Thranduil / Reader (12)
There he was again; the tall, handsome man with long blonde hair and ice blue eyes that seemed to pierce any surface and saw straight into your soul. He had long dark lashes and impressive eyebrows, flawless skin and delicate lips, so captivating and welcoming, impossible to ignore when he talked. Oh yes, when he talked his deep voice, filled with mystery and assertiveness, filled the room and when he laughed his laughter sounded sincere and made you feel slightly lightheaded, cheering up your mood entirely. The man was always in control, perfect posture and every time you saw him, he was dressed in fine, stylish clothes that fit his stoic physique just right.
Oh man, he was smart too. He never talked if he did not have anything worthwhile to say, this you admired a lot; you were living among people who kept talking bullshit nearly constantly and therefore having someone clearly intelligent enough to stay silent when there was nothing smart to say was just great… although it made you feel nervous whenever you were around him. He was funny too, but his humor was dark and sarcastic, too witty for most of your friends to understand, and many times you found yourself being the only person in the room chuckling at the comment that the man had made.
This man, Thranduil, was a wealthy businessman who had inherited a company with his younger brother Legolas, whom you were good friends with. You and Legolas had studied in the same university, the University of Rivendell, sharing few classes together, until the young elf had graduated and moved back to his hometown called Mirkwood. However, even though you had not seen your dear friend that often during the past few years you had still kept in touch by phone and Internet. Then you had graduated, your studies taking a bit longer than expected because you had changed your major a couple of times, and found yourself unemployed.
It was not easy to get a job without any relevant work experience especially since you did not personally know any headhunters or company owners, except Legolas of course, and therefore you ended up having a terrible gap in your CV which was the first thing that every potential employer noticed when you applied to jobs that suited your profession. One day you had chatted online with Legolas and casually mentioned these difficulties concerning your job-hunting when he had asked how you were doing. You knew that Legolas had a wealthy background and his brother’s company was very successful but you had no intention of exploiting your friendship by asking Legolas to arrange a job interview to you. Besides you wanted to be hired due to your own merits and not because your friend felt sorry for you and this you had made clear to Legolas many times in the past.
However after few days he called you, his voice clearly excited and cheerful as he told you that he had managed to arrange a job interview to you in a company of his friend, Haldir. It was a paid internship but it potentially opened many doors and provided you both vital contacts to the business world as well as work experience. The only catch was that you had to move to the elven city of Lothlorien where the company was located. It would be a big change for sure but you were ready to do it. You moved to Lothlorien and completed the internship successfully, made many friends and connected to various key influencers of the elven world.
After working in Haldir’s company for nearly nine years as a real employee a new opportunity presented itself to you; Haldir’s company was going to expand to Mirkwood and you were offered a position as the manager of the Mirwood office and therefore you said goodbye to the city of Lothlorien and moved to Mirkwood. Soon after you had moved and settled in Legolas called you to let you know that he had arranged a party for you, nothing too fancy, a dinner and cocktails among new friends and colleagues. Yes, Haldir’s company was going to do business with Greenleaf Exports and this was a great opportunity to make a good impression on Legolas’s big brother, Thranduil.
You had heard many things about Thranduil from Haldir and Legolas. You had been told that Thranduil was quite distant and cold, honorable but also ruthless and not the one to compromise. He had been described as intelligent and slightly egoistic, such of person who married for money and status… which was exactly what he had done; Thranduil had married a woman from a rich, influential family. This had sealed the merger of two successful businesses, united two powerful families together, everything exactly according to his father’s, Oropher’s wishes. And after the father had passed, Thranduil had taken full control of the company while his wife, a socialite, worked as a clothing designer from home.
Legolas was different, completely different from his big brother, younger too. You had never met Thranduil but you were able to form your opinion about differences between those two gentlemen. Legolas’s idea of a nice afternoon was watching a comedy while cuddling under a blanket with his girlfriend or practicing archery which had been his most beloved hobby since childhood, while Thranduil most likely attended galas and cocktail parties with his wife, using any opportunity there was to make a good impression on people and connecting with the lords of business.
You were very nervous to meet Thranduil for the first time. You knew that Legolas had played a massive, actually, the crucial part in getting you the internship and you felt that you were somewhat indebted to your friend for that but at the same time you were aware of the fact that your contract had been changed from the internship into a real employment due to your own accomplishments and this, being promoted as the manager and being trusted to run the Mirkwood branch was a clear sign that you were indeed good at your work, a talented professional, and therefore deserved this promotion. However there had been a chip on your shoulder ever since Legolas had told you about the interview that he had managed to arrange for you; you felt like you absolutely needed to prove everyone that you had not been employed because Legolas knew Haldir and their companies were in business with each other.
