“Of course it is not your fault.” He stroked a hand down his back softly, enjoying holding his boy this close. He hadn’t realised how much he’d missed his son until now. “It is what I am here for, ion. You will come to me from now on, yes? I want to help you get through these troubles of yours.”
His soothing touches and kind words only make him smile more. Soon, he felt himself inching closer to his father, nuzzling him as he once did as a child. How long had it been since such times…? He could never recall. “I will certainly come to you more often… I never realized how much I needed another to speak to.” He then laughed softly. “You know how I keep these things to myself. I always feel the need to face things alone.”
He sighed happily when he felt Gil-galad give in and cuddle him like he used to as a child, and he easily pulled him into his lap to cradle him properly, making the most of the moment. “That is often the case. You are not aware of how deeply you require the comforting arms and words or simply someone to listen as you spill your heart’s troubles, until you are given those things.” He kissed his hair and smiled. “Yes, I remember. Always hiding your problems because you felt that admitting to needing help made you weak.”
“It does make me weak,” he muttered, curling towards Orodreth. He even rested his head on his shoulder, his face somewhat buried into his neck. A part of him knew how childish he was appearing, but another part - the part that had locked away his troubles and heartache - desperately did not wish for this to end too soon. Now, he felt slight regret for staying so secluded from his father. “But it also makes me feel better. I apologize for never letting you in before…”
“No, it does not. Even the strongest people need to accept help from time to time.” He found himself playing with Gil-galad’s hair, his mind wandering back to the last time he had held his son like this. “You are forgiven, if you promise not to shut me out again. I have missed you, Gilly.”
The forgiveness made him smile. It was comforting, knowing his father could always find room in his heart to forgive him. “I have missed you too,” his fingers played with the fabric of Orodreth’s robes, eyes studying the patterns, “and I promise I will not shut you out.” He closed his eyes and nuzzled further into his neck, finger clutching at the robe now.
He grinned, holding him closer. He could tell that his son had really needed a hug - who knows the last time he had had one? “Good.” He kissed his hair again, nuzzling him in return. “Seems like somebody needed a cuddle from Ada, hm?”
He smiled wider still. “Perhaps I did, Ada.” He always felt better when he kissed his hair; a gesture that he had not received in so long, but despite some sad memories that came along with it, he would always think of his father giving him such affection, making him feel loved and appreciated. “They are actually quite nice; it has been too long since I have had one.”
“Well, whenever you need one, you can come and have one. I will never refuse you.” He stroked a hand soothingly up and down his back, rocking him very slightly like he always used to whenever he was upset. “I have missed our cuddles. It seems you grew up far too quickly…”
