Chapter Text
Dwalin placed the steaming mug on the edge of Ori’s desk. He couldn’t help but grin down at the older dwarf, who was still fussing over his nose.
“I really am sorry about that,” chuckled Dwalin.
“Oh yes, you’re riddled with guilt,” Ori rolled his eyes jokingly. He’d lightened up considerably after his first mug of tea. “Although,” he continued, “you still haven’t explained that kiss.”
Dwalin’s smile disappeared instantly. With a grunt he lowered himself into a rather rickety looking chair across from Ori. He studied the librarian over the desk. Of course he wouldn’t just let the matter drop. “Must I?”
Ori sighed and scratched at his beard. Today had not gone as planned, at all. He had expected some gangly teen with a smart mouth, not a full grown, and rather attractive, guard in training. In reality, he doubted he could force Dwalin to do anything. “I suppose I can’t force you,” his voice was soft. With careful hands he raised the mug to his lips, sipping quietly.
The younger dwarf gave Ori a quizzical look. He seemed almost somber. Dwalin leaned forward and rested his elbows on his thighs, letting his hands hang limply down. They were all rough edges. Deep shadows and amber hued highlights. They didn’t look as though they belonged to someone so young. “I think…” Dwalin trailed off.
Ori gave him a small, encouraging smile.
“I just like you,” mumbled Dwalin.
The librarian gave an exasperated sigh. He looked about ready to smack the younger dwarf upside the head. “Lad, if you’re going to tell me, please tell me the real reason.”
“But I do like you!”
“Alright then, the whole story, please!”
“What do ye want me to do, spill my heart out?” it came out as a rough growl.
Ori blinked in surprise, his eyes widening. It was then that he realized he was still of lower rank. He was still vulnerable to the more powerful lords, even young Dwalin son of Fundin. He felt himself physically bristle at the thought. All the same, to trod on the toes of the king’s kin was dangerous. “Of course not, my Lord.”
Now it was Dwalin’s turn to be shocked. “Please don’t call me that.”
“It’s only suiting, isn’t it?”
Dwalin’s fists clenched. “Alright, you want to know? It’s because of those big brown eyes of yours. It’s because of that wonderful ass.”
“Lad, if you don’t want to tell me it’s fine. But please don’t write yourself off as such a shallow creature. You’re not that sort, I can see it in the way you hold yourself.”
“Shut up!”
Ori flinched at the strangled bark directed his way. With wary eyes he watched as Dwalin rose. The recruit’s enormous hands clenched into fists, muscles tense. Neither of them moved. Simply stared.
“How,” Dwalin spoke slowly, “the hell would you know anything about me?” He was a menacing sight to behold, a muscled shadow against the flickering light.
Ori opened and closed his mouth silently, unsure how to speak. Instead he rose from his seat slowly, shuffling around the desk to stand beside Dwalin. He peered up and studied the half-hearted scowl which twisted at the younger dwarf’s mouth. The tension seemed to melt away as Ori placed a gloved hand on Dwalin’s forearm. He offered up a strained smile, eyes sad behind his glasses. That’s when Dwalin finally crumbled.
“Oh lad,” breathed Ori at the sight of hot tears trickling down Dwalin’s cheeks.
“You wouldn’t understand…”
“I could try,” he slipped an arm around Dwalin’s waist, nudging him back into his seat. It creaked beneath the added weight. Dwalin fought hard to keep any other tears back. This wasn’t who he was supposed to be. He didn’t cry, he didn’t crumble, and he didn’t fall for an old librarian after just one meeting. He opened his mouth to speak only to let out a rather wet groan instead.
Ori hovered awkwardly for a moment, “Tea?”
“N-no, thanks.”
The scribe leaned against his desk and twisted at his cardigan worriedly, watching Dwalin expectantly.
Dwalin swallowed thickly, damning his tears. “It’s just that you treated me like- like a person.”
“I-I’m not sure I understand?”
“You didn’t cringe, or go pale when you saw me. Or stare.”
“Now why would I do that?” He seemed honestly taken aback.
“Everyone else does.”
Ori blinked blankly.
“I mean,” continued Dwalin, “they’re overly threatened by me. I-I don’t mind it during sparring of course, but when I go to the market and merchants think I’m going to rob them… “
“Aw… I’m afraid you’re right, I don’t know that feeling.” He gave a strained smile and patted at his paunchy belly.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Dwalin’s mouth. “Aye, I thought so.”
“So you weren’t struck to the core with fear when you came in this morning?”
A deep chuckle rumbled through Dwalin’s chest. “You’re certainly frightening when you want to be.”
“Now then,” Ori wiped the tears from Dwalin’s cheeks on instinct, “why don’t we get a bite to eat? Today has been a bit exhausting, don’t you think?”
Pink bloomed across the younger dwarf’s face. “Er, aye. That sounds nice. But Master Ori,” Dwalin rushed on, “I do feel… strongly for ye.”
Ori rubbed at his neck. “You’re a fine lad Dwalin. But I’m afraid you’ll be moving on to much prettier dwarrows soon enough.”
“I won’t.”
“Well, if you don’t we can talk about it then,” said Ori reassuringly.
Dwalin brightened at the sliver of hope. “I guess I can wait to win your heart.”
Ori’s face flushed red. “R-right then! Chips?”