Summary: You'd thought it just a passing fancy of annoyance but perhaps the prince's attention is more than that…

Note: Fíli-55 years old (approx. 18 human years)

Kíli-50 years old (approx. 16 human years)

Gimli-35 years old (approx. 11 human years)

Tipping your head back, a deep sigh left you as you felt the summer sun on your face. After a long winter and a spring full of rain, it was a wonderful feeling and you weren't the only one to think so. The air was full of the happy shrieks of tots excited to be outside and the laughter of adults as they watched the marry making. Even the warriors had come out of the city to train. The whole community was outside enjoying the day.

You smiled at people you passed, book tucked firmly under your arm as tots darted between legs haphazardly. There was a nice flat rock nearby that had your name on it and you wanted to reach it before someone else claimed it. It was the perfect spot to read, with the surface warmed by the sun and a rock face right behind that was excellent for reclining against. It also gave you a clear view of the area so you could watch your neighbours as they went about their tasks.

Your smile grew when you saw the spot was unoccupied and hurried to it. You wanted to get settled as quickly as possible before someone came to disturb you. It would happen eventually and you wanted to get a little bit of reading in before it did.

As you settled, you heard a voice that made you roll your eyes. If you just ignored the owner, maybe he'd go away. You almost snorted. From past experience, you knew that wouldn't work. But it didn't stop you from opening your book to begin reading.

Footsteps approached you and you kept reading. "Imagine finding you here."

"Hello, Prince Kíli," you said quietly, not looking up.

"What are you reading?"

"A book."

"I can see that," he said, most likely rolling his eyes.

"I'm glad your eyes are still working." You made a noise when the book was plucked from your hands. "Prince Kíli, can I please have my book back?"

He was looking at the runes on the cover, frowning. "It's a beautiful day and you're going to spend it reading a history book?"

"I like it," you said defensively.

"But it's a waste of a day."

You spine stiffened. "Not all of us like hitting each other with sticks," you said tightly, jerking the book away from him.

"I just meant there's so much more you could do today," he said quickly as if knowing he'd insulted you.

"And I want to read."

Silence fell between you before he heaved a deep sigh and you heard him walk away.

Glancing at his retreating back, you frowned. Why the younger prince of Durin kept seeking you out was beyond you. It had started after the last Durin's Day and made no sense to you. No matter what happened, he always came back.

You shrugged lightly and returned to your book. Or you tried to. You couldn't focus on the runes now. Blowing out a harsh breath, you slumped back and stared at the sky.

Fluffy white clouds were drifting across the blue expanse. You amused yourself for a while by finding shapes and animals in them. A smile curled your lips as you watched them, letting it soothe your mind. Maybe now you'd be able to-

"Surrender! We've got you surrounded!"

Jerking at the shout, you looked down to see that your rock was ringed by young dwarves. All of whom were grinning at you and had wooden training weapons in their hands. "P-Pardon?"

"There's no use resisting," the same voice said and had you focusing on the red-headed dwarf speaking. "We out number you and you're defenceless."

You stared at him. What was going on? You were sure you recognized him, but your brain couldn't figure it out. "I don't understand."

He grinned at you. "We're kidnapping you, Princess," he said as if it was obvious. "And we will keep you prisoner until our property has been returned."

Still staring, you couldn't quite believe this was happening. You were sure they were playing a game, but why had they picked you? And why had he called you princess? "I think there's been a mistake, good sir," you said slowly. "I am no princess and I do not know what's been taken from you."

There were murmurs from his cohorts, but he shook his head. "No, the one who took it will exchange it for you."

Oh, what was going on?

"Gimli!"

Everyone looked over at the voice. You nearly groaned as you saw both princes standing nearby, training swords in hand. Were they responsible for this? "Prince-"

"Traitor!" Gimli yelled. "Return what you've stolen or we'll keep your princess!"

You saw Kíli's face blanch slightly and Fíli seemed to be fighting the urge to laugh. "She has nothing to do with this," Kíli said, stepping forward. "You don't involve innocents in a fight."

