First crush in Amon Ereb by Aprilertuile

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2 - The discussion between Maedhros and Maglor

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That evening when Maedhros entered his private rooms in the fortress, he found his brother at his desk, playing a dramatic romantic music straight out of memory from some of the most traumatic moments of their years in Valinor.

"Did you want something in particular or are you just here for the pleasure of reminding me I'm not quite as attractive as before and thankfully lost all those damn admirers that were constantly underfoot? Maedhros asked his brother drily.

-Oh but brother, you're so, so strong, and when you're focused, you're so light and warm, like a living fire. Maglor claimed dramatically, making Maedhros pause in what he was doing.

-Maglor?” Maedhros asked with clear suspicion. His brother was usually far more eloquent when he wanted to make a point.

“Not my words, I can assure you that you're my brother and I love you as such, and not quite *that* much...

-Oh Eru, no!

-Oh yes.

-Oh no.

-Of course yes. Elrond *loves* to watch the warrior training these days... Apparently in the summer, around midday..."

Maedhros was looking utterly mortified.

"But I... I mean... There are others... They're not as... Maedhros breathed pointing at his most obvious scars on his face.

-Yes, Elros noted that you were heavily scarred. Elrond told him that you looked beautiful and your scars just showed you had overcome everything life threw at you and that you were so strong, and besides, you know everything.

-Oh Eru... Maedhros groaned.

-If it can reassure you, he's aware you have no interest.

-I don’t say it often… but thanks the valar for small mercies.

-However if you were so inclined, he would totally not say no. Maglor snickered clearly quoting the young peredhel.

-You're enjoying that.

-Oh yes.

-You're no help.

-I never claimed the contrary.

-It's a disaster.

-Oh no. It's pretty hilarious. There's something else that's a disaster and it's not Elrond's crush on you.

-Let me guess. Elros doesn't take it well, hm? Maedhros noted.

-Indeed.

-It's the fact it's me in particular, that it's a feanorian in general or that I'm a male?

-Apparently that you’re a male. According to Elros “the laws of the Eldar”, and “Elwing”…

-Hm... Noted. Thanks for the warning.

-Pleasure.

-And do not encourage Elrond.

-Of course not. I wouldn't dare. Never. Not me.

-Oh be gone."

Maglor avoided a thrown pillow with a laugh, picked it up and threw it back before leaving the room.

The next morning, Elros was moved from training with the recently arrived mercenaries, to training with the elves, with the excuse that he had faster and stronger reflex and it was becoming too uneven to let Elros train with them.

Elros threw a fit of course, but Maedhros didn't change his mind.

Maedhros could do nothing about the way that mercenary culture treated the people who didn’t quite conform to their idea of normal, but he could, and would, ensure Elros had better examples around him to influence him.

Also if his behavior and presence pushed Elrond to not watch their training so much that'd be perfect.

At least when his eyes met that of Elrond when he was observing them, the young one tended to blush and find an occupation somewhere else.

Some of his cousins had been far, far more forwards at times.

And Maglor found the whole thing hilarious. Something told him he would never live it down.