Erestor blocking them out and wondered if he was hallucinating. He cocked his head into the other’s voice, surprised to see Erestor next to him.

“Glorfindel planted you here, pen-neth. You are all exhausted. I’m sorry I failed to stop your brother, then all this” Elladan placed his hand over Erestor’s mouth and effectively silenced him. The dreariness made it han hin him to form full sentences. “Not your fault. Ro be ok.” He yawned and turned to his side, so he was facing the older elf. “Sleepy.”

Erestor smiled at him and, for the first time, his love was visible. “Then go to sleep and trust the Valar to keep you safe.” Elladan yawned again. “-Us- safe.” His eyes locked with Erestor and had a pleading note in them. “Stay.” To emphasize his point Elladan placed his arms around Erestor and shut them tightly, wiggling closer in the process. When he was done there wasn’t a place their bodies weren’t touching.
Erestor lovingly returned the embrace and placed a adoring kiss on Elladan’s hair. He could feel the lips curl into a smile against his chest. He heard Elladan’s last words before the twin dozed off again. “Smell pineapple”

The remark stunned Erestor but it pleased him. Now he was sure Elladan’s dreams would be pleasant. For some reason the elder twin had always been excited about pineapples. He would always bring them home and play with them. To the point it drove Elrond insane. Everywhere the Peredhel sat down he landed on a sharp pineapple. And in stead of apologizing or being worried about his father Elladan yelled at him for breaking his pineapple. Erestor smiled at the memories and soon was lost in a peaceful reverie himself.

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The next to awaken was Elrond and his eyes pierced to the form on the bed, looking for signs. He felt relieved he saw Elrohir’s chest move in a steady rhythm. He tried to rise and take his place in the chair but two strong arms kept him down. Only now did he realise he was being embraced. Touching the hands he smiled as he recognized them. /Glorfindel./

The desire to see the elda’s face made him turn in the embrace, careful enough not to wake the sleeping elf.
He smiled adoringly at the beautiful features. Unable to resist he raised his hand and caressed the golden tresses, being careful not to go near the sensitive ears. Elrond gazed into the deep blue orbs in which he could always lose himself. The slightly parted lips were pure temptation to Elrond, a temptation he was unable to resist. Slowly he leaned in closer and caressed them with his own.

It took two seconds for the blue orbs to become alert and stare in wonder and shock at the sight that greeted them.
Seeing the eyes were now filled with awareness Elrond jerked away, hitting himself over the head for his folly. He was sure Glorfindel did not return his feelings and was bound to hate him now.
“Elrond??”
Elrond swallowed. He was unable to look in the eyes that were bound to fill with loathing so he lowered his own. He opened his mouth but no words were formed and in the end all he did was nod.

Glorfindel could not believe it. Not only did he have Elrond in his arms but the Peredhel had just kissed him. “You kissed me?” He had a hard time getting his head to act normal.
Again Elrond did no more than nod. Glorfindel could feel his body trembling in fear. /He’s afraid? But why? Could it be that he fears my reaction?/ “Why did you?” He wanted to know before he drew the wrong conclusion and made an absolute fool out of himself.
Now that Elrond’s trembling increased without supplying an answer Glorfindel removed one arm from the embrace and used it to lift Elrond’s chin, locking eyes with the Peredhel. “Elrond?”

Elrond sighed. “Because I wanted to.” Glorfindel nodded. “That much is obvious, but why? And why are you trembling now?” Unable to remove his eyes Elrond closed them. “”Why I wanted to? Because you were so close. Because I’ve always wanted to. Because I love you.” There, he had said it.

When Glorfindel didn’t respond or even moved away from him Elrond opened his eyes. Glorfindel’s mouth was agape and he was staring at Elrond in sheer disbelief. When the blond finally did speak it was a mere stutter. “You…you….you love me?”
Elrond nodded.
At last Glorfindel had his mind back and he smiled. “You love me. And you want to kiss me.” He frowned. “That does not explain your trembling which is getting worse. You’re not getting sick, are you?”

The obvious worry and concern in his voice took Elrond aback. /Perhaps he will not leave me./ “You’re not mad at me?”
Glorfindel’s eyes widened. “You’re shaking yourself to pieces because you think I would be mad at you?” Elrond nodded and a fearful expression entered his face. Glorfindel shook his head. “If I would be mad I would not be holding you this close, now would I?”
Elrond nodded but could not stop trembling. He was still afraid Glorfindel would leave him now. The blond finally understood his fear and new precisely how to do away with that. “So you want to kiss me? Only when I’m asleep or when I’m awake as well?”

Elrond’s eyes widened and stared at him in utter shock. As in a daze Elrond saw Glorfindel closing the distance to kiss him. Just before he placed his lips against Elrond’s he smiled and allowed his feelings to show. “I’d like you to kiss me.”
Elrond lay passive whilst the blond slowly captured his mouth. Every movement sent fibres through his being, electrifying and warming him like nothing could.
At some point he realised this was really happening and he started returning the kiss with all his passion. The sudden force made Glorfindel fall backwards and now Elrond lay atop of him as they hungrily explored each other’s mouths. Only lack of air drove them apart.

Glorfindel looked up and the rapture in Elrond’s eyes made him speechless. That and the arousal that pressed against him. Elrond’s shy smile warmed his heart and their eyes expressed the words they didn’t dare speak. And not only because they weren’t alone in the room.

Elrond would have loved to instigate another kiss, but he knew he would not be able to stop himself from ripping their clothes apart and that was a step they couldn’t take just yet. So instead he laid his head on Glorfindel’s chest.
Glorfindel pulled his fresh love close. He kept repeating those words in his head and a blissful smile graced his features.

In the back of his mind Glorfindel realised they would never be able to show their love openly. It would hurt Elrohir and if Elrohir were hurt then so was Elrond. That made Glorfinrealrealised they would never share a room as they would have to pretend they weren’t lovers. His eyes watered at the thought. /As long as Elrond’s happy./

Unknown to them both Haldir had watched their kiss with interest. It made him wonder if they were already together. But a second later he heard Elrond’s words and banned that thought. He smiled at Glorfindel’s sudden happiness and frowned when he saw tears appear in the blue orbs. /What did I miss?/ He decided to keep a close eye on them, but at the same time realised it would be impossible for him to do so. /Rumil and Orophin can help. And Rielle./ Slowly a plan took shape in Haldir’s mind.

End chapter 23
TBC

Translations:
Saes, carat ve Envinyaroa maquetë. Ni ná istaina Orophin tuluva nyarë meten. Hanyan ar peryan lencafumëlla ar rucmëllan ran rucin man naillë túva. Saes, melmënya, léstëan carë úqua hebë ten símen?
Means
Please, do as Envinyaroa asks. I am sure Orophin will come tell us. I understand and share your worry and concern, but I fear what you might find. Please, my love, can I do nothing to keep you here?
Ná te sa talt or melnya? Means Are you that insecure about my love?