A/N: Alright, so I've got other stuff to work on, but this is a birthday gift for my unofficial adopted sister. It will have 11 chapters and a few OCs
Disclaimer: I do not own The Hobbit or any characters (except my OCs)
Enjoy!
Platonic
When Balin greeted his friend Dori, he discovered something that hadn't even crossed his mind over the decades he'd known the other dwarf.
They'd never had skin-to-skin contact before.
Much to his shock, the little white light in the centre of his palm shimmered into pale green upon clasping forearms with Dori. The other dwarves were distracted by their own greetings, but when Balin met Dori's pale eyes he knew the other dwarf was fully aware of what had just happened.
"We must discuss this," Dori said quietly. Balin nodded.
"Later," he added, and although Dori looked somewhat disgruntled with that, he nodded and they moved on to greet the others.
-0-
Whilst the other dwarves of the company settled down to sleep, Balin and Dori slipped outside into the hobbit's front garden. They sat, side by side, on the neat garden bench.
"Had I known…" Balin trailed off with a sigh. "I am truly sorry, my friend." Dori nudged him with an elbow.
"Apologies cannot change the past," Dori grunted. "Yer company be all I wish for." A small sigh tinged with relief escaped Balin's lips.
"Likewise," he replied quietly. For a short while he had wondered if Dori – being younger than him although not exactly young – would wish to advance their bond to a full bond. It wasn't unheard of to remain unbonded with a soulmate – in the case of siblings or best friends who were soulmates, they often chose to leave the bond platonic rather than romantic. Balin was rather relieved his old friend wasn't looking to change their friendship to something more.
The two white-haired dwarves sat in silence for a long moment, just watching the quiet sky and leaning ever-so-slightly against each other. Finally, though, Balin hefted himself to his feet and stretched.
"We should be gettin' some sleep," he grumbled.
"Aye," Dori agreed, standing also and rubbing a hand over his face. "We be in for a long journey."
"Indeed."
As they were heading back inside, though, Balin had a thought.
"What do ye think of the hobbit and our Thorin?"
Dori started to laugh.
A/N: So, there's the first one. Next up, Bilbo and Thorin.
Please review!