A.N. This chapter was one of my favorites to write. One of the scenes in this chapter began the snowball of other scenes that became this story. The song I used for this chapter is "If I Didn't Know Better," from the show "Nashville."
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my original characters and plot points.

Midsummer's eve would be the following evening, but the elves had decided to do some of the celebration a day early so their guests could join in before departing. On the actual day, Thorin and his Company would be packing, before leaving right after the moon runes were read. All seventeen of them would have to spend that night traveling to try and stay ahead of those who hunted them. Thorin had spoken with Gandalf and Elrond, who both agreed that Dillinger would be a good addition to their group. He was an excellent fighter, and could continue training Miss MacKay on the road. A meeting had been held to go over what details Dillinger would need to conceal. By the look on their guide's face, Miss MacKay had some reservations, but the man, himself, was bursting with excitement. It would be his first time leaving the valley since his arrival two years prior.

When the announcement was made, nearly everyone cheered. Bilbo looked concerned, but Thorin couldn't figure out why. Their burglar hadn't spent that much time with them, though he'd been seen with Miss MacKay, Bofur, Balin, and Ori. However, as festivities for midsummer began, Thorin sought him out, wanting to make sure the hobbit was ready to continue their journey. Bilbo was wandering the rose gardens, hands clasped behind his back, a new vest buttoned over a crisp, clean shirt.

"Do you mind if I join you?" Thorin asked, causing Bilbo to jump.

"N-no. Please," shuffling a little awkwardly, Bilbo allowed Thorin to fall into step beside him. They passed through a couple of rows before Thorin made his thoughts known.

"You have been greatly absent from our gatherings, Master Burglar. May I inquire as to why?"

Bilbo fidgeted, then sighed. "The beauty of this place has been quite diverting, as have their libraries. Besides, I feel as though I do not fully belong,"

It all rang true. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that Bilbo was a fish-out-of-water among the Company. What still concerned Thorin was the fact that he didn't seem to want to put forth much effort in changing that. As if most of him had stayed in the Shire, even as his feet took him into the wild.

"Are you still willing to complete your contract?"

That brought Bilbo up short. "Of course! Why would I- "

"It would not do to have you constantly looking back, keeping your focus off the quest," Thorin admonished.

"That will not be a problem," Bilbo replied resolutely. There was a spark of anger and determination in his eyes that Thorin had to respect.

"Very well," he said.

"Bilbo!" they both turned to see Miss MacKay, hair damp from a bath. "Could you help me with something?"

Her smile was warm enough to Bilbo, but her eyes were disapproving as they met Thorin's.

"Of course," after politely excusing himself, Bilbo followed Miss MacKay, who didn't spare Thorin a second glance.

The whole exchange left Thorin baffled and frustrated. Without saying anything, she had managed to chastise him for his words to Bilbo. Well, if she did not like what she had heard, that was her problem to deal with. He knew that the concerns he had about their burglar were valid. Shaking it all off, he went to find the others before the feast began.

"What did you need help with?" Bilbo asked Danica as they walked away.

"The elves left me some flowers for my hair, but I'm not sure which ones to use," she led him to her room, and pointed to the bundle on her bed.

"Surely, an elf maid would be more suited for this task than me?"

"One of them is going to help me put them in my hair, but I knew you could help me chose the best ones. You've said before how much you love to garden,"

Bilbo cast her a quick, shrewd look. "And this wouldn't have anything to do with 'rescuing' me from Thorin, would it?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," but she smiled. "Let's just call it a happy accident,"

"Mhm," he began running his fingers over the flowers thoughtfully. A couple of times, it looked like he wanted to speak further on the topic, but never did. Instead, he helped her pick out flowers that would go well with her dress, and would not wilt too quickly. Danica thanked him sincerely, and gave him a couple that matched hers for him to put on his lapel.

"Bilbo," she said as he went to the door. "I'm really glad that you're here. That you're a part of this Company,"

A sadness remained in Bilbo's eyes even as he tried to conceal it with a smile. "Thank you, Dani,"

Danica so wished she could tell him all the amazing, heroic things he was going to do, but let him go. No sooner had he left, then an elf maid came in to help her with her hair. As it was a hot day, they opted for braiding and pinning it up, with a few, loose, waving tendrils framing her face. The flowers were strategically placed, and complemented her pale yellow dress. For the first time since her arrival in middle earth, Danica felt pampered, and beautiful. Just as she had with Bilbo, she thanked the maid, and walked out to the courtyard. She'd heard the dwarves depart for the feast a few minutes prior, and so expected to be alone. To her surprise, Fili stood waiting for her, looking dashing in white and gold.

"Dani, you are breathtaking," he said, genuine admiration in his eyes.

