"Good morning." I greet Thorin as he enters the kitchen.

"What time did you get home last night?" Thorin asks, pouring himself a hot mug of coffee.

I take a sip of my coffee. "I think it was around nine thirty."

Thorin pulls out his regular chair at the table and joins me.

"I searched the house and couldn't find either of you." I tell him. "But, then I found this." I stop talking and unlock my phone. I go to my camera roll and tap on the picture. Once it is full screen, I show it to Thorin.

"Don't worry," I say when I see Thorin's wide eyed stare. "I only sent it to Éowyn. She thought it was adorable, by the way."

In the picture, Thorin has a protective hold on Kili's bundled frame. My little brother's head rests on my uncle's strong chest. Thorin's chin rests gently on the top of Kili's bald head. And the both of them are sound asleep.

"How was dinner?" Thorin asks, avoiding the subject of Kili.

"Wonderful. You really didn't have to do that."

"It wasn't me. It was your brother." Thorin corrects me.

I take another sip of my coffee before continuing. "Yesterday was a lot better than I had expected it to be. Thanks for that. I guess I really needed it."

"Good." Thorin simply says. "How did everything go with her uncle?"

"Great," I answer immediately. "He's a very intelligent man. His library is huge; I've never known anyone that could own so many books and know them all by heart. It's fascinating, really."

I smile thinking of his words to me from the previous evening: "All of these books- all three thousand- they are all made up of the same twenty-six letters. Yet, they all have a different story. Some are stories of knights and mighty dragons; some tell of gruesome battles and significant loss; others tell of newfound love and happiness. So, you see, Fili, anything is possible with an active imagination. You just have to be willing to share your thoughts with the world. You'd be surprised at how many people think like you. Never be afraid to say what you think and feel. Be proud of you are, and you will go places you never imagined were possible."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself." Thorin tells me.

"So," I hate changing the subject, but I need to ask know. "Is Kili all right? I mean, apart from the obvious."

Thorin sighs and wraps his hands around his warm coffee mug. He stares into the contents of the mug for so long that I think he isn't going to answer me, but then he does.

"He wasn't, but I think he is I now. We… talked. It helped him."

I swallow hard, not even bothering to take a drink of my coffee because I know it wouldn't stay down if I tried. I don't bother to ask Thorin to elaborate on what he meant when he said they had "talked." I know what that means, and if that special "talk" is what it would take for Kili to finally come to terms with things, then that would be fine with me. Or, at least, as "fine" as anything can be right now.

"I plan on taking him today. I know you probably aren't going to work, but if you want to join us, feel free to do so. I think Kili would like the extra support anyway." I pause before reluctantly adding, "And, these last few days have been rough. I think I would even like the support."

I sound selfish. I know I do. Thorin and Kili gave me the entire day of yesterday, and here I am still asking for help.

"No, never mind. I don't know what I'm saying. I shouldn't be asking this of you. You stay here. I've got everything under control today. We'll be home around one." I quickly stand and make my way to the sink with my mug.

"Fili." Thorin's deep voice says from behind me.

I drop the mug into the sink, jumping at the loud noise. Thankfully, it doesn't break. I notice for the first time the vicious trembling that is coming from my hands. "Crap." I mutter under my breath.

I turn and walk to the doorway, my eyes never leaving the floor. But, then I stop when a large arm blocks my way and nearly clotheslines me.

"Fili." Thorin lays a strong hand on my shoulder and grips it firmly, but gently.

I take a deep breath, still refusing to look away from the floor. I feel Thorin's other arm gently make its way around my shoulders and soon, my face is buried into his cotton shirt. I refuse to let any tears make their ways from my eyes, and instead take several deep breaths. Once the trembling in my limbs stops, I push myself away from Thorin's hold. His hand gives my shoulder one final squeeze and finally drops.

"I'm not sorry for sending you away yesterday," he tells me. "I am sorry, though, that you feel like you can't talk to me. Fili, it isn't good for your health to keep everything bottled up inside. Talk to me, ok?"

I nod my head. "I will. From now on, no more hiding."

Thorin nods in agreement. "I'm going to shower and get ready. You can go talk to Kili for a while. Oh, I put him back in his own room. He slept through the night, with no problems."

I listen outside of Kili's door for any indication that he is awake.

Nothing.

I gently push the door open and peek inside. The blinds are closed and curtains drawn, shutting out any light from entering the room. I quietly close the door behind me and walk over to Kili's bed. As usual, he is wrapped in more blankets than any normal person would ever use at one time. Éowyn's cap is on his head, which is resting cozily on his fluffy pillow. He is laying on his stomach, arms buried beneath the pillow, his head turned toward me.