You were invited to the mansion where Thranduil lived with his wife, a twenty-minute-drive from the city. The house was big and very fancy, surrounded by a luscious green garden and the entire estate framed by tall, ancient trees, most likely older than Thranduil himself was. The car parked in front of the main entrance where Legolas was already waiting for you, dressed in a casual but fancy silver tunic, dark trousers and shoes. He smiled widely when he saw you and opened his arms to welcome you into a tight embrace when you got out from the car. The car drove away and parked into a large garage a bit further away.
- It is lovely to see you again! Legolas exclaimed and after hugging you for few moments more, he stepped away and offered you his arm. The only thing you had managed to mumble was something like “You too” but the truth was that you were speechless due to the grandness of the estate. This was where Legolas had spent his childhood… just wow… and also very-wow that he had grown up to be so down-to-earth despite such fancy and entitled background. You followed Legolas in, gracefully walking in your high heels and your favorite cocktail dress, and soon arrived to a gorgeous, large room that was already filled with guests, whom you were instantly presented to.
The atmosphere was surprisingly friendly and laidback, something that you had not expected; people were cheerful, perhaps slightly intoxicated already, there was music and the room was lit with lamps that emitted warm light. You noticed instantly the most impressive looking couple in the room; a tall blonde man who was standing next to a tall blonde woman, both dressed in stylish clothes and wearing many pieces of expensive jewelry. The man had a neutral yet polite expression on his face while he listened to the conversation between the woman, who most likely was his wife, and another couple. Suddenly the man’s focus shifted to you, his eyes sharp and curious, nearly intrusive, a gaze that couldn’t be escaped or hid from. He was reading you from the distance, evaluating you and clearly trying to figure out exactly what kind of person you were. The thought of him forming an opinion about you before even meeting you was making your stomach tingle and your skin fill with Goosebumps. However you were not capable of deciding whether this tingling sensation was a good thing or if it was making you nauseous.
- Come on, (Y/N)! Let me introduce you to my brother. Legolas said and guided you through the crowd to the direction of this tall man.
- Brother. the man said and bowed a little as a greeting. “I do not think I have had the pleasure of meeting you, Mrs.…” he said and shifted his eyes from Legolas to you as he waited for you to give him your name. Of course he already knew it but he liked to go by the etiquette, he was a bit old fashioned like that.
- (Your full name). you said and offered your hand to him for a handshake. “And it is Miss” you said and smiled when he took your hand and shook it firmly.
- My name is Thranduil Greenleaf. the man said and added “Delighted” with a surprisingly warm tone.
- Likewise. you replied and after he had introduced you to his wife, you thanked them for arranging such a nice party for you.
It was strange; Thranduil was everything and nothing what you had been told before this day. He had a strong aura and it was more than obvious that he was in control and was fully aware of it himself as well, and even though he was now off-duty, he still made you feel slightly threatened and you had a feeling that it would have been nerve wrecking to actually meet him for the first time at work. Thranduil was intimidating, both physically and mentally and he was not afraid to use his size, height and broadness, to his advantage. He had strikingly light blue eyes scanned his surroundings mercilessly and because they were framed with such dark long lashes and impressive eyebrows he looked ancient and otherworldly, ethereal and haunting… beautiful like a freezing cold winter twilight, the light of a silver moon making his fair skin and the long platinum blonde hair glow magically.
But he was also warmer than you had expected. He had smiled and welcomed you to his home and it had been surprisingly easy to talk to him, after managing to gather the bits and pieces of your courage that was. He was surprisingly witty and funny, in a sarcastic and dark way at least and as you engaged yourself into a conversation with him and his wife plus few other elves, you sometimes found yourself being the only one chuckling or even laughing out loud at the joke he had cracked. This was something that his wife never did; she just kept smiling politely and sometimes laughing a little when you did but it was obvious that he did not find her husband particularly funny.
It was getting late and you had asked Legolas to arrange the driver to take you back to your new apartment. You were just about to get your coat when Thranduil walked to you and asked to talk with you for a minute in private. You complied, of course, and excused yourself for a moment, followed Thranduil into a study and watched the tall man walking behind his desk and gesturing you to sit down. When you did, he sat down as well and leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs as he casually lounged in his boss chair.
- I’ve heard many great things about you from Haldir. Thranduil stated and shifted his gaze from his wedding ring to you and lowering his hand to the arm of the chair, his long fingers tracing the black leather slowly as he rested his arm on it.
