In Sickness and In Health
Type: FPS
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel
Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to me. They all belong to Tolkien. I am just borrowing them to play with. I promise to return them with smiles on their faces.
Beta: Priestess Vesta part 1, Elvensong part 2
Notes: This is a get well fic for Erestor. I hope you are feeling better, sweetie. Blame the bathtub scene on Kharessa Bloodroses. She made me do it. Oh, and if you need any idea what she did to inspire it, it comes from this song. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lyrics/rubberducky.htm Thank you, Fishy for helping me with the name.
Summary: Glorfindel is ordered to play nurse to Erestor.
Part 1
"I am ordering you on bed rest for a week and that is final!" Elrond glared at his chief advisor, who was glaring right back.
Erestor scowled, knowing he was beaten. "Very well, but I will not stay here. I will spend the week in my own bed, with my own pillows, and my own Huggy Bear." The intimidating gaze he leveled on Elrond begged for a fight, but the effect was ruined as the advisor began coughing. His body shook from the force of his coughing and Elrond's brow creased in concern.
"I do not want you to be alone. If you will not stay here, I will assign you a nurse." Elrond grinned at Erestor's frown. "And I know just who to appoint." Elrond sped to the doorway, bellowing into the hall, "GLORFINDEL!"
Glorfindel shot out of his chair in the outer room, running rapidly to the room his beloved was in. "Elrond, what is it? What is wrong with him? Will he live?" The famed Balrog slayer's composure had deserted him at the thought of losing Erestor.
Placing a comforting hand on Glorfindel's shoulder, Elrond smiled. "Your husband has pneumonia. We have both told him he was working too hard, yet he did not listen. It is not something to be taken lightly, but I have given him medications and have ordered bed rest for a week." He could not keep a chuckle back as Glorfindel's jaw dropped in shock.
"A week?" he stammered. "I cannot keep him there for more than a couple of hours. Are you out of your mind?" Glorfindel knew that he was being unfair, but his husband would NOT be a good patient. In fact, a rabid warg would probably be a better patient than the ill and bored advisor. "Do you have any messages you need delivered to Lorien? Mirkwood? Aman?" Glorfindel asked. He lived in fear of the wicked tongue that could wound deeper than his own blade could.
Elrond felt for his captain, yet, "No, my friend. You are his husband. I am giving you the week off to nurse him back to health. Besides, I would not inflict him on anyone else. You made your choice, now live with it!" Elrond did not bother to fight back laughter at the look of sheer terror on his brave captain's face. "You will survive. You have fought a Balrog after all."
Glorfindel whispered through clenched teeth, "I would rather face another Balrog," and Elrond threw his head back in hysterical laughter. Glorfindel walked into the room where Erestor lay as if approaching the gallows. "Come, love. Let us get you settled in our bed." The golden warrior gingerly approached the stony-faced advisor and slipped his arms under his back and knees, lifting him firmly against his chest. That Erestor snuggled close caused a warm feeling to blossom in his chest.
Erestor smirked. He knew that his husband was afraid of him, and rightly so. Had not the quill pushing, scrawny, bookworm of a chief councilor broken not only Glorfindel's nose but also several ribs? That is what brought them together. It had deepened Glorfindel's respect for him. That respect had blossomed into love. Yes, he loved the muscular god that carried him so easily. But he also loved that Glorfindel did not take him for granted. Oh, with his husband as a nurse, this next week should be quite fun and entertaining. Not that he would ever admit this to anyone.
Glorfindel juggled Erestor so that he could open the door, almost dropping his precious burden in the process. He cringed, awaiting the tongue-lashing he was sure to receive, but sighed in relief when all he got was a soft purr. He glanced down at the dark advisor and smiled, finding his husband asleep in his arms. Striding to the bed, he eased Erestor down before sliding the covers from beneath him and tucking him in. Knowing his husband, Glorfindel made sure that everything was just so. Erestor's shoes were placed exactly in their spot. The old battered teddy bear, Huggy Bear, was placed in his spot of honor beside his husband's head. He knew that a slender hand would soon search for either he or Huggy Bear, and was rewarded when it happened. The slight frown that marred Erestor's brow made him realize that it was he the advisor had wanted.
