Starlight

by billielightning

She had never been spoken to in this way, as if she was worth more than her killer instinct. Kili, likewise, is unsure how to approach the Elf maiden after confessing his feelings while ill. Especially with other Dwarves around. This is a return to Tauriel, Kili, and the other Dwarves in Laketown, beyond what DoS has given us. Kili/Tauriel (T rating just in case!)

4. Almost

"Oi, Kili," a sleepy voice called from behind the curtain.

They panicked, taking back their hands before Fili moved the curtain aside. He looked surprised by Tauriel's presence but only asked, "Is someone else keeping watch?"

The Elf nodded, "Yes. Another of your company. He insisted I rest my eyes," she chuckled, "I did not think it wise to start an argument with a Dwarf." She said this playfully and that was how he received it.

Fili grinned, "Aye, you wouldn't want to do that. You may lose," he laughed and gave a wink to his brother. "Kili, how're you feelin'?"

"He's doing much better. I was just checking the wound," Tauriel answered first, hoping that this would make her presence by the Dwarf's bedside seem less odd. "I was just finishing up," she found Kili's eyes. She saw that he desperately did not want her to go from his side.

"Another scar to add to the collection, eh brother?" Fili said, trying to be light-hearted. "Why don't you stay here?" he suggested to Tauriel, "Make sure his fever stays down."

Kili nodded quickly, "Yes, that is a splendid idea," he said, failing to hide his enthusiasm for more time with the Elf. Fili didn't seem to notice; the Dwarf left them to help Bofur with keeping watch. "Two Dwarves are better than one!" he had said as he left.

Both Tauriel and Kili let out a sigh of relief and then chuckled, meeting each other's eyes. The Dwarf turned his head toward the window on his other side, "The stars are bright tonight."

Tauriel had to sit up and lean slightly over Kili to see out the window. He held his breath and tried not to stare. "Yes," she said, "they are very bright. Even in the gravest of times they smile down on us."

Us, thought Kili, I like the sound of that.

When Tauriel moved to sit back down she dipped her head toward her chest, causing her nose to brush against his. She stopped, their noses still touching, and looked down at him. Kili looked back, his face as red as her hair, and did nothing at first. Then he looked down, at her lips, and back up to her eyes. She smiled. Oh that smile, he thought. "If I were made of ice…" he began.

Tauriel leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead.

"…I would surely melt."