"That is disgusting Caranthir. What is Varda's name is that?" Curufin winked his brow as he watched his older brother contentedly sip from a cup of steaming, brown liquid.
"The Edian call it 'Hot Cocoa'," Caranthir sniffed imperiously. He took a delicate sip of his drink, savoring the flavor.
"It looks disgusting," Curufin re-affirmed.
"It is in fact delicious, but you wouldn't know that because you're too picky to try."
"I am not picky, I am careful about what I put in my body," Curufin shot back. Caranthir gave him a skeptical look. It was a look that clearly said I don't believe you.
"I dare you to take one drink," Caranthir challenged.
"No."
"Why not? Afraid that you'll like it?" Caranthir teased, waiving the cup in front of Curufin's face.
"No. I know that I will not like it so there is no point in trying it."
They probably would have gone on arguing had not Maedhros stuck his head in the door.
"What is going on?" The redhead demanded.
"Curvo is being being a chicken," Caranthir shrugged.
"I am not!" Curufin protested.
"Yes, you are and you are being stubborn about it!"
"Fine!" Curufin snatched the mug from Caranthir's hand. He took a big gulp and grimaced. The liquid was very hot and burned his tongue.
"There! Are you satisfied?" Curufin demanded, setting the mug down with a little more force than necessary.
"I didn't think that you would actually do it," Caranthir blinked, more than a little surprised.
"If you two are done squabbling, I have errands for you," Maedhros interrupted the pending argument.
The next day, Curufin was plotting out what materials he would need to repair their equipment. Caranthir had been working with him, by (rather gruffly) telling him what was in budget and what wasn't. He was call out of the room by Maglor and he had been gone several minutes. While he waited for his brother to return, Curufin couldn't help but reach for Caranthir's mug. Despite his initial disgust, he found that the drink was addictively good.
Ah, well, Caranthir wouldn't notice if he took a sip.
Curufin turned back to his work, not caring that he no longer knew what was in budget. Before he knew it he was almost done with both the list and Caranthir's mug of cocoa. It was just in time for Caranthir to return.
"Curvo! Leave my drink alone," Caranthir spluttered as he spotted his favorite mug in Curufin's hand.
"If you didn't want to share then you shouldn't have left it alone," Curufin declared, not putting the mug down.
"But I thought that you hated it!" Caranthir protested, making a grab for his former mug. Curufin easily moved it out of reach.
"No, I like it," the smith corrected.
"So you admit that you were wrong?"
"No, I am never wrong, my opinions merely change," Curufin snorted. He finished the cocoa and handed the mug back to his brother, "There, I believe that is yours."
"You are incorrigible," Caranthir shook his head.
"You love me," Curufin smugly shot back.
"Maybe, but you owe me one now," Caranthir turned the mug upside down to prove his point.
"Only if you show me how to make that."
"Never!" Caranthir grinned.
"But why?"
"Because it's my drink. If you want some you have to ask."
"That's not fair!"
"Yes, it is," Caranthir shot back as he headed out the door with his empty mug.
"Where are you going?"
"To make more cocoa."
"Can I have some?" Curufin shot up from his desk and after his brother.
"You already had mine," Caranthir huffed.
"But I'm you're poor, younger brother." Curufin pulled his lower lip into a pout.
"Fine. On one condition," Caranthir sighed.
"Anything!" Curufin licked his lips in anticipation.
"Every time I make you a mug, you have to tell our brothers how awesome I am."
Curufin opened his mouth to protest. Then he thought of the smooth, sweet drink and decided that a little humiliation was worth it.
"Deal. If I go now, will you make another mug?" Curufin paused, "Please?"
"Go. Maedhros and Maglor are upstairs, so I suggest you start there. And don't even think about spreading insult, becuase I will find out," Caranthir called after his little brother.
Two weeks later, Maedhros stopped by Caranthir's room.
"What in Varda's name have you been feeding Curufin and why on earth is he so nice?" the redhead demanded.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," Caranthir shrugged, "No idea at all…"