Title: Be Careful What You Wish For
Characters: Rúmil/Lindir
Prompt: 039.The fool’s hope has failed.
Word Count: 712
Rating: PG13
Summary: Lindir gets what he wants... or does he?
Author's Notes: A belated birthday gift for janalynn27. :)

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Lindir was excited. Many of the Elves in Imladris had pets and when he’d mentioned this to Rúmil, his lover had agreed that it was a splendid idea. Since then he’d dropped several hints to Rúmil that he’d like one himself, but was torn over what to get.

Rúmil had responded in kind, suggesting Lindir just wait and see what turned up. That had been two weeks ago when Rúmil had first arrived from Lothlórien. Now Lindir had received a message that Rúmil was waiting in his rooms with a surprise. He was convinced that a new pet awaited him and he grinned in anticipation.

Entering his rooms, he all but threw himself into Rúmil’s arms. They didn’t see each other all that often, so every visit was pure delight. However, he was sure that this one would be one of the best.

“You wanted to see me?” he asked, smiling at the tall Galadhel.

“I always want to see you,” Rúmil chuckled, kissing Lindir softly. “But yes, I do have something special for you this time.”

Lindir had to restrain himself from some undignified bouncing even as he returned the kiss. “What is it?” he asked eagerly.

“I know you have been wanting a pet.” Rúmil replied, “though you could not choose what. So I took it upon myself to get you one.” Stepping back, he took Lindir’s hand and led him into the bedroom.

“Rúmil, how wonderful of you!” Lindir cried. “What did you get? A dog? A cat? Perhaps a rabbit or a bird?”

“None of those,” Rúmil said. “Since you are often busy I got something that will bring you pleasure but cause little trouble.” Looking extremely pleased with himself, he gestured to the table, upon which a covered box sat.

Lindir looked mildly surprised – whatever it was, it was small. But perhaps it was a baby animal, he thought. That would explain it. “Well?” he prompted when Rúmil made no move. “Please, show me!”

“As you wish!” Rúmil smiled and with a flourish, lifted the cloth to reveal Lindir’s new pet, or, as it turned out, pets.

The minstrel was hard-pressed not to show his disappointment. “Why, how unusual!” He said, trying to look pleased. “I had certainly not thought of that! Thank you, love.”

Unfortunately for Lindir, Rúmil knew him far too well.

“You don’t like them,” he said, looking miserable. “I chose the wrong thing, though I was sure it was right. The fool’s hope has failed.”

“No, not at all!” Seeing the hurt look on Rúmil’s face, Lindir felt deeply guilty. It was after all the thought that mattered. “I had just envisioned something more, ah, cuddly.”

“Oh.” Rúmil looked positively wretched. “I am sorry. I will return them and find something else. Something... cuddly.”

Moving over, Lindir slipped his arms around his dejected lover. “No – don’t. You put a great deal of time and effort into this and I thank you. All I ask is that you move them to the main room – they will be better off there and I will not feel like we are being watched at night!” He smiled cheekily, breaking Rúmil’s bad mood.

“That would not be good,” he agreed, his hurt feelings slightly soothed. Hurrying over, he hefted the box into his arms. “Where shall I put it?”

“On top of the low cupboard,” Lindir replied. “It is the perfect spot.”

Rúmil did as requested and within minutes, Lindir’s new pets were settled.

“Much better,” he said, nodding approvingly. “In fact, I do believe they are growing on me!”

Rúmil looked at Lindir sharply. “You are not just saying that?” he asked, sounding suspicious.

“I promise you, I am not.” Lindir said. “They are quite attractive, now that I look at them closely. It is not what I had expected, but I am pleased nonetheless. Now come here and let me thank you properly.” He opened his arms and to his relief, Rúmil sank into them.

They shared a passionate kiss, which chased away the last of Rúmil’s doubts. Entwining their hands he led his lover back to the bedroom and softly closed the door.

In the main room, the two goldfish swam happily around their glass tank, oblivious to the turmoil they had just caused.

END

So Many Ways To See You