IC Inbox [Ruby City]

[bythewaves]

Your pardon, but I am unavailable. If you will, leave a message and I will answer as soon as I may

Comments

[castintofire]

{Ha! Maedhros grins down at him and ushers him inside. He loves his little brother's smile. And even he can manage making them hot chocolate, though with cooking he's getting better.}

Have you eaten today? {So there's this thing he does want to know, because it means making sure his brother's taking care of himself somewhat.}

[bythewaves]

[ He nods, and then pauses and shakes his head, daring to risk a quick voice ]

Not... today, I think. Dinner. Yes.

[castintofire]

{There is no scolding. Maedhros isn't all that surprised either.}

There are some leftover pastries if you do not want to wait until Fingon gets home.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor tips his head and tugs at Maedhros' sleeve curiously.

What sort? ]

[castintofire]

{Maglor doesn't always have to speak to be understood. Maedhros tips his head back, thinking.}

Berries of some sort. They remind me of Elros' favorites.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor lights up at the thought - he has something of a sweet tooth himself, although he rarely indulges - and tugs more determinedly.

Yes! ]

[castintofire]

{Maedhros fights a laugh and attempts a serious frown, looking back at his brother.}

You might be right. Perhaps I should find something less sweet for you.

{His actions counter his words, as when they reach the kitchen, it's the berry pastries he pulls out.}

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor sticks his tongue out at him in answer and eyes the pastries happily before reaching for one and offering the other to Maedhros with a smile ]

[castintofire]

{A fond ruffle of black hair. Maedhros nudges his brother over to take a seat, accepting the pastry with a warm smile.}

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor grins back at him and settles next to Maedhros, daring to risk speech again ]

Are you happy here, Nelyo?

[castintofire]

{Maedhros leans against his brother, nibbling contently on the treat.}

I am. It is...peaceful.

[bythewaves]

[ Maglor nibbles at first before setting to more enhusiastically - he's hungrier than he thought ]

Good. [ He says in satisfaction ]

I like it when you are happy. Even if [ NOPE NOT SAYING THAT NOPE ]

[castintofire]

{Neither pass unnoticed. Maedhros presses a kiss to his brother's temple.

'Even if'. He doesn't let himself ask for the rest.}

...Will you stay for dinner? Finno would love to see you. There will be more sweets after.

[bythewaves]

[ He licks the crumbs off and leans against Maedhros in turn before nodding ]

If Fingon doesn't mind?

[castintofire]

Why should he mind? He loves you too.

[bythewaves]

I thought you might have wanted a quiet dinner. [ He shrugs shyly ]

[castintofire]

You being with us does not have to change that, little brother.

[bythewaves]

[ Another shy shrug ] I did not want to interrupt.

Also it.. [ NOPE NOT GOING THERE EITHER ]

[castintofire]

{Maedhros gives a playful tug to his brother's hair.}

You interrupt nothing you have not done a thousand times before. Stay with us until nightfall, and I will walk with you back to your little one.

[bythewaves]

He's not mine. [ Softly ] He has a father.

They never are.

[castintofire]

No. {A sigh and Maedhros leans his head against his brother's.}

He has a father. But he also has you.

[bythewaves]

I should not try and claim them, but I love them, Nelyo. And I will never have children of my own.

[castintofire]

Would that I could change that. You are a good guardian, and would be an excellent father. {Had Elrond and Elros not proven that?}

[bythewaves]

I know - you tried, Nelyo. I just. I cannot... I do not...

[ He stops in frustration, not wanting to hurt his brother by saying the words he knows the city is trying to drag out of him - nothing he is sure Maedhros has not already thought or said himself, but he does not want to hurt him again ]

IwasterribleIhurtthemweabandonedthem,Nelyo!

[castintofire]

{Maedhros wraps his brother up in a tight hug, firmly ignoring the pain that flares up.}

And still they loved us. I wish I could keep you from this torment. {There lays guilt; that his own torment fades. Little by little, day by day.}