It had been hard on Thorin having to raise his two nephews by himself, but he enjoyed every minute of having them around, and now that Fili was finally going off to University he was pretty emotional, but he just didn't show it.

The three lived in a small apartment block and there was barely room to swing a cat. Their kitchen was in their living room and the bedrooms were next to them all on the same floor. Fili and Kili had always shared a room, and slept in bunk-beds, with Fili at the top and Kili, unwillingly, at the bottom. Thorin had his own room next to theirs and had a king-sized bed which took up most of it. Even though it was small it was all good to them.

Fili came out of his room with his suitcase and sat on the sofa beside Kili. Thorin sat facing them.

"I just finished packing my stuff," he said, smiling at the two. Thorin, although he had not wanted to, smiled back. He had never thought that the young boy he had spent most of his life caring for and looking after would be leaving him within the next hour. Kili had not said a word since this morning, and Fili had obviously noticed. It was rare that he would ever not know when something was upsetting his younger brother. When they were younger Kili would always have nightmares, and Fili would always comfort him and sleep beside him when he was scared. He also at all times had to sleep with a night light on up until he was 12, but Fili didn't mind. As long as he knew his brother felt safe, it didn't annoy him at all.

"You'll be alright Kili, it's not like I'm going away forever. I'll come to visit as much as I can," Fili said, putting his arm around Kilis shoulder and pulling him closer. Kili rested his head on Filis arm.

"Does this mean I get the top bunk?" Kili joked.

"Sure, brother," Fili had not taken into account what Thorin was probably feeling, he just thought that he would be happy for him going to University, and that it would be much less hassle without him.

"You'll soon be out of this place too, Kili," Thorin half said half murmured. The thought had obviously dwelled on him, and his face became expressionless.

"Uncle, I didn't know you felt this way," Fili said, standing and walking over to sit beside Thorin on the arm of his chair.

"Felt what way? I was only stating the obvious," Thorin hesitated.

"Your tone of voice gave it all away, unfortunately. You know I could've chosen a place closer to home if you had wanted,"

"What I wanted was what was best for you, and this is it." Thorin stood and sighed, "Your taxi will be here any minute now, I suggest you go and wait outside,"

Fili stood and walked behind Thorin. Grabbing his suitcase he made his way over to the door, with Kili not far behind. The three stood in silence for a moment until Kili gave in and gripped him tight. He didn't want Fili to leave, ever, and he sure as hell didn't want to sleep by himself, but it was time for Fili to go. He opened the door and turned to face the two, "Well, goodbye," he said, and turned to walk down the corridor. Just then he felt a hand on his shoulder, and turned to see Thorin ready to embrace him in a hug. He let go of his suitcase and wrapped his arms around his uncle.

"Goodluck," Thorin said too him. Raising his arms he held Filis face between his hands and pulled his head to his lips. Then Fili turned and resumed walking down the corridor until he was gone.


Kili lay in Filis bed, staring at the ceiling. His eyes red and puffy from the hours he had spent crying. He didn't dare change the sheets on Filis bed, no matter how badly they needed washed. Just when he thought he would start to cry again he heard the door open, and in came Thorin, who lay down in the bottom bunk, and stayed there with Kili all through the night, and from then on.