Title: Enough for Tonight (3-4/22) Author: Aglarien Rating: Eventually NC-17 Type: FPS Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. Except for the cat. Warning: AU. Fluff. Summary: Erestor cares for a wounded friend. *~*~*~*~* Part Three Glorfindel woke in the morning finally feeling warm, but the pain had returned and he knew it would be uncomfortable to move. The cat was still stretched along his left side, but he had somehow managed to pull Erestor closer and drape his good arm and one leg over the smaller elf. He turned and looked into Erestor’s eyes, and saw warm, chocolate eyes returning his gaze. Erestor had been awake for a while, but was afraid to move for fear of waking his friend. Not that he minded at all being so close to him, but the state of a certain part of his body was making him regret wishing he could be as close as Tinnu was. This was plain torture! Luckily the voluminous night robe was doing a good job of hiding “things”. “Good morn, Glorfindel,” Erestor said softly. “Are you feeling better this morning?” “Good morning, Erestor.” Glorfindel decided it was best not to say anything about pulling Erestor closer during the night. “Truthfully, I think I could use that potion to dull the pain again.” “Of course, my friend. We need to make sure you have the herbs for the infection as well, or Elrond will want you back in the healing house.” Erestor gently moved Glorfindel’s arm off of his chest, and slid out from under his leg. “Do you want to use the bathroom before you take the potion?” Glorfindel really did need to visit the bathroom, but decided he could wait. The thought of getting up from the warm bed and walking across the room right then was not a welcome one. “Not yet, Erestor. I will wait.” “You lie there and rest then, and I will be back with your potion in just a moment.” Erestor moved to the fire, removed the hot water kettle, took the herbs from the table, and carried everything into the bathroom with him. He prepared the potion with the herbs and set it aside to steep. Lifting his night robe, he stared down at his erect penis, proudly standing against his stomach. “All right you ungrateful wretch, there is only one thing I can do with you this morning,” he whispered. And taking himself in hand, he quickly dealt with his “problem”. After cleaning himself up, along with the mess he made, he stared down at himself, whispering, “Now behave! There will be no more of that nonsense this day!” Taking the kettle and cup with him, he calmly reentered the bedroom. Walking carefully to avoid tripping on the long robe, he replaced the kettle over the fire and placed the cup next to Glorfindel’s bed. Glorfindel had curled around the soft cat again, and Tinnu was purring in his ear. “Come, Glorfindel,” Erestor said, “let me help you sit up.” He moved Tinnu to the end of the bed, and carefully placed an arm under Glorfindel’s shoulders. “Are you ready, my friend?” he asked, feeling distressed at the pain this would probably cause his love. Glorfindel nodded, and Erestor gently raised his back, placing pillows against the headboard for support. He helped Glorfindel scoot back and settle his back in the pillows. “All right?” “Aye, Erestor. Thank you. I don’t know what I would do without you, my friend,” Glorfindel smiled gratefully. “I do,” Erestor smirked. “You would be in the healing house yelling and throwing things at everyone! Now drink your potion while it is hot.” Glorfindel swallowed, then screwed up his face. “You forgot the honey!” Erestor guiltily said, “I’m sorry Glorfindel. Drink it like this for now, and I will get more honey from the kitchens for next time.” Erestor was a bit angry with himself for letting his morning “problem” distract him from preparing Glorfindel’s potion. “Yes, Nana,” Glorfindel scowled. Erestor just smirked. Erestor picked up Tinnu, scratched around his ears, and walking with the cat to the door, said “Time for you to go outside, little one. If you don’t want to get your own breakfast this morning, come back and I will feed you.” Erestor set him down at the door, and the cat scurried off. Tinnu was very proud of earning his keep in the Last Homely House. All of the elves always praised him for his hunting skill. Erestor usually feed him at night with his favorite treats, but Tinnu liked to keep his hunting skills sharp by catching his own breakfast. He headed off for his favorite hunting ground, the grain cellar, which he proudly kept free of rats and mice. Erestor had helped Glorfindel to the bathroom, settled him back in bed, and changed into his own robes again before a servant arrived with their breakfast. He was just finishing feeding Glorfindel when Elrond arrived to check on his favorite patient. “Good morning Erestor, and how is my Seneschal this morning?” Elrond asked as Erestor opened the door