Back to Love

Fili looked up at the decorations on the ceiling for the fiftieth time and again, he wished at least one garland would fall down and create a distraction so he could leave.

It wasn't that he was bored with his time, but he was tired.

He had gotten up with Thora twice the night before and she'd obviously had far too much fun because every time he tried to put her down, he had to disentangle either his clothes or his hair from her grasp.

When he had eventually clambered back into bed, it was already the early hours of the morning and he knew today was going to be a long one.

Especially with the celebrations to welcome in the new year.

At least Dru was happy, he was grateful for that. She'd gotten plenty of sleep and her and Thora had bathed together and Fili had watched from the doorway, enjoying the way they laughed and made contented little noises.

He'd particularly enjoyed the way the water cascaded down his wife's bare chest and back-

'Stop it!'

He rubbed at his tired face and scolded himself for those thoughts.

He and Dru hadn't laid together since Thora had arrived and whilst he said he could wait (which he could) simple little sights and glimpses of her did spark something raw deep inside of him.

But as far as he knew, she was too preoccupied with Thora and when they went to bed at night, clothed or not, they'd end up just holding one another and falling straight asleep.

He didn't mind.

He'd wait as long as he would until Dru was ready but still he wouldn't deny he did want her.

Speaking of his wife...

"Fili!" She came sliding up alongside him and sang a little too loudly, "my lovely, wonderful husband!"

'Mahal.'

"Dru," he tried his hardest not to laugh at her sozzled state, "have you been at the ale?"

"The ale, the cider, the fancy," she waved her hands in the air to illustrate 'bubbles' to him, "bubbling stuff that they brew in Mirkwood! All of iiiit!"

Fili had been watching her for most of the night and she actually seemed to be enjoying herself, in and out of dances.

It was the first night 'away from Thora' (though of course, she was only with her nursemaid in her bedroom) and she was making the most of it.

She talked, she ate and where there was a drink...well.

Fili quickly placed his arm around her and held her close.

"You are drunk-"

"I am bored!" She suddenly declared and slipping out of his arm, she grabbed his hands awkwardly in her own, trying carefully not to spill any of her ale.

"Where do you want to go?" He smirked as she swayed on her feet, but continued walking.

"Come on, I'm borrreeeed!" Dru tugged Fili until he 'reluctantly' followed, though he was glad for the excuse to leave and potentially head to bed.

On the way out, they passed by Thorin and Rana.

"Uncle Thorin, Rana, try the little fish pastries! They're so yum!" Dru giggled and waved as she went by, Fili sharing a secret smile with his Uncle as he went.

"Goodnight, Fili," he raised his cup with his free hand and 'toasted' to his nephew's good fortune, "have a good new year. Goodnight, Dru."

"Give Thora a kiss from me," Rana nodded her head and Fili promised to do just that.

Rana adored Thora and Fili knew she and Dis would be the first to give their attention to her, tomorrow at breakfast.

He also spotted Kili on his way out and he had to beam.

Whilst he did want to laugh a little, he had to admit, Tauriel with her hand on Kili's shoulder and his arm around her hips was...well, they did actually make a handsome couple.

He'd never tell him that though. To merciless.

"Silly old thing thinks we're going to sleep!" She giggled in that 'I've got a secret!' way that set off alarm bells in his head.

'Oh bollocks.'

"Where are we going if not bed?" Fili had to ask since she was leading him farther away from the commotion of the grand hall and towards the quarter, currently abandoned rooms.

"Away from those crowds!" She took another sip of her drink and turned back to look at him, "there's no space to dance really and I want to clear my head."

Fili WAS going to point out she'd had no trouble dancing all night with her friends, but decided not to spoil her good mood.

"Here!" She pulled him into one of the many meeting rooms and shut the door behind them, "and we can still hear the music! Come on!"

Fili finally let his laughter ring out as she swung him around, tugging him this way and that.

There really was no rhythm or method to her footwork, but he managed to keep up nonetheless.

He was just happy seeing her happy.

Finally, the spinning seemed to be too much for her and she stumbled forward. Fili expecting exactly that immediately caught her and 'whisked' her up into his arms.

