Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended. This story is not meant to violate the rights held by New Line, Tolkien Enterprises, nor any other licensee, nor is any disrespect intended.
Author's Note: Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed the last chapter! I hope you enjoy! This chapter is dedicated to LavenderCrystalOfRoses for the great idea! ;) Please REVIEW at the end!
Chapter Three: Outside
"Sometimes I really hate you," Kili commented as he rubbed his still-shaved chin. He scowled as he peered at his appearance in the mirror. "You know, that was my first beard."
"I didn't do it," Fili said with a shrug. "I don't know who did."
Kili glared at Fili in the mirror as Fili gave him an innocent look. "You might want to sleep with your eyes open, brother," he threatened with a smirk. "Or else you'll find your beard gone."
He laughed inwardly as Fili's hands flew toward his moustache and beard that he was so proud of, and he quickly strode off. He needed revenge. He had loathed Fili's prank toward him - the prank with the devil kittens. He had been terrified when he had opened the door and six cats had been on his bed or stalking around, mewing to each other.
Kili had screamed, and Fili had burst with laughter at the sight of the horrified look on Kili's face. Kili had snatched up a jar of spiders and had threw them at Fili, and then it had been his turn to laugh his head off. Then he had proceeded to drop a spider down his older brother's breeches and had been enjoying watching Fili squirm when their uncle had yelled up at them to be quiet.
Kili needed a careful planner. Someone who was thoughtful, smart, and willing to help him. The dwarf that matched his expectations popped into his mind and Kili rushed off to find his friend.
"Ori!" he called as he ran into the field.
Kili halted next to his friend. Ori had been sketching a flower in his notebook carefully, jotting down some notes that Kili didn't really care about. "I need your help," Kili said.
Ori looked up at him. "What is it?"
Kili smirked. "Come with me and I'll explain."
As they walked and Kili talked, a dwarf passed him and noticed the absence of the second prince's beard.
"You look far younger, Master Kili," the dwarf said politely. "And much more handsomer. The ladies shall be fawning after you soon." The dwarf gave him an expecting smile.
Kili gritted his teeth and managed to say, "Thank you."
The dwarf nodded and strode off.
Ori watched him before saying, "You sounded strained."
"You would sound strained if people commented on your lack of beard every time they saw you," Kili grumbled. At least he had been polite. Thorin had told him off for snapping at one of his friends for teasing him about the beard he didn't have anymore.
"At least say 'thank you'," Thorin sighed. "Else everyone shall think that I raised you wrong."
"All right," Kili grumbled. "But I don't like it."
Indeed he didn't.
Fili wove his hair into braids the way Thorin had done for him when he was younger. He had already done the beads for his moustache and beard - at least he still had his, unlike Kili. He grinned when he remembered the shocked look on Kili's face when he had looked at himself in the mirror for the first time without his beard.
"Fili!"
Fili turned when he heard his younger brother call his name. "What is it, Kee?" he called back.
Kili entered the room with Ori. "Dwalin's looking for you," Kili said casually, sitting on his bed and gesturing for Ori to sit as well. "He said he wanted to talk to you."
Fili frowned. He quickly finished up the braids he had been doing, putting the clasp on, before nodding and walking out. He did not notice the triumphant smirk Kili had as he passed.
Kili watched his brother go before locking the door to the house. He quickly shut all the windows and locked them as well, and set the fireplace to fire in case his brother thought he could enter by chimney. He would see the smoke.
"Kili, are you sure this is a good idea?" Ori asked timidly.
"It's fine," Kili assured. "Fili won't mind too much."
"But Thorin will, won't he?"
Kili grimaced. "Thorin ... will have a bigger reaction to this than Fili," he agreed reluctantly.
"He'll murder you," Ori said bluntly. He looked out of the window. "It's starting to rain. When is Thorin returning?"
"Soon. And my revenge plan against Fili will be even better if it rains."
"He'll starve," Ori warned.
"He has food with him, Ori." Kili rolled his eyes. "And weapons. He always sticks his knives and weapons everywhere possible."
Ori giggled at that. Then he turned solemn. "I should go now," Ori said. "I promised Dori that I would be back at home by the time the sun begins to set."
"You can't go now," Kili scowled. "I've locked everything. How are you going to get out?"
Ori huffed. "Just unlock the door, Kili!" he pleaded. "Then you can lock it again."
"You just don't want to face Thorin's wrath," Kili grumbled, but he allowed Ori to walk out. He locked the door again when Ori left, and headed up to his room, knowing that it would not be long before Fili figured out what was happening.
Sure enough, ten minutes later, a pounding on the door sounded.
"KILI!" Fili's voice bellowed. "OPEN THIS DOOR! NOW!"
"Nope!" Kili called, opening the window a crack.
Fili looked up. He had his cloak and hood on, blocking the rain from hitting at his body and face. "You little brat!" Fili huffed. "Wait till uncle gets word of this!"
"He will!" Kili agreed.
Fili glared up at him. "You'll have to open the door for Thorin anyway," he growled.
"No, I won't," Kili said.
"You will."
"I won't."
"You. Will."
"I. Won't."
"Kili."
"Fili."
Kili was enjoying himself. Fili looked vexed.
"Open this door now."
"No, thank you."
"You will."
"Nope."
"Kili. Open the door before I bash through it," Fili threatened.
"That would not be wise," a voice stated dryly. "I've had enough things broken and bashed by my nephews."
Kili and Fili both looked toward the source of the voice. Thorin glared up at Kili.
"I would appreciate it if you opened the door for us."
Kili promptly shut the window and laid on his bed, preparing himself for his brother's and uncle's wrath.
End of Chapter Three
Author's Note: Sorry, not that funny. As I've said before, I'm not that good with humor. So, I would appreciate more ideas! Thanks for reading, and please REVIEW!