- I am… pleased to hear that. you said and cleared your throat before continuing “I am sure you have heard that your brother, Legolas, got me the internship-“
- Incorrect. Thranduil said and interrupted you. You sighed with your mouth slightly ajar as deep confusion took over your mind. “Yes, Legolas talked Haldir into arranging the interview…” Thranduil stated, paused and then continued with the deep, assertive yet surprisingly friendly tone “…But you got the position by your own merits.”
- Oh. you commented and shifted your gaze away from the tall man on the opposite side of the table.
- Did Legolas tell you that he arranged the internship for you? he asked curiously, his eyes scanning your expressions constantly, never missing anything.
- No. you said and shook your head. It was the truth; he had never said such thing exactly but you had always assumed so. “He didn’t” you mumbled with a barely audible tone.
- You do not have to cover up for my brother. he stated and smirked at you.
- I’m… not. I assure you. you stammered and smiled sincerely, although your smile was more on the confused-side than you had hoped it to be.
- Very well, I believe you. Thranduil said and tilted his head slightly. Oh gosh he was handsome! Yes, handsome and fully aware of his good looks and charms… but you did not get the “slimy older boss –guy vibes from him and again, for your total surprise you found yourself feeling comfortable in his presence, even now when you were completely alone with him.
- I can sense you have a chip on your shoulder. Thranduil said, reached to take a bottle of some kind of alcohol from the drawer and poured some into two delicate glasses that were on the table. Then he pushed the other glass to you across the wooden surface and lifted his glass up to his lips. He didn’t sip yet, but enjoyed the enticing aroma and breathed it in through his nose while waiting you to do the same. You grabbed the glass, your hand shaking just a little from the intensity of this situation and then took a small sip from the glass, placed it back to the table in front of you and shrugged.
- I suppose… I always assumed that Haldir had hired me as the intern because of Legolas. you admitted hesitantly.
- In that case… you, Miss (Y/N), have been mistaken. Thranduil said and took a sip from the glass. It clearly was his favorite drink and you were secretly fascinated by the way he seemed to savor every aspect of it; the deep color, vibrant scent and the mellow yet rich taste. “I also must tell you that the reason why you were sent here in Mirkwood was…” he said and paused to keep you in suspense for a moment more.
- Was… what? you asked with a confused tone. You had assumed that you had been promoted because you had deserved a promotion and Haldir had become aware of your great potential, so therefore hearing that there was a reason above any other why you had become the manager of the Mirkwood office was… well… somewhat confusing.
- My company only deals with the best. Thranduil said and placed his glass back to the table. You had been holding your breath while waiting for him to continue and now you sighed from relief. “I advised Haldir to appoint his best employee as the person in charge and… he did” Thranduil explained proudly, clearly pleased with himself for giving such a great advise, and even more pleased to see that his advise had been taken seriously.
- I’m deeply flattered, Sir. you commented and emptied your glass to calm your nerves.
- Besides my brother is good at reading people. Thranduil commented and then added, keeping his eyes focused on you at all times “It is the reason why he is the HR-manager at Greenleaf Exports.”
- Yes, Legolas is a people person and resolves conflicts very efficiently. you stated nervously. Your nervousness wasn’t the bad kind of nervousness but more due to the butterflies in your stomach, flying around recklessly because of your attraction towards the married man in front of you. The atmosphere in the room was charged with nearly tangible electricity and therefore you had to constantly kept reminding yourself of two things; Thranduil had a wife and you were supposed to do business with him, your relationship had to remain professional despite your personal feelings and the obvious spark… the intense chemistry that intrigued and terrified you at the same time.
- Indeed. He has a softer approach while I am in control in the boardroom and meetings. he said with the deep, sultry voice that filled the room and made your head spin. “Speaking of which…” he started and then continued “...To get you started, I’ve arranged my schedule to be cleared so I can personally make sure that…” he said, stood up and walked to the door. You stood up as well and walked to him, took his hand as he offered it to you for a handshake and listened to him while he spoke.
- …You’ll find your place here in Mirkwood. he said and a tiny smirk appeared on his face.
- You don’t have to. you said, deeply flattered for such proposition, knowing that Thranduil was a busy man whose time was more valuable than money or gold.
- It’s done. he stated, cutting you off and holding onto your hand for longer than necessary. “We’re going to have many long meetings to get everything settled” he added and finally let go of your hand. You swallowed once as you stared into his blue eyes with widened gaze and when he asked “Are you comfortable with that?” you were only capable of nodding.
- Good. Thranduil sighed, opened the door and escorted you back into the entrance hall.
During the next months you had many long private meetings with Thranduil as well as negotiations that included also other employees of his company as well as your people. Thranduil never crossed any lines; he never touched you or came too close, he never made any inappropriate comments or stared at your body but still there was that same spark, intense chemistry that made it very hard, nearly impossible not to blush when he smiled at you or when he spotted you in the crowd of people. It was also apparent that Thranduil enjoyed your company. He seemed to appear a bit more relaxed whenever you were around and the way you got his jokes clearly flattered him very deeply.