Glorfindel wanted nothing more than to crawl into the bed beside his husband and hold him close, but he knew he needed to gather supplies. He had to prepare for all eventualities. Moving to his desk, he pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill. Seating himself, he began to scrawl a list: chessboard, a list of his husband's favorite books, a list of his favorite books, leather straps, handcuffs, and earplugs. Going to the door, he hailed a passing servant, handing over the list and then went to give into his desire. He curled up to the hot form of Erestor, the fever giving him cause for concern, and pulled him close before drifting off.
The soft click of a door woke Glorfindel and he cursed, finding the bed beside him empty. Jumping to his feet, he ran to the hall door, and flung it open. There was no one in sight. Confused, he turned, finding the chessboard set and waiting and one of his favorite novels open over the arm of the couch. A closed box made him lift his eyebrow and he could not keep himself from looking, as he was sure his husband had already done. Pleased to see that the restraints he had requested were all accounted for, Glorfindel hid them in the wardrobe at the back of the highest shelf, where Erestor would never be able to reach. His concern for his husband was still high, however, until the door to the bathing chamber opened and his husband emerged, now dressed in a ruby silk nightshirt and nothing else.
Glorfindel cursed that his husband was ill. The pallor of his skin was even more pronounced that normal. Settling on the settee, he opened his arms, smiling as Erestor settled on his lap and rested his head on his shoulder. Tenderly, he tucked the blanket, bunched on the side of the seat, around Erestor, making sure he was warm and comfortable. "How are you feeling? Is there anything I may do for you?" Glorfindel could only hope that this fragile looking being would allow him to help.
"Hold me," Erestor whispered, feeling drained and exhausted. Who would think that a trip to the bathroom would feel like a trek to Lorien on foot? "Would you read to me? I cannot keep my eyes open enough." Erestor hated feeling this weak and only showed this side to his husband. Yet, he knew that soon, the boredom would start.
Glorfindel reached out and picked up the book that was lying over the arm of the chair. "This one?" he asked, shock evident in his voice. At the weak nod, Glorfindel began to read. That Erestor wanted a tale of knights and wizards and bloody battles said a lot about how he was feeling. Normally, his husband enjoyed a good murder mystery and would usually have it figured out before the second chapter was read. His husband was ill, desperately ill, and it gave him the courage to face whatever might happen next.
When he felt Erestor go limp in his arms, he carefully marked their place and set it on the settee, before rising with the sleeping advisor to carry him back to bed. Tucking him in, he wondered if Elrond had arranged for their meals before once again slipping into the bed to hold his lover close.
This time, it was the harsh coughs being ripped from Erestor's chest that woke Glorfindel and his heart clenched in terror. "Love, what can I do?" he asked in a concern-laced voice. Gathering his husband into his arms, he sat and held him close, rocking his and murmuring sweet nothings, to soothe him. He knew he had tears streaming down his cheeks, for it ripped him apart to see the proud creature brought low.
"Read to me " the tired and raw voice asked and Glorfindel cursed his hindsight in leaving the book on the settee. However, luck was on his side as there was a rap at the door. Settling Erestor securely in his arms, so that he just looked like they were cuddling, not that he was comforting the proud counselor, Glorfindel called for the visitor to enter. The sigh of relief that escaped him at seeing Elrond, followed by a servant carrying a tray of food, shocked him.
"How is he?" Elrond asked, worry creasing his brow. His hand gently skimmed the hot forehead of his unshakable counselor. Tears filled his eyes as well. "I have brought your medicine. Drink this." Elrond passed the mug of healing tea to Glorfindel, allowing him to help the exhausted advisor to drink.
Gently lifting and supporting Erestor's head, Glorfindel held the mug to the pale lips, devoid of their normal ruby coloring. That Erestor accepted the bitter brew without complaint told of just how ill he really was. When the mug was empty, Glorfindel passed it back and chuckled as his stomach growled and his husband's shoulders started shaking in silent laughter. "Feeling better, love?" Glorfindel asked, smiling at the small grin that was upon the pale lips. Erestor's nod reminded Glorfindel suddenly. "Milord, would you do me a favor? There is a book on the settee. Would you be so kind as to bring it to us so that I may read to him?"