for him. “Good morning Elrond.” Speaking softly so Glorfindel could not hear him, he added, “ He was in pain again this morning, but I think he is doing better. I have been mixing the herbs for his pain with the other ones, and it seems to be working.” “Good,” replied Elrond in a whisper. Entering the bedroom, Elrond greeted Glorfindel. “Good morning, my friend. Are you feeling better today?” “Aye, Elrond, but I will admit my shoulder feels like the balrog has been at it again.” Erestor helped Elrond remove Glorfindel’s sleeping robe from his shoulder, and Elrond gently removed the bandages. The cut was beginning to mend, but the flesh was swollen an angry red. Erestor gasped at the sight. “It’s the infection, Erestor. I expected it.” Elrond’s fingers sent small amounts of healing energy into the shoulder. He could not spare much – there were too many wounded last night, and he knew he had to rebuild his strength – but it was enough to ease Glorfindel’s pain and hopefully encourage healing. Elrond changed the herbs over the wound and wound new bandages around Glorfindel. He was surprised when Glorfindel did not question the fact that he was immobilizing his arm again. He must be hurting more than he is showing, Elrond thought. Sitting on the bed next to his golden friend, Elrond said, “Glorfindel, continue to rest and drink the herbs Erestor gives you. I hope in another day or two I will be able to free your arm, but right now it is best to restrict your movement so as not to pull the stitches.” Glorfindel nodded. “I understand. Elrond, I would dearly love to take a bath. I am still covered in old sweat from the battle, and I’m sure I smell. May I?” Elrond looked at Erestor. The councilor thought for a moment, and then said, “Perhaps if we only filled the bathtub half way, and we removed the bandages wrapping his arm, I could wash him while he holds the arm still. I could wash his hair over the end of the bath with a smaller tub. When we’re done, I would replace the bandages, of course. Would that work?” Elrond nodded. “That sound like a good plan. Glorfindel?” “Aye, Erestor. Thank you.” “Elrond, before you leave, would you mind staying with Glorfindel for a few minutes while I go collect some of my clothing and things?” Erestor asked. “Of course, my friend,” Elrond responded. Erestor quickly left Glorfindel’s rooms and hurried to his own. Oh, joy, he thought, to bathe Glorfindel! Visions of touching his love’s chest, washing his legs, washing his……. Oh no! was the next thought, how will I ever control myself! Erestor collected the clothing and personal items he needed, and then hurried to the Library to check on his assistants. He gave them their assignments, answered their questions, and on the way out stopped in his office to gather some work he might be able to squeeze in while Glorfindel slept. In less than ten minutes he was back at Glorfindel’s rooms. Leaving his work in Glorfindel’s sitting room, he carried everything else with him to the bedroom. “Glorfindel, are you ready for your bath now?” he asked. Glorfindel nodded eagerly. Maybe if Erestor helped him bathe it would cause a spark of interest in his friend. Glorfindel could only hope. “Erestor, you go prepare the bath, and I will remove the bandages.” Elrond stood and began to ready Glorfindel. Erestor opened the tap for the hot water from the springs below the house to flow into the bathtub, and selected a bottle of oil from the shelf. Opening the bottle, he smelled the scent he always associated with Glorfindel – a fresh evergreen with a hint of citrus. Smiling, he added the oil to the bath, just as Elrond and Glorfindel arrived at the door. Elrond helped Erestor remove Glorfindel’s night robe, and they carefully helped him sit in the bathtub. Glorfindel signed contentedly. “Erestor, will you be all right if I leave you now?” “Of course, Elrond. Thank you for your help,” Erestor smiled his goodbye. “Glorfindel, I will be back to check on you later,” Elrond said as he was leaving. Glorfindel simply nodded once. Erestor removed his robe, leaving him dressed only in his leggings. “Now, my friend, let’s start with your beautiful hair,” he said, all the while thinking to himself ‘remember he’s hurt, remember he’s hurt, remember he’s hurt,’ like a mantra. “You think my hair beautiful, Erestor?” Oops, had he said that? “Of course I do, my friend – all here do. Who else has such a golden head in Imladris?” There, that should cover up his slip. Erestor knelt and placed a low tub beneath Glorfindel’s head, and gently pulled his head back. Filling a pitcher with warm water, he slowly poured it through the luxurious hair. Glorfindel moaned blissfully. Erestor poured cleansing oils into the long tresses and gently began to massage Glorfindel’s scalp. More blissful moaning, accompanied by a smirk on Erestor’s face. “Aiya, Glorfindel, your hair is so long and thick. Does that feel good?” “Oooh….aye,” Glorfindel moaned, “it feels wonderful.” Erestor loved the feel of the lather and his fingers moving through Glorfindel’s hair. When he accidentally ran his fingers across the top of an ear, Glorfindel shuddered and moaned. Erestor could barely stand it. Glancing down to his crotch, he thought to himself, ‘Stop that. Stop that right now! What did I tell you not to do today!’ Realizing he’d better get his hands out of Glorfindel’s hair, and right now, he quickly rinsed the golden waves with fresh water. “Now, my friend, let’s start on the rest of you.” Still kneeling, he moved around to the side of the bathtub, grabbed a clean cloth, wet it in the water, and poured oil on it. Glorfindel was still sitting, leaning back against the tub with his eyes closed. “Glorfindel, are you comfortable? Would you like me to place some towels behind you to lean on?” “Nay, Erestor, I am fine. Will you wash me now, my friend?” Glorfindel kept his eyes closed. He wanted his heart’s desire to be able to look as much as he wanted without being embarrassed, and so missed seeing the evidence of Erestor’s interest creating a bulge in his leggings. Erestor nearly moaned has he gazed on his golden love. Oh, Glorfindel was so beautiful. All those muscles shaping the strong body, those kissable lips, his long shapely legs, those narrow hips, and oh my, Glorfindel is so big, and he’s not even half erect, and oh it’s so thick, so beautiful…...How I would love to…….’Stop that!’ he chastised himself. ‘Remember he’s hurt, remember he’s hurt….’ Erestor gently began to wash Glorfindel’s chest, carefully avoiding the bandage on his shoulder. It was too bad he neglected to carefully avoid Glorfindel’s rosy colored nipple, the tip standing firm and hard. Glorfindel’s moan was nearly his undoing, and he shifted uncomfortably. ‘Stupid, stupid, stupid…...’ Erestor chanted in his mind. It was a good thing Glorfindel’s eyes were still closed. Erestor moved the cloth to Glorfindel’s arms, and then his feet, washing up his legs, leaving off abruptly at his thighs. He gently brought the cloth to Glorfindel’s face, and washed that as well. “I think we’re all done, Glorfindel.” Glorfindel opened his eyes and looked into Erestor’s dark ones. Did he see desire there? He wasn’t sure, but maybe…….Damn this wound for making him not able to think straight! “Are you not going to wash the rest of me, my friend?” Erestor swallowed – hard. “I think maybe you should finish that Glorfindel,’ he said, shakily, and placed the cloth into Glorfindel’s hand. “Let me get some towels to dry you off,” he continued, quickly rising and turning around. But not quickly enough for Glorfindel to miss seeing the evidence of Erestor’s interest. Erestor was just about to help Glorfindel out of the bathtub when he heard scratching at the outer door. “Glorfindel, will you be all right for just a moment while I let Tinnu in?” Glorfindel nodded. Glorfindel could hear the door open, and then he heard Erestor exclaim, “Oh, no, Tinnu!” accompanied by low, rumbling meows and high-pitched chirps, all coming from the cat. “Erestor, what is wrong?” Glorfindel called. “I’m very much afraid Tinnu is bringing you a present, Glorfindel.” Tinnu strutted proudly into the room, carrying his gift for Glorfindel in his mouth – the reason for the odd sounds the cat was making. Reaching the bathroom entry, the cat dropped his gift on the floor, sat proudly next to it, and sang “Glorfindel! Look what I brought you!” all in warbling meows. Glorfindel held his left arm tightly with his right hand and tried not to laugh. On the floor was a perfectly dead, perfectly cleaned….rat. Erestor just stood with his head in his hands, while Glorfindel talked to the cat. “Oh, Tinnu, thank you! What a lovely present. You are such a good cat! What a mighty hunter you are! And how nice of you to share your breakfast with me. But my little friend, you deserve a reward too for staying and keeping me warm last night. I insist you eat your breakfast. I thank you, but you go ahead. You eat it, Tinnu.” The cat strolled up where Glorfindel sat in the bath, stretched up and gave his cheek a lick, then picking up his breakfast, walked back to the door for Erestor to let him out again. He didn’t really understand it, but his master never wanted him to eat his breakfast inside. It was all right to eat the treats Erestor gave him at night inside, but not his breakfast. “Good cat, Tinnu.” Erestor said, letting the cat out. Well, at least he was no longer aroused from bathing Glorfindel. “Erestor, would you mind bringing me the wash cloth again so I can clean my cheek again?” Erestor couldn’t help it. He burst out laughing. *~*~*~*~* Part 4 Erestor managed to get Glorfindel out of the