Chapter Text
Dwalin grumbled as he made his way through the library. He was a grown dwarf and to be given a punishment by Balin was more than a bit embarrassing. "Quiet work is what you need. Besides, Master Ori could use the help." Old coot. Dwalin ran a hand through his thick black hair. He should be training right now, the other recruits were going to gain an advantage over him.
With a freshly tattooed fist he knocked on the door. This entire day was going to be a waste.
"Yes! Yes, come in," the older man turned in his seat, "Dwalin, I presume?" He adjusted his glasses slightly.
"Er, aye. Balin said you could use some help?" Dwalin blinked in surprise as the other man stood. He was surprisingly small, almost tiny.
"Aw yes, would you mind carrying that crate for me? Strapping lad like you shouldn't have a problem."
Dwalin felt a strange heat creep across his face. He bent quickly, hoisting up the crate which was shoved into the corner. If he heard Ori's chuckles he didn't say a word. Though embarrassment was begining to blossom in his belly. I shouldn't be here.
"Come along!" Ori scurried out of the office, his braids bobbing. Dwalin's eyes settled on the older man's behind. Oh... He shook his head before following.
"It's a new shipment. What you're carrying, I mean," Ori's voice wavered from excitement, "Manuscripts from all across Middle Earth! Newly copied too."
"Does it matter," grumbled Dwalin. He instantly regretted it, Ori's back stiffened a bit.
"Not one for reading?"
"I prefer to train." He followed the librarian around a sharp corner. There was an empty segment of shelves along the wall. It was deafeningly quiet this deep in the library. It gave Dwalin the creeps.
Ori motioned for Dwalin to set the crate down, studying him with rich brown eyes. He shuffled awkwardly under the older man's scrutiny. A familiar heat crept across his face, spreading slowly to his neck.
"You can go back to the training grounds if you'd like." Ori gave him an understanding smile before he began to unload the manuscripts.
"N-no! I mean," Dwalin stuttered as big brown eyes bore into his own, "I'd like to stay and help. If that's alright with you?" He finished his sentence nervously, the heat having crept down his spine. What in Aule's name am I doing?
"It'd be much appreciated, Mister Dwalin!"
Dwalin grinned at the title, "Mister?"
"Or is it lord? Cousin to the king aren't you?" Ori winked as he began to place the documents on the shelf.
"J-just Dwalin!" He nearly dropped the tome he was holding, spurring Ori to gently pull it away from him. Dwalin's stomach fluttered as Ori patted his arm.
"No need to get worked up," he chuckled.
The two continued to line the various tomes and scrolls along the stone shelves, Dwalin's heart hammering all the while. What the hell is wrong with me? His eyes flicked towards Ori, who was stretching to reach a higher shelf. Knitted cardigan and mittens, violet ribbons braided into thick gingery hair, and ink stained fingers. He was good looking, with a nicely shaped nose, but nothing Dwalin had ever been interested in. No, Dwalin preferred someone who could match his strength. Which he doubted this frail looking scribe could do. Not to mention he was at least 50 odd years older than Dwalin. He rubbed at his beard in frustration.
"Lad? Are you alright?"
"Uh... aye. I'm fine," he gave Ori a shaky smile. The librarian stared up at him, brows furrowed and lips pulled down into a faint frown. Dwalin found himself staring at them. They looked soft... inviting. For a moment he imagined what it would feel like to have them pressed against his own.
Ori placed a hand on Dwalin's forehead. "You're looking a bit feverish..."
"I'm fine." Why are my hands so sweaty?
"Go lie down, lad. I can finish up," he retrieved his hand from Dwalin's forehead slowly.
This is your chance. Dwalin leaned forward, hands clumsily tugging at the older man's tunic. "Er... I'd like to help you again. Sometime, I mean... if that's ok."
A crimson flush burst over Ori's cheeks. But before he could reply, Dwalin had pressed his lips to the corner of Ori's mouth. Thick black hair tickling his face, then just as quickly as it happened Dwalin pulled away. His face crimson, but a proud smile pulling at his cheeks. A single worried line creasing his forehead.
"L-lad?" He stared up at Dwalin with wide eyes. What just happened?