"Wee!" She laughed gaily and threw her arm out and head back, "that was amazing! Do it again!"

He shifted her and was glad when she put her arm around his shoulders.

"Come on, to bed!" He turned about and only faltered slightly when she wiggled in protest.

"But we haven't seen in the new yeeeaaaar!" Her cup went out and she sloshed the last remnants of her drink onto the floor, "oh, bollocks!"

"I think we can see in the new year from our bed," he managed to get the door open and shuffle them out sideways, "and if you're good, I'll give you a foot massage."

He was expecting her to squeal or say, 'oh, wonderful!' but she instead let out a little whine.

"You can't take me to bed, I'll want you."

His steps faltered for a moment at her little statement. What did she mean by that? She wanted him but...she felt that it was a bad thing?

"Nothing wrong with wanting one another," he said a little huskily, trying to keep his emotions and desire in check.

"But what if Thora's changed everything?" She whined again and tucked her head against his neck, "What if I'm not the same? There are women who push the baby out and suddenly, their deadstairs down."

Fili was silent for a moment before he realised what she meant.

Apparently, it took her a minute too.

"Oh," she giggled, "I got it the wrong way."

But that had not been the concerning statement.

"Is that what you've been worried about? That it won't be the same for you?"

"Mm-hm," she nodded and hugged him harder, "I'm afraid it won't be good for me anymore. Or you. Don't want to let you down."

Fili could only shake his head and suddenly sped up.

"I promise, I'll always make it so you enjoy it. And don't worry about me," his voice went deliciously dark as he said, "all it takes is for you to make the right noise beneath me and I'm lost in you. Whether you're writhing beneath me or riding me, you can send me over with a simple touch."

He listened to her steady breathing and waited for a response.

But none came.

"Dru?"

He craned his head and tried to see her face, but-

"Fi'," she said dreamily and he realised why she was breathing so steady.

She was sleeping.

"Of...bloody course," he huffed out a short laugh and pressed a quick kiss to the top of her curls, "you can fall asleep whilst someone is talking to you. Clear forgot...my Dru."

She mumbled something in return, but he had a feeling it was just a rambling moment from her dream.

He walked slower back to their chambers, relishing in how she felt in his arms. How she smelt. How he felt he could always protect her like this.

He ignored any amused glances the guards gave him and continued until he reached their rooms.

Once inside, alone and away from the noise until it was just a gentle murmur in the background, he placed her on their bed and slipped off her shoes.

"I'll be back soon," he placed them at the end of their bed and walked around, "I'm just going to check Thora."

She let out a tiny mumble so Fili knew she wasn't in the deep stages of sleep just yet.

He slipped out through the adjourning doors and went straight to see Thora. He wouldn't see the new year in without making sure his daughter was happy and soothed.

He entered her rooms quietly and smiled politely at her nursemaid as she sat embroidering by the soft candlelight.

"You can go and join the others, we're in our beds now," he nodded his head to dismiss her and when she stood and curtsied, he thought quickly to add, "and have a good celebration."

"And you, my lord," the maid left the room, making sure her work was tucked out of the way for the next morning.

He remembered her name was Elina and the reason he liked her was that she was not a 'pushy old maid' that Dru had been frightened of. She was sweet, patient and quiet. And Thora seemed content in her arms.

He walked over to his daughter's large cot and looked down at her.

She HAD been wrapped up in her cover's and blankets but she'd kicked them off (again) and was sleeping on her side in her cosy little nightdress that Fili had put her in earlier.

Gently, not wanting to wake or disturb her too much, he kissed the tips of his fingers and pressed them against her head.

"Sleep well, Zinlaz," he whispered and smirked as she stirred and made a little noise that COULD have been a murmur.

'Like mother like daughter.'

He watched her for a bit, still amazed that he and Dru had created a little dwarf that was just...so bloody perfect.

He left her room, leaving the doors slightly ajar for when she woke and went back to his own.

Dru was still on the bed where he had left her but she'd apparently awoken because the majority of her clothes were now strewn lazily over her side on the floor and she laid vertically on her stomach across the bed.