bathtub, dried, bandaged, dressed in a clean night robe and tucked back into bed without any further ‘problem’. The bath had exhausted the wounded warrior; once he was back in bed he fell into another healing sleep. Erestor spent the rest of the morning sitting at Glorfindel’s desk and handling the work he had brought, while listening for Glorfindel in case he was needed. At midday Elrond arrived with lunch for the three of them, having decided Imladris could survive for an hour without him. He missed his friends. He and Erestor entered the bedroom just as Glorfindel was stirring. “Glorfindel,” Elrond said, moving to the bed, “I am sorry to have to wake you, my friend, but I’ve made a cream that will help your shoulder and I would like to apply it.” Glorfindel groggily opened his eyes, “Erestor, help me sit up?” Elrond was right there next to him, but he wasn’t going to miss a chance to have Erestor hold him. Erestor helped him up, and again the elves went through the process of removing the bandages. Glorfindel stifled a sigh. Wasn’t this the third time today? And it was only midday! Elrond gently applied the salve. As careful as he was, he still noticed Glorfindel gritting his teeth with the pain. “Erestor, I want you to apply this every four hours today, and then again every four hours tomorrow starting in the morning. I am sorry, Glorfindel,” he said, looking at his Seneschal, “I know it’s very uncomfortable for you, but it’s important.” Glorfindel moaned. First those damned foul tasting herbs every hour of the day, and now this! He was ready to start throwing things again! Elrond’s touch on his enflamed shoulder felt like fire. Wasn’t it just going to be a grand thing to look forward to every four hours! Well, maybe Erestor’s touch wouldn’t be so bad. Erestor could sense what was going through Glorfindel’s mind as well as Elrond could, and gently rubbed soft circles down his back. “Soon, my friend. Soon we’ll have you well again and feeling like your old self,” he whispered into Glorfindel’s ear. “Just try to have patience.” ‘Patience! Orc’s breath.’ Glorfindel thought. He was feeling about as patient as Asafaloth at a full gallop! “Come, my friends,” Elrond said, moving to fetch the lunch tray. “I have missed sharing meals with you already…” A knock at the door cut him off. “Enter” he called, and smirked to see Elrohir and Elladan enter, carrying a heavily loaded lunch tray between them. “Ada?” Elladan said, smiling. “We did not expect to find you here as well. We missed seeing Erestor and Glorfindel and thought we could have lunch with them. And Cook has made all of Glorfindel’s favorites.” “Come in, my sons, and join us,” Elrond chuckled, “Glorfindel, it certainly looks like we will all have a feast!” Erestor was thankful for the twins’ thoughtfulness, and gave them a grateful smile. They would help distract Glorfindel and keep his mind off his misery. Once everyone was arranged comfortably, the twins began regaling Glorfindel with all the various versions of his last fight with the Orcs that his patrol members were coming up with. The stories got more outrageous with each telling, until Glorfindel was hard pressed not to jar his shoulder from laughing. Erestor told the others about Tinnu’s “gift” for Glorfindel. In between, the other four elves fed Glorfindel choice tidbits until he could eat no more. Tinnu had magically appeared at Erestor’s feet and was sitting staring up hopefully at his master, waiting for a treat. “Wanton beggar,” Erestor told him, but handed the cat a treat from his own plate anyway. Once the lunch remains were cleared away and Elrond and his sons had left, it was time for more of the disgusting herb potion, this time with honey. Then helping Glorfindel to the bathroom again, and tucking him safely back into bed, with Tinnu sharing his pillow. “Glorfindel, would you like me to read to you for a while?” Erestor asked. Glorfindel nodded, and smiled up at Erestor. Lunch had left him somewhat exhausted, but he craved listening to Erestor’s sweet voice. Erestor selected a book, and settling himself at Glorfindel’s side, began to read. After just a few minutes, Glorfindel’s eyes were glazed over in reverie. Erestor wondered if it was his voice or Tinnu’s purring in Glorfindel’s ear that put him to sleep. Erestor sat and just watched the elf who held his heart sleeping for a while. When he was confident Glorfindel was deeply asleep, he leaned over and lightly kissed his cheek. “Rest well, my love,” he whispered. Then rising, he returned to his work in Glorfindel’s sitting room. Elrond returned later in the afternoon to help Erestor apply more salve to Glorfindel’s shoulder. Erestor had to bite his lips together to keep from crying out as he witnessed Glorfindel’s agony. Dinner was much the same as lunch, with the exception of Lindir joining them as