Chapter Text
"I want a kitten." The words came out muffled against the fabric.
Moonlight spilled through the bedroom window, casting silver patterns across the rumpled bedsheets. Ecthelion burrowed deeper under the covers, his raven hair splayed across the cream-white pillow. Only his eyes peeked out from beneath the blanket's edge, their purplish grey-blue depths fixed on Glorfindel beside him.
Glorfindel lowered his book, golden hair falling over one shoulder as he turned to face his lover. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "What brought this on?"
Ecthelion shifted closer, the blanket sliding down to reveal more of his face. "The neighbor's cat had babies two weeks ago. They're so small." His voice carried a rare note of wistfulness.
"You went to see them?" Glorfindel placed his book on the nightstand.
"On my way home from the office." Ecthelion's fingers played with the edge of the blanket. "The grey one followed me to the fence."
"The renowned architect, undone by a tiny ball of fluff?" Glorfindel reached over to brush a strand of dark hair from Ecthelion's face.
Ecthelion caught Glorfindel's hand and pressed it against his cheek. "The apartment feels empty when you're away at rehearsals."
"And here I thought my company was enough." Glorfindel's eyes sparkled with amusement.
"You're impossible." Ecthelion released his hand and disappeared completely under the covers.
"Says the one hiding under blankets like a child." Glorfindel tugged at the edge of the comforter. "Come out and ask properly."
The blanket lowered just enough to reveal Ecthelion's eyes again. "Please, can we adopt a kitten?"
Glorfindel's heart melted at the sight of those pleading eyes. Few knew this softer side of Ecthelion - the distinguished architect whose designs graced magazine covers and whose name commanded respect throughout the industry. Here, in their private sanctuary, those carefully maintained walls crumbled.
"The grey one, you said?" Glorfindel slid down until they were face to face under the covers. The world narrowed to a tent of warmth and shadow, their breaths mingling in the close space.
"She has white paws, like tiny socks." Ecthelion's voice grew animated. "And when she mews, it sounds like a question."
"You've already fallen for her, haven't you?"
A flush crept across Ecthelion's pale cheeks. "I may have stopped by twice this week."
"Twice?" Glorfindel's laugh filled their blanket cave. "The mighty Ecthelion, sneaking visits to see kittens between client meetings?"
"The mother cat recognizes me now." Ecthelion traced patterns on the sheet between them. "She lets me sit in their garden."
Glorfindel watched the elegant fingers move, remembering how those same hands commanded attention at the piano, how they sketched buildings that touched the sky. Now they mimicked the playful pawing of a kitten.
"Mrs. Chen said we could have first pick of the litter." Ecthelion's words tumbled out in a rush. "They'll be ready for homes in three weeks."
"Three weeks?" Glorfindel reached out to cup Ecthelion's face. "That's enough time to kitten-proof the apartment. We'll need supplies - a litterbox, food bowls, toys..."
Ecthelion's eyes widened. "You mean-"
"Yes, love. Let's adopt your little grey question mark."
Ecthelion surged forward, burying his face in the crook of Glorfindel's neck. A soft, contented hum vibrated against Glorfindel's skin as Ecthelion pressed closer, his raven hair spilling across the golden waves of his lover's. The sound reminded Glorfindel of a purring kitten, and his heart swelled with affection.
"Someone's already practicing to be a cat," Glorfindel whispered into the dark silk of Ecthelion's hair. His arms wrapped around the architect's lean frame, pulling him closer under their shared blanket cocoon.
Another happy sound escaped Ecthelion's throat as he nuzzled deeper into the embrace. His nose brushed against the sensitive spot beneath Glorfindel's ear, sending a shiver down the actor's spine. The usually composed architect melted into pure contentment, his body relaxed and pliant.
Glorfindel's hand found its way into Ecthelion's hair, fingers threading through the silken strands. The gesture earned him a deeper purr and Ecthelion's arms tightened around his waist.
"My precious kitten," Glorfindel murmured, his other hand tracing patterns along Ecthelion's spine. Each touch drew out more of those adorable sounds, transforming the distinguished architect into a bundle of pure joy in his arms.
The moonlight filtered through their blanket shelter, casting ethereal shadows across Ecthelion's fair features as he pulled back just enough to meet Glorfindel's gaze. His purplish grey-blue eyes sparkled with unrestrained happiness, a rare sight that made Glorfindel's breath catch.
"I love you." Ecthelion's words came out in a soft purr before he ducked his head back under Glorfindel's chin, resuming his happy nuzzling.