Fili was both aroused and amused, but he wouldn't take advantage of her when she'd obviously had too much to drink.

He'd help subdue her fears from earlier about their intimacy when she was soberer.

He slipped his arms around her and gently rolled her onto her back before adjusting her so she was laying the right way up and on her side.

He tried not to laugh as her hand came up and batted away at him too late.

"Sleep well, Piglet," he decided to strip naked since he was warm enough and clambered on his side.

He pulled the sheets up and over them both, tucking Dru in so she was comfortable.

Of course, he wouldn't be surprised if she either tossed them off or hogged them all.

He supposed he'd just have to wait and see.

A little later...

Fili awoke to a pleasant feeling. A familiar warm pressure over his torso and a hand wandering over him.

Sleepily, he opened his eyes and peered down at the expected fluff of red hair obscuring his vision.

The fluff began to move and soon, a face that was glowing and smiling up at him appeared.

"What time is it?" Dru asked, her voice light but happy.

"Not yet midnight," his arm came around her and held her close, ready to go back to sleep.

But apparently, Dru had other things in mind.

She pushed herself up on her elbow and hovered over him.

"Why are we in bed so early?" She wiped at her face with her free hand and yawned.

"You don't remember?" He shuffled about to look up at her and couldn't help but think (despite her slightly frazzled hair) how beautiful she looked in the dying candlelight, "you fell asleep after making me waltz in the council room."

"Oh yeah," she gave him a sly smile and settled her chin on her hands that she'd placed on his chest, "but you didn't HAVE to bring me to bed."

"I think you'll find I very much did," his hand moved over the soft skin of her back in idle little circles, "is the ale still impeding you?"

"Hmm, let me see."

She pushed herself up and quickly moved so she was straddling him.

Fili gasped as she gently wiggled her hips and raised her arms above her head.

"Not really. Only enough to make me all warm and tingly inside."

She lowered her arms back down and splayed her hands flat against his stomach.

"And maybe a tad sleepy."

"Then go back to sleep," he licked his lips as he felt his arousal grow and grasped at her hips. What on earth was he telling her?! He didn't want her to sleep when she was naked and on top of him?!

'Must be the drink affecting my mind.'

Dru shook her head and ran her hands up and down his strong, hairy chest.

"No, I'm far too awake now. Stay up with me?"

He saw the sparkle in her eyes.

The want.

"You sure?" He asked as his hands moved up her body and gently guided her forward.

In answer to his question, she lowered herself until her chest was pressed against his and took her time as she kissed him.

'Gooooooooods!'

It'd been so long since they'd just touched one another. The kiss was awakening that warm familiar feeling spreading through him.

Bliss.

She pulled away with a small smirk and rubbed the tips of their noses together.

"Are you going to stay awake with me now?"

"Nothing short of a whack on the head will send me off to sleep," he growled and rested a hand on her whole breast, "I love you. Gods, I love you so much."

"And I'm going to show you just how much I love you," she sat up straight again and reached between them, "right. Now."

Fili wasn't about to let her show him anything when he wanted to do some demonstrating of his own.

Sitting himself up as she grabbed his hard cock, they both help desperately onto one another.

As soon as he was pressed against her, he looked into her face and watched as the intense desire lighted in her eyes. She rolled her hips and they both let out twin noises of pleasure.

Nothing had changed.

It was still overwhelming and wonderful.

"Oh," he gasped and pressed his face between her shoulder and her neck, his arms looping around her back to hold her close.

"Yes," she hissed and let out a small, pleased laugh as she began to move against him.

Fili relished in the hearty moans he'd been missing for months and let his hands roam over the curves and dips of her body, some that hadn't been there before. Some that pregnancy had given Dru as a reminder and he loved and praised every inch of her, new and old.

Dru had thrown her head back and Fili had just latched his lips around that pulse point on her neck that made her go weak and giddy when they both heard it.

The echo in the background of a loud cheer and the bells ringing in the distance.

Dru, shaking with restraint, managed to look back at him with a cheeky grin.

"Welcome to a new New Year, my love," she giggled when she tightened around him and he let out a loud groan.