Gimli puffed up. "You involved her when you took it!"

How? You wanted to shout. How had the prince's cousin thought you were connected to Kíli? How had your peaceful day turned into this? "I'm sorry, Sir Gimli," you said, drawing everyone's attention, "but I'm of no importance to Prince Kíli. You've been mistaken."

He frowned at you. "No," he said firmly. "You're mistaken."

"Gimli," Kíli said tensely. "Stop it."

"Kíli said you'd be a perfect princess," Gimli continued, ignoring his cousin. "I heard him!"

Your gaze jerked to Kíli to see his cheeks grow bright red before they paled as anger filled his eyes. "I'm going to trounce you for that, you little brat!"

High pitched battle cries rang out as the youngsters charged the princes. You could only stare as they clashed, your mind whirling. Kíli had said what? Why had he said that? You watched as he knocked aside the younger dwarves' blows, but, despite his anger, he did nothing more than lightly smack them. Was it all just a game?

No. There has been real embarrassment on his face before the anger had replaced it. Did that mean…? Was that why he'd started showing up wherever you were? Your heart gave a little thump as you thought about it. You had thought he'd just been out to annoy you, but it hadn't been the case at all. "You fool," you whispered to yourself.

How many times had you sent him away, irritated by his behaviour? How many times had you been exasperated and short with him? How many times had he considered not coming back?

The thought upset you and you suddenly realised you had grown used to him seeking you out. That the few days you hadn't seen him had made you sad. You were incredibly grateful for the stubbornness running through his veins that had kept him returning to you. And you cursed your own that had kept you from seeing the real reason he had sought you out.

Looking around, you saw that most of the youngsters were engaged in battle with the brothers. Well, if you were supposed to be a princess being rescued perhaps you should play the part. "Oh, be careful!" you called when Gimli smacked Kíli in the shin with his wooden axe.

His head snapped up and he stared at you for a second. A huge grin suddenly crossed his face and it made you blush. He shared a look with his brother before they began pushing their way through the crowd around them.

You watched as the younger dwarves tried to stop them, but they didn't have the same training as the princes. They were also several years younger and that was seriously against them. They effortlessly worked together to deflect blows and move forward. A part of you was impressed that they still did not hurt any of the little ones even though the others were striking them fully.

Scooting to the edge of the rock, you waited as they drew near. It was hard not to grin when Kíli smiled almost shyly at you and held out his hand. Letting him help you up, you weren't surprised when he tucked you behind him as he faced the younger ones.

"Don't let them take the princess!" Gimli shouted.

You peeked around Kíli and your eyes widened when you saw they were getting ready to charge.

Fíli glanced over at Kíli. "I'll cover you. Get the 'princess' out of here," he said, winking at you.

Blushing at that, you gasped when Kíli grabbed your hand.

"Come on," he said, tugging you away.

Your grip on him tightened when he broke into a run and you followed suit. You tried not to think about the indulgent and knowing smiles so many adults didn't try to hide as you ran past. The sounds of the fight and Gimli's shouts gradually faded as Kíli led you into the trees.

Heart stuttering a bit as the leaves blocked out the sun, you tried not to think about the fear the forests caused in you. When you could no longer hear any sounds from the gathering, Kíli finally stopped.

"This should be far enough," he said, looking around.

"Far enough?"

He smiled. "Most of the tots are afraid of the trees still," he explained. "They won't follow us in here."

You nearly made a face. You definitely understood their fears. The tall trees were so different from the stone halls you were used to. The stone was silent but the forest was alive with foreign sounds.

"Are you alright?"

Jerking your gaze to him, you blushed faintly as you saw the concern on his face. "I-I, uhm, well-" you stammered, unable to form words.

His head tipped to the side before his eyes widened. "Are you scared of the trees?" he asked.

Your blush deepened and you nodded.

"You don't need to be scared of them," he assured you, his thumb rubbing against the back of your hand. "They really aren't scary."