well, the minstrel’s golden voice and harp joining the story telling. Glorfindel smiled contentedly, wrapped in the love and warmth of his friends. When all had again left, Erestor approached the bed. “Glorfindel, I am afraid it is time to put more salve on your shoulder again.” Glorfindel just sighed and nodded. Erestor removed the bandages, and gently touched the salve to the wound. Glorfindel’s eyes were firmly shut and his teeth were clenched together. He was almost shaking from the pain. Erestor couldn’t bear it. Tears welled his eyes, rolling over down his cheeks and splashing off his chin on to Glorfindel’s chest. “Oh Glorfindel, my lo…my friend, I am so sorry to cause you such pain,” he sobbed. Erestor was so distraught he barely registered his slip. Glorfindel’s eyes flashed open. What had Erestor almost said? Had he started to call him my love? It was enough to distract him from the pain. Gazing deeply into Erestor’s swimming eyes, he whispered, “It’s all right Erestor, it’s all right,” and wrapping his good right arm around Erestor, hugged him to his chest, whispering comforting nonsense into his ear. When Erestor could stop sobbing, he raised his head and smiled weakly at Glorfindel, then moved out of his embrace to replace the bandages and help settle Glorfindel comfortably for the night. This time, Erestor took his night robe into the bathroom to change. He splashed cold water on his face, and grimaced at his pitiful reflection in the mirror. Walking back through the bedroom, he moved to join Glorfindel on the bed. He wasn’t sure Glorfindel wanted him to sleep next to him, but he needed to be close to Glorfindel. Erestor’s heart was breaking with the pain Glorfindel was enduring. Glorfindel watched Erestor’s return, and when he reached the bed, lifted the bed covers for Erestor to join him. He could see the distress on Erestor’s face, and knew he was the cause of it. He never would have guessed this reversal in roles – his need to comfort Erestor instead of Erestor comforting him. He raised his free arm, wrapped it around Erestor and drew him close, nuzzling the top of the ebony head with his chin. “Erestor? Will you kiss me goodnight?” “Why?” “Because you are very dear to me, Erestor.” Erestor didn’t understand why Glorfindel wanted his kiss, but he didn’t care. Of course they were dear to each other – they were the closest of friends for centuries, for millennia. Refusing to think what this might do to their friendship, Erestor rose to his knees, and placing a hand on either side of Glorfindel, leaned over him and stared into the bluest eyes on Arda. What he saw there startled him. He saw love shining up at him. Slowly lowering his head, he gently placed his lips chastely over Glorfindel’s. Glorfindel moaned, and placing his large hand on the back of Erestor’s neck, pressed his lips firmer against Erestor’s. Oh, he wanted more of his sweet little love. Throwing caution to the wind, he opened his mouth and moved his tongue in between Erestor’s lips. Taking advantage of Erestor’s gasp, he gently pushed his tongue inside Erestor’s mouth. Erestor moaned long and loudly. Oh, my……what was Glorfindel doing to him? A bolt of lightening coursed through his body, causing him to shudder and moan again. Oh, this was heaven. Glorfindel’s tongue lazily curled around his own, the tip running along the sides of Erestor’s tongue. He wanted to be closer to Glorfindel, wanted to crawl inside of him, wanted to be surrounded by him. He pressed himself closer to Glorfindel, deepening their kiss even more. His heart filled with so much love for Glorfindel, it could not contain it. It burst out of his heart, out of his chest, and spread over the golden Lord. Breathlessly breaking the kiss, panting the name of his beloved, showering the face and neck beneath him with tender kisses. Moaning, sighing, “Glorfindel……Glorfindel…….I love you, I love you……”, the tender kisses never ceasing. “Erestor…my Erestor.” Tears of joy were running down Glorfindel’s face. “Loved you for so long…….love you…love you,” he captured Erestor’s lips with his own again, answering Erestor’s beautiful moans with his own. Oh, his Erestor was his, really his. Erestor loved him! His beautiful Erestor. Hearts beating wildly, they finally broke their kiss, blue eyes met deep brown, and they gazed in awe at each other. Glorfindel drew Erestor’s head down against his chest, sighing. “Sleep now, my love…tomorrow…tomorrow we will talk…..love you……love you my sweet Erestor…” Holding his little love close against his heart was enough for tonight. His eyes glazed, and he fell into reverie with a smile on his lips. Erestor lay awake for a long time, his head lying over Glorfindel’s heart, listening to the heartbeat, until he finally joined his beloved in reverie. And their hearts began to beat as one. Tbc…..