I debate on waking him. He looks so peaceful and innocent when he sleeps. And he doesn't even look close to his seventeen years of age. There is no longer a steady sheen of sweat on his brow and his cheeks no longer have that rosy color- no more fever, thank God.

I run a careful hand over his face, subtly reassuring myself that his fever is definitely gone. He makes a sound and shifts slightly at the touch. I gently massage the back of neck which is exposed beneath the blankets. He sighs contentedly and sinks even further into his pillow.

"Feels good," he whispers.

I smile. "Bout time you woke up."

Kili's brown eyes slowly open. He weakly returns my smile and moves an arm to turn himself over. After a few struggles, he finally succeeds in turning onto his side. He releases a sigh of frustration and then grimaces.

"Are you going to be sick?" I ask in immediate concern.

Kili swallows a few times and closes his eyes. After a few moments, he shakes his head no. He opens his eyes again and pats the space on the mattress beside him. I lay down beside him, facing him.

"How was yesterday?" he asks.

"It was really good. Théoden is a very nice man. He shared his book collection with me and we talked for hours about some of them. He has over three thousand in his collection. I don't think I've ever seen one person own so many books. It's fascinating. He has so many stories to tell."

"Sounds wonderful," Kili teases. I grin, knowing that any talk of books or reading would bore Kili to tears.

"Well, for your information, it was wonderful. Some of us intellectual scholars enjoy talking about things like that- on and on and on, for hours at a time." I tease him back.

Kili scoffs. "Scholar, maybe. But intellectual? That's pushing it."

I gently shove Kili's arm. He grins mischievously.

"Watch it." I jokingly threaten him.

After a moment of silence that isn't interrupted with another snarky remark, I continue. "We went to that dinner you insisted upon paying for. I decided to put your money to good use."

Kili laughs at this. "I think my wallet is feeling worse than I am this morning."

I look at him, trying to decide just how bad he is feeling. He's still pale; eyes dark, but a glimmer of life shines in the chocolate orbs; he looks tired, but not exhausted. All in all, he doesn't look terrible, but definitely not good. But, it's progress.

"I owe you one."

"No, you don't. You've done more than enough for me, Fee." Kili says, suddenly serious.

I look into Kili's eyes. All humor is gone. A rare look of all seriousness, emanating from the depths Kili's soul, has taken over his facial features. A serious Kili is a rare, but beautiful thing.

"I'd do it all again- no questions asked." I tell him, returning his serious gaze.

Kili swallows and nods his head, still not breaking eye contact. "I know."

We lay there in silence for a while. Just thinking about this journey over the past couple of months. Thinking about all that has happened- all that could have happened. Today and tomorrow are supposed to be his last radiation treatments. Wednesday, a CT scan will be done to see the progress of the tumor. If the tumor is determined to be small enough, treatments will be ended. If not…

I choose not to think about this. Kili hasn't endured all of this pain and sickness of treatments for the past month for nothing. Everything will be fine. All of this will become a part of the past. He will be healthy and happy again.

"I love you, brother."

At first, Kili's voice doesn't register in my mind. My thoughts were too distracting. But, then I realize what he has said.

"I love you too, little brother."

I reach out and rub a thumb over Kili's cheek. He closes his eyes in content and scoots closer to me. He lays his head on my chest and soon he is asleep, once again. I look over his head at the clock: 9:15 AM. I decide Kili can use a little more rest, and lay here with him, holding him close.

The nightmare is almost over, little brother. I think to myself, then situate myself and allow Kili to sleep for another thirty minutes.

The waiting room is silent. The receptionist is on break and the small television that sits in the corner is turned off for some reason. Fili sits in a chair beside me. His eyes are glued to the floor, hands clasped together resting on his knees. The only sounds in the too quiet room are of our breathing.

I jump at the sudden noise of my phone ringing. Fili still stares at the floor. I feel around in my coat pocket for my phone.

I read the caller ID and answer.

"Hello." I stand and walk out to the equally quiet hallway.

"Where are you? I called the house, but no one answered." Balin says, somewhat concerned.

"I'm at the hospital—"

"I'm on my way. Why didn't you call me sooner?" Balin interrupts me.

I clear my throat, swallowing my sarcastic words that were about to make their way from my mouth. "Because nothing is the matter. Kili is having one of his treatments."

"Oh." Balin says, noticeably calmer. "Thorin, I know that tone. Are you all right, lad?"

Of course he would know. Balin always knows. "I will be. When all of this is over."

Balin is silent on the other end of the phone. "The journey is almost over."

"That's what I keep telling myself." I lean against the wall for support. "Why were you calling me?"