"Thank you," she warmed at his compliment, and took his arm. "You look very handsome,"

He acknowledged her words, then sighed. "Looks like I will need to remain sober so I can protect you from any romantic advances,"

She laughed. "No one here would be much of a threat,"

Fili shook his head with amusement. "Oh, Dani. You have no idea what you do to some people. And with you looking the way you do…well, let's just say you may find yourself juggling dance partners,"

Excitement erupted within her, but she brushed it off. Or tried to. The effort must have shown on her face, for Fili chuckled.

"You can relax. For tonight, there are no duties to concern ourselves with. No quest, no roles to play,"

She nodded, hoping he was right. The atmosphere at the feast put her a little more at ease. Everyone was relaxed, mingling among the food and drinks. Gilraen and Aragorn had also joined them, though they stayed away from the alcohol. Elrond had arranged for some dwarven ale to be brought for the occasion. It was far too strong and bitter for Danica's taste, so she stuck with the spiced wine. Nearly everyone commented on how beautiful she looked, and Fili hadn't been exaggerating when he said she'd be juggling dance partners. Thorin, being the most sober at the time, taught her a couple of their dances, and then released her to the others. Her face had been on fire, and though she'd felt shaken, she hated leaving his arms.

After a couple of hours, she was the most relaxed she'd been in a long time. The wine in her system buzzed pleasantly, letting her laugh easier. She danced freely, no longer concerned about seeming foolish, and even shot off one-liners in response to some of the dwarves' jokes, causing raucous laughter. With some coercion on John's part, she joined him in dancing some swing and salsa, in order to show the dwarves some dances from their world. John only knew a little, but moved pretty well. Her dress made it difficult to do any lifts, but they managed a couple, much to the delight of their audience. The few tendrils of Danica's hair that had been left loose were quickly joined by others.

For the last dance of the night, Thorin stood before her, and asked her to join him. Elated, but trying to hide it, she accepted. Unlike earlier in the night, they were both hazy with alcohol, and focused solely on each other. Each time he took her hand or waist, it felt like a deliberate caress, and his eyes never left hers. Something was happening between them, but Danica couldn't put a name to it, or even decide if it was purely her imagination. All she knew was that she couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so alive.

When the sky lost the last of the sun's light, a balmy breeze swept through. Decorative candles and lamps were lit for light, and warmth where it may be needed. The Company sat around a large fire, instruments in hand. Danica had already heard a few of the songs, and sang along, but there were still some new ones. Bilbo even gave them a couple from his people. One, that Thorin sang while playing his harp, was particularly haunting. It left Danica with tears in her eyes, and chills running down her spine. As it had been in Khuzdul, she had no idea what it meant. While Bofur sang one of his many drinking songs, she knelt beside Balin, and asked him for the translation.

Two lovers from different classes long to be together, but struggle through family expectations, and then a war. Hoping to gain renown, and impress his love's family, the man becomes a soldier. They exchange letters faithfully, until she hears his voice in her sleep one night. Her brother killed him on the battlefield, and he begs her to join him where no one can ever harm them. She promises to do so, but only once she's gotten her revenge. So, she disguises herself as a man, and goes to the battlefield. In the dark of night, she slips a blade between her brother's ribs, whispering her love's name so he will know who killed him, and that the debt is repaid. She then walks to the top of a hill, watches the sun rise, and stabs her own heart. The last thing she hears is her lover's voice singing a welcome.

"Hey, Dani, shall we sing one of the songs we've been working on?" Dillinger called to Miss MacKay. "Gilraen and Estel are going to be calling it a night soon,"

Thorin had watched her as Balin told her the tale of the song he'd sung. She seemed less than eager to join Dillinger, but put on a smile, and moved next to him. Ale was humming through Thorin's veins, taking down his defenses, and forcing him to realize just how many he'd had to put up when it came to their guide. When she'd walked out with Fili, his heart had almost stopped. She was likely the loveliest creature he'd ever seen, and he'd felt a strong possessiveness take over. It was similar to how he'd felt after comforting her all those weeks ago, but much stronger.

The first few notes from Dillinger's stringed instrument set the tone for their song; smokey and sensual. Miss MacKay began singing, her voice mirroring the tone, and her body swaying ever-so-slightly.

"If I didn't know better
I'd hang my hat right there
If I didn't know better
I'd follow you up the stairs"

Dillinger joined, creating a duet that began to feel intimate.

"Stop saying those sweet things
You know I like to hear
The horns are blowing louder
And the bailiffs drawing near

Why do I keep drinking
Wasting my time on you
If I didn't know better
Well damnit
I do"

Danica dropped out, letting Dillinger take the next few lines. The way the man looked at her had Thorin seething. Danica appeared to be playing a part for the song, but Dillinger's interest seemed far too real.

