Celebrimbor x m!reader, 784 words
m/m, fluff, first kiss
Part 1 | Part 2
(I don't know if my ADHD will ever let me get to this scene, so I decided to just write it down out of order. At this point in the story, reader and Celebrimbor know each other well, and work together, and are heavily pining for each other, but of course neither has confessed yet...)
It was late and the sun had already set, as Celebrimbor walked past the workshop and heard the rhythmic strokes of a hammer. Someone was working late.
Curiosity commanded him to take a look, for a little voice at the back of his head was hoping quietly that it was (Y/N).
When he cautiously peeked into the room, his hopes were answered. There he was, hammering away on his project, wearing his smithing apron... but no shirt.
Celebrimbor involuntarily bit his lower lip. The sight of the human's back did something to him. He watched for far longer than he thought appropriate, but he couldn't tear himself away. The way the man's muscles moved with every hammer swing, the sheen of sweat making him practically reflect the light of the forge - it was almost hypnotic.
As if guided by an invisible hand, Celebrimbor slowly came closer, still admiring the human's back. He wasn't trying to be sneaky, but (Y/N) was so engrossed with his work, that he didn't hear the light footed elf approach.
Again, Celebrimbor thought of all the things his heart wanted to tell the man. All the things he had not dared to say yet. He came to a halt slightly behind (Y/N), who still hadn't noticed him. He didn't mean to alarm him, but he struggled to find his voice. His eyes were still glued to the bare skin and the toned muscles rippling underneath.
Eventually he just reached out to touch him, laying a hand on (Y/N)'s shoulder.
The human jumped a little, and his head snapped around to see who was with him, but he immediately relaxed again when he saw Celebrimbor, "Oh it's you."
Celebrimbor smiled at him, some unknown curse binding his tongue. His eyes wandered back to (Y/N)'s back - and so did his hand. Fingers gliding slowly across the bare skin, tracing the outlines of muscles.
He wanted to say what he felt. Wanted to put everything into words, but words failed him. He was scared (Y/N) might shy away any moment, might think him inappropriate, ...might tell him that he does not feel the same.
He inhaled to say something, but no words came out. He wanted to explain how drawn he had felt towards (Y/N) from the moment he first saw him. How he enjoys his humor and creativity. The pleasant conversations.
The sound of (Y/N)'s laugh...
But he couldn't say a word.
(Y/N) did not shy away however. He just stood there, looking confused and uncertain for a moment, before he eventually said a little awkwardly, "I... I'm sweaty."
Celebrimbor let out an amused huff, "I don't care."
His eyes found (Y/N)'s again, hand still gliding across the man's back. And finally, some sort of communication happened. Not with words, but through their gaze. Finally the dots connected - for both of them, and clarity found them.
(Y/N) put down his hammer and iron, his gaze never leaving Celebrimbor's as he wiped his hands on his apron and turned slightly.
His eyes flitted down to the elf lord's lips and back up. Celebrimbor approved, but this was all new to him. He didn't know what to say or do, so he just moved ever so slightly towards (Y/N).
The human thankfully seemed keen enough to notice and slowly, ever so slowly closed the gap, giving Celebrimbor ample time to retreat if he wanted to.
But he didn't want to. And finally, after all this time, their lips met.
(Y/N)'s beard felt surprisingly soft - one question that had burned in Celebrimbor's mind for weeks now, finally answered.
The kiss was long but calm - neither was up for wild throws of passion, instead acting slow and gentle. Just how Celebrimbor liked it. His heart burst with joy as he realized this. It had been his anxious nightmare scenario - that (Y/N) would reciprocate his feelings but be so wild, that it would not be comfortable for the elf lord. He had worried that human passion would be too much for an old elf like him.
But (Y/N) was soft and gentle. And Celebrimbor knew right then, that this man would never hurt him, or make him uncomfortable.
He couldn't help but sigh with elated relief into the kiss, as his worries flew away.
His hand still rested on the man's back, and soon he felt a cautious hand come to rest on his own waist. He liked that.
He liked all of this.
When their lips finally parted, they just looked at each other for a long while, saying with their eyes what their voices somehow could not.
Celebrimbor smiled, a small happy huff escaping him. And (Y/N) smiled back.
Ran across a Reddit Q&A with Mark from 2014. This bit made me think it was time for more beard appreciation.
15. How long did it take you to grow that wonderful beard for Game of Thrones?
“Not very long. About 3 weeks. I’m very hirsute. And I actually grew it a while ago, and then I was cutting it down to go on television, and accidentally shaved too much off, so I had to take the whole thing off and start again. But it only takes about 2,3 weeks. Shaving the rest of my face is a difficult task, because it grows and covers the whole of my face!
NO, of course not! Haha!”
Let’s see your favorite pics of Mark with his glorious beard. 🥰