Balin clears his throat. "Oh, right. I was just checking on young Kili. We haven't heard anything since Thanksgiving, and, well, we were wondering. Dwalin was making excuses as to why he should make a random visit. You're lucky I was here to talk him down," he pauses to laugh at the memory. "He really cares for that reckless kid."

I smile knowing the complete truth behind that statement. Dwalin cares for few people, and, thankfully, my nephews are on the list. Yes, Dwalin is my best friend. But, family doesn't mean a thing to him. Either he likes you, or he doesn't.

"I know. Kili thinks the world of him. I think the two of you coming over really helped him. But, it's been rough since then. His fever finally broke last night. He's exhausted, but he seems to be in better spirits today. In fact," I stop to look down at my watch, "he should be coming out soon."

"Very well then. I shall let you go. Give him my best. And Thorin- talk to me whenever you need to, son."

"I will. Thank you."

When I walk back into the waiting room, Bilbo is rolling Kili out. Fili asks about the treatment. Bilbo confirms that everything went well, and that tomorrow should be the final one. He also adds that if Kili is feeling all right, he can have the CT scan after his final treatment. If not, he can just come in the next day. I thank him for his time and follow Fili as he takes Kili's chair handles and begins to push him from the room.

The car ride is too quiet for my taste. Or, more accurately, the awkward silence is getting under my skin. Kili is resting with his head against the window in the back seat. His eyes are open but focused on nothing as the cars and road pass by us. Fili is doing much the same thing but from the passenger seat. All attempts at conversation were dropped as soon as the fifth failed attempt. That was fifteen minutes ago and I am about to go insane.

I reach over to the radio and turn it on. I press different buttons until I find a station playing Christmas music. As a family, we usually started discussing Christmas plans before Thanksgiving even happened. But, this year, nobody had even mentioned it. Well, now is as good a time as ever.

"I was thinking," I say, breaking the silence. "We should probably be getting the tree out."

And silence. I grip the steering wheel a little tighter and listen to the song. I recognize it as "White Christmas" and begin to sing along. After all, it is a classic, and who doesn't love the classics? Eventually I give up. My attempts at getting the other two to sing along aren't working as planned. We sit the rest of the song in silence.

A few more attempts at conversation and a few more failures put me over the edge. I turn on my turning signal and merge onto the side of the highway.

"What are you doing?" Fili asks, looking at me as if I don't know what I'm doing.

I put the car in park and turn the key off in the ignition.

"Nobody wants to talk, so we'll sit here until someone has something to say." I look into the rearview mirror. Kili is still sitting with his head against the window, looking longingly out the window.

Fili opens his mouth to say something, then changes his mind. He turns to look out the window once again. In all honesty, maybe this isn't the best decision. It is thirty degrees outside and the heater was feeling rather nice. After a few minutes, I hear shifting in the backseat.

"It's freezing in here." Kili says, trying to curl into himself for warmth. "Can't we be stubborn and silent with the heat on?"

One look at his face is all it takes for me to turn the car back on. But, I still resist driving away.

"Why are you two so quiet all of a sudden?" I ask my nephews.

Fili turns around to look at Kili, who is rubbing his arms trying to find warmth and looking out the window. Fili turns back to me and gives me a look. "Just thinking, I guess," he mumbles.

I thought as much. They are both concerned on the future plans. I, too, am thinking about tomorrow, but have a more positive look-out. The two of them must be worried about what tomorrow will bring.

Am I worried? Not really. For some reason, I just have a feeling that all of this is going to be over and done with. And, if I'm going to be honest, I believe it will all become a part of the past and Kili will be healthy and happy once again. I look forward to seeing that wide smile and those lively eyes, full of mischief and joy. And that laugh- so full of his carefree spirit. Yes, that Kili will be making a reappearance soon and permanently. He isn't going anywhere ever again.

"I think you have nothing to worry about. I just have a feeling, boys. Everything is going to work out. There is nothing to fear." I say, with my best I'm-the-greatest-and-smartest-uncle-ever voice.

Fili turns to me with a real smile on his face. It's small, but it's there.

"How about that Kee? Even Thorin's in a positive mood." Fili asks his brother.

Kili gives a half-hearted laugh from the backseat. "Thorin? Being an optimist? Maybe we should take advantage of this." A familiar glimmer of mischief makes an appearance in his eyes.

"How about we don't and say we did." I suggest, putting the car in drive and pulling back out onto the highway before they can overcome me.

Fili turns around to his brother and soon the two of them are laughing. I roll my eyes and try to brace myself for the oncoming devious plans they have no doubt just made. Granted, no words have been spoken, but I believe that those two have a telepathic bond.

"Here we go…" I mumble under my breath.