"There's a hole in what you're saying
I can plainly see
You've a lover that's waiting
But baby you're right here with me"

"Ooh, you might as well be the devil
Keeping me out past three"

"Well, you're the one with that apple
So baby you can't blame me
Why don't you keep drinking
Give me one night with you"

"If I didn't know better
Well damnit
I do
Baby I do"

"Baby you're right here with me"

"Sweet Daddy, you know that I do,"

Everyone applauded, and his nephews were quick to join Dillinger for some more upbeat songs, creating rich and complex harmonies. Out of the corner of his eye, Thorin saw Danica rise and escape the group, unseen by anyone else. A little thrill ran through him. When did he start using her first name, even in his thoughts? He'd always been so careful, knowing that her name held power over him. Well, now that power had been let out, and he was going to see it through. He would return to his duties and obligations on the morrow. So, being as careful as she had been, he slipped away.

Somehow, he knew where she would go, and found her in the small study they'd spent so much time in. He stayed in the shadows of the doorway as she began moving to the beat of the music that could still be heard. Whatever dance she began to do now was nothing like what he had seen her, or anyone do in his life. Some of the movements were similar to traveling performers he'd watched before, but none had dared kick their legs that high, nor sway in such a provocative manner. It was mesmerizing, and he doubted the effect would have been much different if he'd been sober. Unfortunately, it was all short-lived, as a couple of voices took them both out of the spell. He backed away, and heard her running his direction. As she passed in front of him, she grabbed her, and pulled her into a crevice between the wall and a pillar, keeping a hand over her mouth. So dark and removed was it, that they were easily able to remain hidden when Gilraen and Estel passed.

"Sorry," she whispered once he had dropped his hand. "They just caught me off guard, and I was a little embarrassed. I was dancing, and, well…it's nothing like they've ever seen,"

"I should say not," he murmured, but was becoming increasingly distracted by how close she was. Their bodies were pressed together in the small space, and her scent was mixing with the ale in his system, reminding him that, beneath his careful exterior lay nothing more than a man.

"Oh God, you saw," Danica groaned, shutting her eyes.

"You need not be embarrassed," he assured warmly. "Your dance was beautiful. You are beautiful,"

"Thank you," the words came out on a breath as heat rose up her neck to her cheeks. She wasn't sure what to expect from him in the moment, and felt unsteady.

His eyes went to her face, his fingers lightly brushing the skin. "You are blushing,"

"Yes," his touch, and proximity had her struggling for control. The spiced wine wasn't helping any. It was all futile; she was completely his.

"If I felt your pulse right now, would it be racing?" not needing a response, he ran his fingers down her throat, his gaze following. It was like he was caught in the same spell he was weaving. "Do I stir something in you, Miss MacKay?"

It was completely unfair how he had managed to corner her. To go from a kind of composed friendliness to this smoldering boldness left her practically quaking. She wanted so badly to lie to him, to escape from all of this unscathed, but there was no use. The answer was as plain to him as it was to her.

"Yes,"

"Then I was right," he leaned closer, his nose brushing hers, and she forgot to breathe. "Good,"

All of the heat that had been in her cheeks speared through her body when he pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was soft, but devastating. How could she possibly go back to normal after this?

"Why?" she asked, breaking the kiss. "After what you said- "

"Prince Thorin, leader of this Company said that," he replied, leaning his forehead against hers. "Right now, for tonight, I am just a man, and you are just a woman,"

"Then say my name," she muttered, ignoring all of the conflicting emotions that were currently waging war within her.

"Danica," he wrapped an arm around her waist, his other hand skimming over her neck and collar bone. When he spoke again, his voice was rough and deep. "Say mine,"

With what breath? "Thorin," she managed.

A dam broke, and they met in a kiss that was as desperate as it was bittersweet. Though she was still unsure what his feelings for her were, it was clear that he felt something. They got lost in each other, taking what little they could in this brief moment. His hands dove into her hair, unsettling the fragile balance that had been left with her braids and flowers. She felt it all go tumbling down over her shoulders. A soft moan escaped her lips, which brought out an answering growl from him.

"Uncle! Where did you go?" Kili's voice had them breaking apart, and reality crashed down right after. Knowing she couldn't bear to be caught like this, Danica took advantage of Thorin's loss of focus, ducked under his arms, and sprinted away.

She didn't stop until she was safely within her room, and collapsed on the floor. Her heart beat loudly in her ears, but she could still hear the soft padding of Estellia's paws. The large cat sat next to her, allowing her to lean in for support. Any pleasant buzz from the alcohol had been replaced by a pounding headache, and slightly sick stomach. Eventually, she would have to fix her hair, and go back out to eat a little more and get some water, but now she let a couple tears escape. Estellia gave the top of her head a soft, understanding nuzzle.

"What have we done?"