After living in Mirkwood for many years, way longer than you had lived in Lothlorien, not that it made any difference since as an immortal elf time had no great significance to you, you had planned to move back to Lothlorien or to Rivendell… mostly because you had fallen insanely in love with Thranduil during the years and it was tearing you apart that you had to watch from the sidelines him and his wife living together, sharing a perfect life and appearing completely happy while you couldn’t help feeling that Thranduil should have been with you instead of the woman he was married to. Gosh! The woman did not understand Thranduil’s sense of humor! You did and you knew that deep down Thranduil had made this same remark and sometimes you had a feeling that he had also come to a realization that you indeed were the one for him.
But… yes… the famous “but”… it had also become quite apparent he was not going to do anything about it so you had decided to move away from Mirkwood, hoping that distance would mute your feelings and you would be able to move on emotionally. It was obvious that Thranduil loved his wife and they had a very comfortable life together and therefore it was time to bury your childish hopes and rip yourself off from Thranduil’s inner circle, just like ripping off a band-aid; it would hurt for a moment but it had to be done, it was for the best… best for everyone… but mostly, it was for the best for you and during the years you had spent in business-circles you had learned to be strong and selfish too… you had learned to look after yourself and your interests.
It was a beautiful summer evening, the evening before moving back to Lothlorien, when you were packing your things at the office, sometimes stopping to stare out from the large windows that faced west. You stared at the sunset when you heard the door of your office opening… and closing. Familiar footsteps getting slowly and cautiously closer and the intense electricity filling the room. You did not have to turn and look to know who had entered the room. You sighed, took a sip from the bottle of sparkling wine, the farewell-gift from your employees, and continued staring at the horizon without saying a word.
- I understand why you’re leaving. Thranduil said and walked to stand next to you.
- I doubt that. you commented and swallowed your emotions, to keep them hidden. You lifted the bottle up to your lips and took a long gulp, hoping that the strong drink would numb your aching spirit.
- I… feel… the same about you. he spoke hesitantly, clearly nervous because neither of you had ever voiced these feelings and all there had been during the years passed had been the countless long, lingering looks that you had shared with the tall, blonde man. “From the first moment I saw you” he spoke, grabbed the bottle from you and took a sip. You sighed and closed your eyes; it was heartbreaking and also heartwarming to hear him say so but… yes… the merciless “but”… there was nothing to be done since Thranduil was happily married to another.
- I cannot take your hand, I cannot embrace you or kiss you because that would be wrong towards my wife. he spoke and turned to look at you while you still kept your eyes fixed on the setting golden sun. “But know this… I love you” he stated softly. You did not comment, you couldn’t because if you did, you would either slam your lips against his or break down in front of him. Either of these two was not an option.
- My marriage is based on convenience. he started, his voice soft and filled with nervousness, unlike usually. “It was enough… until I met you” he admitted and swallowed, pleaded that you would look at him and when you did, he continued by stating “I am planning to get a divorce.”
- No, you’re not. you commented and grabbed the bottle back. You lifted the opening to your lips and emptied the bottle, the last two glasses with one long gulp and walked to your desk, leaving Thranduil standing by the window, to bathe in the golden light… so beautiful and mesmerizing. You chuckled bitterly and said “You’re happy with your wife-“
- No. It is… a well rehearsed act. he said, paused to take a quick inhale and walked to you. “I do not wish to cheat on my wife, but please know, I would kiss you right here, right now, if I could” he stated and slammed his hand against the surface of your desk to emphasize his point. The gesture made you jump a little, not because you were scared of the outburst but because you were deeply moved by it.
- I am not expecting you to wait for me, but… he said, tilted his head a little and smiled shyly as he continued. “…When the divorce is official and dealt with, I will come and find you” he spoke, put his hand on yours as you leaned to the table and squeezed it gently yet firmly while brushing the back of your hand with his thumb. You turned your head to look at him with eyes filled with melancholy and shook your head as an automated reaction.
- I’ll come to find you… he said and then added “…And if you’re still available, if you still love me then, I will-”
At that moment your assistant knocked the door to let you know that your ride had arrived, so you pulled your hand immediately away, grabbed your bag and followed your assistant, who had entered our office to deliver the message, out from the building. You took one look over your shoulder as you walked towards the deep green car parked in front of the main entrance and saw Thranduil appearing to the doorway of the office building, his expression neutral as usual but you knew… oh you knew… the man’s heart was breaking into million tiny pieces, silently, hidden from the world… just like yours was.