Elrond smiled at the duo, pleased to see Erestor clinging to his husband and behaving for once. Not that Elrond had any hope of this behavior continuing all week, but still, one could hope, Pouring a glass of water from the pitcher on the tray, Elrond handed it to Glorfindel along with a large pink pill. "He must take one of these every six hours without fail," Elrond commanded and looked on, pleased as one husband helped the other to take his medicine. "I will bring his tea and check on him each day, other than that, I will leave you on your own. Get well, Erestor. You are sorely missed already." Elrond turned on his heel and went to fetch the book Glorfindel had requested, handing it to Glorfindel then he excused himself and left.
"Glorfindel?" Erestor whispered, need clear and urgent in his voice. Glorfindel, who shared the same need, answered it the best way he knew how. Rising from the bed, he picked Erestor up once again and moving swiftly, deposited him in the bathroom with the admonition to be quick. He then moved out into their sitting room to pace and dance, waiting for Erestor to finish. When Erestor called for him once more, he ran into the room, relief soon flooding his system, before gathering Erestor up to take him not to the bed, but to the small round table with the tray. Easing himself into a chair, his husband still in his arms, Glorfindel urged Erestor to sip at some broth, while he partook of the thick casserole, filled with venison and vegetables. The pair soon settled back in the bed, Erestor snuggled up to Glorfindel as the blond read to him, before both once again slept.
This pattern continued for several days, sleeping, reading, cuddling, eating and taking medicines. Glorfindel noticed small improvements. Erestor would remain awake for longer periods of time. His coughing lessened in ferocity. He would snap at Glorfindel when his own efforts at some small task failed. While Glorfindel groaned at this side of his husband, he also breathed easier to know that Erestor was getting better.
On the fifth day, Glorfindel awoke alone in their bed. The silence of the room put him on edge. "Erestor?" he called. Getting no answer, Glorfindel jumped from the bed and searched their rooms. Erestor was gone. Muttering curses under his breath, Glorfindel swiftly dressed and stormed through the halls to Erestor's office. Throwing open the door, he stalked to the desk and slammed his hand down upon the paperwork the advisor was currently working on. "You are supposed to be in bed. You have two more days. Do you go willingly?" His glare would have made his warriors run for cover. Erestor only raised his eyebrow.
"I feel fine. I want to get caught up. I do not need more re .." Erestor's words were cut off as the Balrog Slayer stormed around the desk and hauled him out of his seat. With the advisor over his shoulder, Glorfindel strode from the room, shooting a glare at the laughing face of Elrond and ignoring the furious fists pounding on his back. Once again in their rooms, Glorfindel tossed Erestor on the bed. "STAY!" he commanded before going to the wardrobe and fetching the box. Tossing it onto the bed, he swiftly removed Erestor's robes, chuckling when he realized that the councilor still wore his night clothes underneath.
"I had hoped not to have to do this, but you leave me with no choice," he growled, taking a handcuff from the box and fastening to one of the advisor's wrists. The other end he fastened to his own. The key, he left in the box. The next items he pulled out of the box, caused Erestor to grumble even more than he had been. Erestor watched open mouthed as Glorfindel inserted earplugs into his own ears. "There, now you may rant and rave all you like. I no longer have to listen. But you WILL NOT BE LEAVING THESE CHAMBERS!" Glorfindel was shaking in his fury and concern, finding it hard to not shake his beloved for making life so difficult.
Crawling back into bed, Glorfindel dragged Erestor with him and pulled him close. "Ah, much better, now sleep. If you are a good boy, I will release you and we may play chess after while." With that, Glorfindel ran a hand through Erestor's hair, kissed his brow and then settled back, closing his eyes. His last thought was if he would survive the remaining days of Erestor's confinement.