Fili just held her closer and quickly switching their positions, managed to lay her back down on the bed.

She stretched beneath him happily and he had a feeling she was drunker than he first thought.

"I think we should continue this when-"

Dru's legs were suddenly wrapped firmly around his waist and even if he wanted to stop for her sake, he couldn't.

Especially when she glared up at him.

"If you stop right now," she said in a stern voice, "when Thora is older, I'll tell her how you got the name Brambles."

There was something...distinctly sober about how she said that.

But he clean forgot to question her when she tightened around him again and used her legs to move beneath him.

He shut his eyes tight as she rolled her hips and cursed quietly at the feeling.

"I missed you," he growled and finally managed to get his senses back together as he moved with her, "I've wanted to hold you like this for so long."

"You just have to ask nicely, silly," her hands roamed over his strong shoulders and she arched underneath him, "I've missed you."

They finished all their talking and the only sounds they emitted were eager moans and cries of pleasure.

Finally, Dru came beneath him with a breathy gasp and Fili followed soon after, his grip on her hips tight until both of them were satiated.

He collapsed on top of her and she held tightly on to him, wiggling contently.

"Good to know everything is still in working order," she said a little breathlessly and Fili rolled them onto their sides, tugging her close.

Sweating, exhausted and pleased that 'everything was in working order', Fili was all ready to go back to sleep.

But...something was nagging at him.

It was small, but he just HAD to ask.

"How many drinks did you have tonight?"

Dru let out a small giggle and rubbed her cheek against his hairy chest.

"One ale. I just let it go to my head and...loosen my tongue a little."

'Oh, you sneaky-'

"And have me carry you back up here?" His chuckle was dark and delicious and he would SO be getting her back for that later.

"Mm. So nice of you," she pressed little kisses to his chest, lingering when she was close to his nipple, "I heard what you said by the way-"

Before they could continue, another sound filled the air. Closer.

A tiny discomforted little wail.

"Oh," Dru pushed herself up and frowned at hearing her daughter had awoken, "I'll get her-"

"No," Fili sat up and beat her to it, "you stay here. It's my turn to fetch her anyway."

Dru watched as he clambered out of bed but couldn't resist herself and before he had a chance to get away, gave his naked rear end a little slap.

"Oi!" He smirked as he backed away, "just wait until Thora goes back to sleep!"

"Promises, promises!" She cackled after his retreating figure.

She was glad she'd been honest with him earlier, though truly had only been slightly tipsy by the strong ale she'd had.

When Fili came back in with their disgruntled daughter, he sat back down with her and passed Thora to Dru.

"She's hungry, again," he winked as she took Thora and positioned her in her arms.

"She's a growing girl," she helped her daughter find her nipple and smiled as she eagerly began to suckle, "and she's made of you and me. She's going to be the first at the dinner table when she's old enough."

Fili laid himself down and watched them for a minute, but Dru caught his little yawn and shook her head at him.

"You can go to sleep, ya' know. I won't keep you up all night if you're already knackered."

"Nah'," he yawned again but had a definite twinkle of amusement in his eye, "I want to make sure both my girls are looked after."

She couldn't help but arch her brow at him.

"You're odd, you know that?" She looked back down at Thora and smiled, "your da' is an odd one? Just like the rest of us."

As silence descended over them again, Fili listened to the sounds of revelry and merrymaking in the distance and found he didn't miss being there.

Everything he wanted was right here.

"It's strange to think how last year was so different," his hand rested on Dru's knee and he tenderly stroked her skin, "things have changed so much. For the better, though. All those new years have gone...the parties in Ered Luin, the fireworks here...the year we got married and everyone got drunk...I think this one is the best yet."

Dru sighed happily and briefly, took her eyes off of Thora to give Fili one of those pretty but dazzling smiles.

"Ya' know, you are right about that," she looked back at her daughter as she fed and nodded, "definitely the best one yet."

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In Which the Bard wishes to say...Happy Belated New Year and Happy Holidays ^_^ I'm currently watching Hellraiser and playing Stardew Valley so I may be a little distracted with the fics.