"Oh, can we go on that one? Please? - Irmo & Melkor
"I have sand everywhere." - Aegnor/Fingon
He loved Aikanar. This much was very little surprise. To everyone who knew them, in fact, and even before the both of them had realized it themselves. Even though signs had been there; the way Aikanar proclaimed his ever affection for Fingon, the way he told him again and again how he was the most beautiful elf in all Arda, even when he was weeping in his arms because of yet another heartbreak, the way Fingon always made himself available for Aikanar – anywhere, everywhere. The way the both of them brightened in the other’s company, the way they viewed the other as the closest to their heart. Finrod excepted, in Aikanar’s case – for nothing and no one could ever come close to the utter love Aikanar held for his brother, who in truth was more of an Atar than a Hanno.
Not that Fingon would say it. Arafinwë was a sore subject for Egg, who did not consider the elf as his Atar, not when it was Finrod who had raised him, who had helped him through his first steps, loves, victories.
Ah, anyway- back to the main point: Fingon loved Egg, he loved him with all of his heart, with every fiber of his being. He loved the bright smile of Aikanar, his easy going laughs, his ever enthusiasm for the world, his eagerness to help and make the world a brighter place; his everlasting cheer. He loved him so much it had hurt once, like a blade through his throat, to think that Aikanar had came close to forsaking his immortality for a summer crush.
He loved him, thus; but, Nienna’s sagging tits, he did not love his fondness for the sea.
Egg was busy constructing a sandcastle with elflings next to him, when Fingon was very reluctantly eyeing the beach. He was not particularly afraid, or reluctant in front of the fauna population of the beach: the seals were ever a favourite of both Egg and his; but, but, by all that was damned and the thrice-cursed smelling armpits of Tulkas, the sand.
It was rough, coarse, and got everywhere.
“Aikanar,” said Fingon, eyeing his towel. It seemed to get under an invasion of those particles; a war the towel was losing. “How long do you plan for us to stay there?”
“Huh?” Egg rose his eyes from the sandcastle he was constructing, telling the kids that every fortress needed a dungeon. “-I don’t know! Why, you’re burning? Did you put the sunscreen, Finno?”
“I put the sunscreen,” he patiently said. He had. “I’m just curious.”
“Oh! We’re not in a hurry. I was thinking of leaving when Laurelin fades?”
So a few hours still. Fingon sighed, gave him a nod. Tried not to put too much dramatic anguish in it. If some faded there nonetheless, Egg did not notice, too eager to come back to his explanation of a proper fortress to the kids – who were listening with rapt fascination.
He leaned back and closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin and the gentle sea breeze ruffling his hair. As much as he disliked the sand, he couldn't deny the beauty of the ocean stretched out before him, its waves crashing against the shore in a soothing rhythm. It was a scene of tranquility that Fingon often found himself appreciating, even if he wasn't entirely enamored with the sandy surroundings.
"Fingon!" Aikanar's voice interrupted his reverie, and he opened his eyes to find his lover standing over him, grinning wide.
"What is it?" Fingon asked, raising an eyebrow.
Aikanar held out a seashell, its intricate design catching the sunlight. "I found this for you,” he said, never losing his grin. It took on a softer touch although. “ I thought you might like it. It shines in the sun! Just like the ribbons in your hair! I thought something so pretty ought to belong to you.”
Fingon's heart swelled with affection. He took the seashell from Aikanar's hand, tracing a finger over its smooth surface. "Thank you, Egg. It's beautiful."
Aikanar plopped down beside him, leaning in for a quick kiss. "Anything for my Finno-Finno."
“Finno-Finno?” he laughed, shaking his head. “That’s a new one.”
“You liked my sweet seal better?”
He smiled, pulling on golden curls to get himself another kiss. “I like each and every one of them, Egg.”
Aikanar made a low whiny sound. “You can’t talk like that!” he whispered, pouting. “I’m busy with the kids! Now I want to kiss you until the age fades.”
Fingon leaned back, smirking in turn. “Perhaps it is time to let them construct the thing by themselves, then.”
Hesitation crossed Aikanar’s features- He glanced at the children engrossed in their sandcastle construction.
"Don't worry,” Fingon chuckled. “They're doing great, and we can always join them again later."
Aikanar's pout deepened, but he nodded reluctantly. "Fine, but only if they promise to save some shells for me."
As the children continued to work on their sandcastle, Fingon and Aikanar found a quieter spot a little farther away. They plopped with a groan onto the sand, the rhythmic sound of the ocean providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Fingon would never tire of those sounds.
Egg turned toward Fingon, his eyes softening. "You really don't mind being out here, do you? Even with the sand?"
He reached out, brushing a strand of golden hair away from Aikanar's face. Such a pretty face, and such pretty curls. "I hate the sand. I hate when I have it everywhere, but… I've come to realize that being with you makes any situation enjoyable, even if there's a little inconvenience involved."
A flush, and a beam. "You have a way with words, my love!”
Fingon chuckled, his fingers tracing patterns on Aikanar's arm. "I'm just speaking from the heart."
They layed there for hours, but it seemed seconds before one of the elflings came running, pointing to their creation.
"Look, Egg! Look what we made!"
Aikanar's eyes lit up with delight as he admired the sandcastle, the elfling’s efforts. Fingon couldn't help but smile at the scene before him – his sweet Egg, his heart so full of love and joy, and the elflings, basking in their accomplishments.
When Egg came back next to him, Fingon wrapped his arm around him, pulling him close. "I'm glad we stayed, Egg."
Aikanar leaned his head on Fingon's shoulder, a contented sigh escaping his lips. He laughed then, a sweet laugh. "Me too, Finno. And I promise, next time we'll bring a thicker blanket to sit on."