Part 2
Glorfindel woke to something tickling his nose and he sneezed loudly. Awareness filled his eyes and he smiled lovingly at his husband. "Hello, my love. Did you rest well?" he purred at the dark beauty, his concern growing as harsh coughing, much stronger than in the previous two days, shook the lithe frame of his beloved husband. He removed the earplugs and cursed his thoughtlessness of leaving the keys in the box. All he could do was hope that Elrond or anyone would come soon to check on them.
Erestor's shoulders shook with the force of his coughing. He realized now that maybe his trek to his office earlier had not been a wise idea, but there was no way he would ever admit this to anyone. Clinging to Glorfindel, he laid his head on the strong chest and clung, finding comfort in the strong arms that wrapped around his frame. He wanted to tell Glorfindel he loved him. He wanted to ask him to read to him. All he really wanted was for this terrible coughing to cease, but it would not stop.
Suddenly, the door burst open and Glorfindel sighed in relief. "Elrond! On the top shelf of the wardrobe is a box, fetch it please." His smile did not reach his eyes for the fear that was rapidly growing in his chest would not allow it.
When Elrond placed the box in his hand, Glorfindel rapidly extracted the key and removed the handcuffs. He then dropped the earplugs and handcuffs back in the box and glared at Erestor. "See! Would it be too much for you to listen to us (just) once? All I want is for you to get well and what do you do? You endanger yourself and...." Glorfindel's face crumbled and he began to sob. "Oh, Erestor. I am so scared. You are my life and I could not go on if anything happened to you." With that, he jumped from the bed and ran to the bathing chamber, slamming the door behind him and collapsing against the door. (it)
Erestor watched Glorfindel with horror. He had never thought about what his actions would do to his husband. Turning to Elrond with tears in his eyes, he waited for the tongue-lashing he deserved.
Elrond sighed and placed a hand on Erestor's shoulder. "Go to him. I will get your medications ready while you comfort him. You really need to think of him more often, Erestor. He loves you and puts you before everything else. Try doing the same for him." Smiling encouragingly, Elrond wrapped an arm around Erestor's waist and helped him to cross to the door Glorfindel had slammed moments earlier.
Erestor placed a timid hand on the knob and looked at Elrond again. Gaining courage from his friend, he tried the door but something was blocking it. "Glorfindel?" he whispered pleadingly to his husband through the thick wood. "Please, let me in. I must talk to you."
When nothing happened, Erestor took a deep breath, which started him coughing again. While this was not what he had intended, it did cause the door to whip open and his husband's tear streaked face to appear before him. Moving quickly, or as quickly as he was able, Erestor was inside the room and had his arms wrapped around Glorfindel holding him tightly. "I am sorry. I am so very sorry. I should have thought." Erestor's voice trailed off and he pulled the golden head of his husband forward to rest on his shoulder, offering a comfort never before offered.
Erestor finally was realizing how one sided their relationship had become. He had begun to rely on Glorfindel, accepting his comfort and love when it suited him, yet giving very little back. "I love you, Glorfindel and am sorry to have scared you. Come back to bed that I may hold you. Please?" Erestor was very close to begging, his terror over losing Glorfindel (was) eating a hole in his heart.
When Glorfindel's arms came up to wrap around him, Erestor collapsed against his husband, a flood of tears flowing down his cheeks. Being swept into Glorfindel's strong arms and carried to the bed was as heady as the strongest wine and Erestor sobbed harder.
Glorfindel gently lowered his precious burden onto the bed and settled beside him, pulling him close. Taking the tea from Elrond, who had been a silent watcher, Glorfindel helped Erestor to drink the bitter brew. He then settled them down to rest.
Elrond, realizing he was no longer needed, cleared his throat. "I will leave you two alone. I will return to check on you, Erestor, in 4 (four) hours. Please, stay out of trouble." With a grin, Elrond left the room, closing the door behind him with a click.
Erestor snuggled close, and then wrinkled his nose. "We smell. Will you bathe with me, love?" He gave his husband a watery smile and pushed the golden hair from his face.
