Author's Note: First off, I would like to apologize if this seems anticlimactic to you. I just hit a huge wall, and am forcing myself to write this so I can provide the promised chapter. I will probably edit it later but maybe not. If no one sends me hate mail detailing how much this sucked, I will leave it be.

Kili was startled at Thorin's change of heart. The last thing he remembered was Thorin berating him over the past few days. Then, as he thought more, he remembered his last lesson with Balin. And running out of the house. Thorin refused to break eye contact, waiting Kili's response. Kili swallowed hard, tears forming behind his eyes. "I am sorry uncle. Sorry I ran away. Sorry I am so stupid."

Thorin and Dis turned to look at each other in amazement. Had he heard?

"You aren't stupid Kili." Thorin insisted, his gaze faltering.

Kili shook his head, "But I heard you say i-"

"Never mind what I said." Thorin interrupted, "I was I fool." "In the same manner my father was."

Kili looked for the deception in Thorin's face, seeing only honesty. All of the sudden a feeling of warmth and love filled his body. He smiled, forced at first, then genuine as he realized what his Uncle had just told him.

"How did you hear us Kili?" Dis asked, furrowing her brow. Her boys had been taught better than to listen in on private conversations.

Thorin chuckled a little before stating rather flippantly, "Never mind that now. We now know that we should never talk about the boys behind their back."

Kili quickly grew hot and shed some blankets. Dis looked at him with a warning look.

"But Ma, I'm hot." Kili protested.

Dis, as usual, wouldn't relent, "No your not. Keep the blankets."

Kili slowly pulled the blankets over himself. Fili laughed at the discomfort apparent on his little brother's face. Kili glared at him but the older dwarf only laughed harder. Kili soon joined in, allowing a chuckle to pass his lips. Dis and Thorin looked at each other and gave a weak smile, not forgetting the apologies they had to give.

"Kili?" Di asked, somewhat anxious over what she had to confess. "I am sorry I did not stick up for you. I really should have thought more amount you and not just our family. I ask your forgiveness as well."

Kili looked at her and smiled, "Of course. I forgive you. But what did you mean by what you said? That night with Balin?"

"We were surprised is all. We expected you to be finished with school soon. When we found out you could be going for a few more years we just were shocked. There is nothing wrong with it. Dyslexia doesn't mean you're stupid." Dis explained.

Kili tried to process this, furrowing his brow. Still confused, but not desiring to carry on this topic, he nodded and smiled. "Of course."

Dis looked at him with a strange look, "You don't know what that is do you?"

"I sure don't." Thorin looked at his sister, waiting for an explanation. All Kili could do was nod. Even Fili looked at his mother blankly.

"It's a learning disorder. It just means that you have a harder time learning than most other children. In your case, it makes it difficult to read. Some people have trouble writing. A week ago, Balin and I came up with a plan to help you along. That is why he started to read to you." Dis patiently explained, pleased with herself for knowing something Thorin did not.

All three dwarrows nodded, understanding showing on their faces. Sweat began beading on Kili's forehead. Dis pulled some blankets away, not wanting to make him sick. Maybe love could warm someone up. The idea was likely.

"So when will I start to learn weapons?" Kili asked shyly.

"You could start this spring." Thorin suggested, eyes lighting up.

Kili looked inquisitively, "How? I have a long way to go?"

"Do weapons in the morning and school at night. It will take longer to finish the books, but you will do weapons along with it." Thorin was pleased with himself for seizing the opportunity to do the right thing. After these weeks, he had to make up for his lack of love somehow. And this was the way to do it.

Kili smiled brighter than he had in the last week. (That did not mean much, considering he had sat around morosely, but it was a start.)

Fili and Kili soon grew tired. They excused themselves and went off to bed.

Dis and Thorin remained by the fire. Neither spoke a word, seeing as neither was much of a talker, especially after an event like this had just taken place. This night was much like the one after Dis' husband had died. Sullen, yet relieved his suffering was over. And he had suffered much before the end.

"I am a stupid old dwarf." Thorin finally said.

Dis shook her head, "You're not old yet Thorin."

Rolling his eyes and letting out a small chuckle, Thorin couldn't help but agree. " Not yet anyway." After a few more minutes of silence, Thorin took a deep breath. "You know I have made it my goal not to be like Father. And I have failed."

Dis moved to lay her hand on her older brother's knee. "You have a long life ahead of you. You can start afresh with the boys. You know they will be eager to forget what happened."

Thorin shook his head. "They might be, but I am not. What I have done is inexcusable. I have shamed myself."

"None but Balin and Dwalin know of this aside from our family, and they will not tell." Dis stared at Thorin's brooding figure.

"I am just afraid of what I might become. It was a close call. This was a close call. Next time it might get worse. What if I became like Grandfather? Dragon sickness took his mind. What if I become like that? I'd have to take the mountain back, of course, but what about after that? What if I start a hopeless war that puts my people's lives in danger?"

Dis chuckled, "You would never do that Thorin."

A/N: ….and done! I will probably add an Epilogue. I don't know if it will be up tomorrow because I am not entirely sure what to write it about. I just think that there are a few things I should wrap up. If you have an idea please write it in the reviews or PM me or something. (Yes this is a shameless effort to get reviews and PMs)

Thanks to jaymzNshed and TeddybearLovingInsomniac for the lovely reviews. Would anybody else like to get their name on this list for next time? Please?