back timeline an(?)OTP - Annatar/Celebrimbor

[ringsmith]

Celebrimbor rubbed at his face with a towel, then hung it around his neck as he stared proudly down at the rapidly cooling ring of metal. It wasn't quite what they were trying for yet, not strong enough or stable enough, but it was close. The closest they'd come so far. He turned his grin up at his companion, lit by the red light of the forge

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[stillrocknroll]

The companion grins back, sharp, animated. He extends his hand just above the glowing metal, long fingers courting the heat. "We're close. So close."

[ringsmith]

Celebrimbor's eyes shift from the ring to the fingers, watching them more intently than he had the result of his craft. "Next time. We'll have it next time."

[stillrocknroll]

Annatar for his part watches Celebrimbor's face intently, follows the path of his eyes. "I believe we will," he says, and his voice is satisfied and triumphant at once.

[ringsmith]

And Cele, poor naieve boy, assumes that the satisfaction and triumph are for the same reasons as his own. He reaches out as well, keeping a safe distance between their hands, feeling for the heat. "Has it cooled enough to handle?"

[stillrocknroll]

In answer he grasps the ring, holds it tight in his fist for a moment. When he opens his hand a burn flares across the fingers, then fades.

"It has now." He offers it, settled in his palm, with a reserved smile. "Your handiwork."

[ringsmith]

He winces as Sauron grasps the ring, and the tips of his fingers brush lightly against where the burn was on Annatar's palm. Then his hand comes to rest atop the ring, pressing it lightly into Annatar's hand. "As much yours as mine."

[stillrocknroll]

"Ours." He grasps Celebrimbor's hand in his, pressing the ring between them. "The world will ever remember that we did this, we two, together."

[ringsmith]

"Yes," he says, his hand clasping Annatar's in return and reaching to grip his shoulder, standing just a little too close, his tounch lingering just a little too long, his grin even wider. "Together."

[stillrocknroll]

"Ours will have been the greatest friendship between your kindred and mine this world has known." The word -- friendship -- may be slightly belied by how close they're standing, the way he watches Celebrimbor's eyes, his lips. "I am honoured to be a part of this."

[ringsmith]

He nods slightly, taking in their proximity, the way Annatar is watching him. His hand tightens reflextively against the other's as he nods, the tip of his tongue flicking out to wet his lips. "As am I."

[stillrocknroll]

His eyes drop down to their clasped hands, the ring inside not the whole source of the warmth between them. And back to Celebrimbor's face, with hooded eyes. "And yet--"

[ringsmith]

He follows Sauron's eyes down to their hands, wonders for a moment if he should pull back. Doesn't. "...Yet?" He unconciously shifts a tiny bit closer.

[stillrocknroll]

The shifting is really pretty okay with him. He searches his face, though he doesn't really need to, and speaks quiet but unhesitant. "There is yet something I would have of you, Celebrimbor."

[ringsmith]

"You know that you can ask anything of me, my friend." He smiles and his tone is light, but his hand twitches in Annatar's.

[stillrocknroll]

He lifts his other hand, brushes the knuckles against Celebrimbor's cheek, touches the thumb to his smile, leans down. And away again, just a little, as though it costs him effort.

In a low voice: "This is not just anything."

[ringsmith]

He sways just slightly, leaning into the touch, lips parting beneath Annatar's thumb. "Ask me," he says, his voice quieter.