Glorfindel, unsure of how long this change in Erestor would last, smiled and rose from the bed to go and start their bathwater before returning to his beloved's side. He helped Erestor from the bed and back into the bathing chamber, where he seated him on a bench before gently removing the sleep shirt from his slender form. He then rapidly removed his own clothing and checked the water. Closing the taps, which fed their large bathing pool from the underground spring and boilers, Glorfindel gathered Erestor into his arms and lowered him into the warm water and finally joined him. Their tub had been commissioned to his own specifications so that he could relax and soak after a hard day of patrol and it was the largest in Imladris save for Elrond's own.
Erestor sighed as the heated water embraced him. The luxury of bathing with his husband was something that they did not do often. Taking a cloth and wetting it, he began to wash himself, halting suddenly when something caught his eye. "Where did you find him?" he asked Glorfindel, reaching out to grasp his toy ducky from his elfling days.
Glorfindel grinned. "Your mother gave it to me when she visited last month. I decided it should have a place of honor by our tub along with my own." Glorfindel reached out and picked up the shark that had been resting next to Erestor's duck, grinning madly. "Sharky is going to eat your ducky!" With that, Glorfindel began playfully jabbing Erestor's toy ducky with his own shark.
Erestor giggled and tried to move away, dropping the duck and pushing the toy so it floated to the far side of the pool. Glorfindel just grinned and using the peg sticking out the side of the shark, wound it up and let it lose in the water. Erestor looked on with amazement as the shark's fins began to move and it moved through the water, heading straight for his ducky.
"NO! Bad Shar..." Erestor's words were cut off as his coughing returned, his slender frame shaking violently.
Glorfindel eased his husband back against the edge of the pool and recovered the toys, letting his shark wind down before placing them back on the shelf. He then settled back and pulled Erestor close against his side, holding him until his coughing subsided. "Easy, love. I want you to get well," he whispered into the delicate ear and cuddled his beloved close. Grabbing the cloth he finished washing them both, then sighed, settling down to soak up the warmth of the water.
"Glorfindel," Erestor murmured softly, held close to the strong frame. When his husband turned to look at him, he continued. "I am sorry. I have taken you for granted and will do so no longer. Please, forgive me." Pleading chocolate eyes met the vivid blue of Glorfindel's, tears welling up once more.
"Hush, my love. You are forgiven. All I want is for you to get well." Glorfindel dropped a kiss on the tip of Erestor's nose. Noticing that the water had cooled, the golden warrior rose from the water and grabbed two towels from the heated rack, wrapping one around his waist and holding the other to receive his husband.
Erestor shakily left the water and stepped into the towel, letting Glorfindel wrap it around his shaking body. He sighed as Glorfindel rapidly rubbed him dry and then swept him up in his arms, carrying him back to sit on the side of the bed. When his husband fetched fresh nightshirts from their wardrobe, he raised his arms to allow his own to be slipped over his head and then watched as the muscled form that he so loved was hidden from his gaze.
"Hold me, please," Erestor begged quietly, holding out his arms to Glorfindel. He purred when the strong arms surrounded him and held him close.
Glorfindel settled onto the bed, holding his precious elf close to his chest. Resting his chin on the dark crown, he inhaled deeply of the fragrance that was Erestor's own. "Oh, my love. How I thank the Valar that you came into my life." Closing his eyes, Glorfindel let his head drop back against the headboard and allowed the closeness of his husband and the sound of his even breathing to lull him into reverie.
The sound of someone knocking on their door pulled Erestor from reverie and he gently extracted himself from the arms of Glorfindel. Shakily, he made his way to the door, pulling his robe on and tying it as he went. That Elrond was on the other side of said door was a certainty in his mind so his shock at finding Lindir and Melpomaen instead made him wobble precariously. "Come in," Erestor whispered, stepping back and motioning them to the settee. "Glorfindel is still sleeping."
Lindir smiled and shook his head. "We are not here for a visit. We only came by to bring you this." Together, Lindir and Melpomaen placed a large covered basket inside the room. "Get well soon, Erestor. We miss you." With that, the minstrel grabbed the scribe's hand and the two left a wide-eyed Erestor staring after them.
"When did that happen?" he wondered aloud and turned to the basket. When it started to move, he yelped, waking Glorfindel.
"What is it? Erestor?" The concern in Glorfindel's voice brought tears to Erestor's eyes.
"I was only startled. Lindir and Mel brought us a basket and it just moved."
Glorfindel chuckled and grinned. "I would suggest you open it then, my love." The Balrog Slayer settled back to watch with amused eyes as Erestor opened the gift he had picked out weeks ago.
Taking the note from the top of the basket, Erestor's eyes flew wide. "This is from you?" The sweetest loving smile graced his lips as he lifted the top of the basket and his hand went to his mouth in shock. "Oh..." he whispered before reaching into the basket to withdraw its contents and cradling the gift to his chest. "Thank you, I have always wanted one. How did you know?" He eyes, bright with happy tears met Glorfindel's.
"Your mother," was all Glorfindel had to say. Erestor flew to him and covered his face with kisses, accidentally waking the puppy held securely in the councilor's arms. When it yelped both elves chuckled and Glorfindel drew Erestor back onto the bed. "Your mother told me. She said it had been your deepest desire as a child, one they were just not able to fulfill. What will you name her?" Reaching out, Glorfindel stroked the glossy black head, so like his husband's in color.
" Sharky," Erestor said without a pause. The wicked grin he turned on Glorfindel filled the Balrog Slayer with trepidation. "I have always wanted a puppy." The councilor was all but bouncing in his excitement and happiness and if Glorfindel had not had his arms wrapped tightly around him, he would probably have been dancing around the room. "Thank you! Oh, thank you so much. She is so very sweet and lovely."
Glorfindel was not sure if he should be happy that Erestor loved his gift, or be terrified by what his husband named the puppy, but decided that for right now, he could be content. Snuggling them both close to his chest, he smiled.
~~~
Two days later, Glorfindel was still smiling. Erestor, despite what had appeared to be a set back, had rapidly gotten better and was currently sitting on the floor, tossing a ball for Sharky to fetch. Seeing the two playing happily, Glorfindel moved to join them, pausing when a knock sounded on the door. "Come in!" he called, unsurprised to find Elrond entering the room. "Milord," Glorfindel started, and then smirked when Elrond shook his head and sank to the floor to join Erestor in playing with Sharky. The change in his husband had been amazing and Glorfindel did not know if it was the puppy or Erestor's remorse over his own tears that had brought it about. But never would Glorfindel question it, for his husband was much more eager to cuddle and simply be held. And last eve, they had taken a moonlight stroll, walking hand in hand, something Erestor did not usually allow.
Erestor looked up, meeting Glorfindel's eyes and held out a hand. "Join us?" he whispered, his eyes pleading. Glorfindel eagerly sank to the floor at his husband's side and wrapped an arm around his waist.
"Milord? Have you come to examine him?" Glorfindel asked Elrond, wondering if his husband would be released from the confines of the room. He still felt guilty for sneaking Erestor out last eve for their walk but it had done wonders.
"Glorfindel, I told him yesterday that today would be his final day of confinement, although it would appear that someone did not listen to me." His eyes twinkling, Elrond grinned at the red heat blossoming in his seneschal's cheeks. "Never fear, Glorfindel. He is well." He may return to work and any other activities you see the need for." Elrond threw his head back, howling in laughter, when Glorfindel's face turned scarlet, including the tips of his ears. He scratched the puppy behind the ears, then rose. "I will leave you now. Do you need me to baby-sit this eve?" This time, it was Erestor's turn to blush and he shook his head no. Elrond left the room, his laughter echoing through the halls.
"Glorfindel?"
"Yes, love?"
"May we partake in the ‘other activities' Elrond spoke of? I need you."
These were all the words Glorfindel needed to hear. He swept Erestor up into his arms, set him gently on the bed, followed him down and proceeded to ravish him. Sharky lay in her bed, watching her masters share the deep love they felt for each other and she sighed happily and lay her head on her paws, soon falling asleep, her puppy snores joining in the quiet and breathless sounds coming from the bed.
THE END