"Not all of us leave the mountains as often as some," you muttered.

"True enough," he chuckled. "But I'll tell you a secret about them."

"If you say they're more scared of me, I will hit you," you warned him.

He threw his head back and laughed. "No! Mahal, no!" he finally gasped.

You poked his chest. "Don't laugh at me."

Kíli smiled as his laughter died, nodding. "I was going to ask you if you could hear all the noise."

"Of course." It was what bothered you most.

"It's a good thing," he continued. "Animals are just like us. When they're happy and relaxed, they're noisy. Everything you're hearing is just them being happy."

You frowned, thinking about that. "And if they go quiet?"

"Something's wrong. It's a good warning sign when you're in unfamiliar places."

Well then. You could hear several birds chirping away in the branches above you. Insects were adding a static hum under the light sounds, sometimes growing higher in pitch. And under it all was the quiet rustle of the leaves as the wind gently ruffled them.

"See?" Kíli said, stepping a little closer. "Nothing to be scared of."

Shooting him a look from under your lashes, you murmured, "I also have a prince of Durin to protect me."

His expression was a mix of shock and embarrassment. "O-Of course," he said quickly, cheeks tinting a bit. "I mean, I don't have a real sword right now. And I forgot my bow. But of course I'll protect you."

You smiled at his rambling. It was cute. Looking back the way you came, you said, "Will your brother be alright?"

"Fíli? Sure he will. Most of them will leave him alone, hero worship or something like that. And Gimli's problem is with me."

"What happened?" you asked curiously. "He was adamant that you'd taken something from him."

Kíli rolled his eyes. "No, he broke something and he's blaming me."

"What was it?"

"You saw his axe? Well, he's supposed to have two, but he was being reckless a few days ago and broke one. I was with him at the time so he's blaming me."

"That's a little childish."

"Have you met Gimli?"

You laughed softly. "True."

He smiled slightly. "I did take it, but I brought it to the forge to see if they could fix it or make a new one. But Gimli doesn't believe me. He thinks I'm keeping it from him and won't listen to me."

"And so he decided to use me in exchange for it?"

Kíli muttered something under his breath. "Little brat," he growled. "Can't keep his mouth shut."

"Kíli?"

He sighed. "I tried to tell you sooner," he said, glancing at you. "But I can never think when I'm around you and I always end up annoying you."

You smiled and stepped closer to him. "I'm sorry I didn't see."

Kíli shook his head quickly. "I should have said something. Fíli kept telling me I needed to talk to you but I-" He cut off when you rose on your toes to kiss him quickly.

"I see now," you murmured, sinking back down.

Blinking at you, he opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out.

You smiled up at him, enjoying how flustered you had made him. A gasp left you when he dropped his sword and tugged you close. One hand in your hair tipped your head back so he could kiss you again.

Your eyes slipped shut as his lips moved over yours, a small sigh leaving you. You were unable to even believe you were kissing him, but you didn't pull away. If it was a dream, you didn't want it to end.

When he pulled back, you murmured a protest, wanting more.

"You were so beautiful at Durin's Day," he whispered, his voice husky. "I wanted to ask you to dance so many times."

"Why didn't you?"

"…I was scared you'd say no."

You would have been startled, but you wouldn't have said no. You'd been taught to never refuse someone the first time they asked you for a dance. The second time you could, but not the first. "Well, we'll just have to dance another time," you said quietly.

He smiled at you, letting go of your hair to cup your face.

Closing your eyes, you smiled softly as he rubbed his thumb against your cheekbone. You let him do that for a moment before you wrapped your arms around his waist and cuddled close to him. Since your cheek was pressed to his chest, you actually heard his heart skip a beat. He slowly closed his arms around you and you felt him let his chin rest on the top of your head. It didn't last as soon he turned to rub his cheek against you.

You smiled into his tunic. However you had thought the day was going to go when you woke up, this was most certainly not it. But you didn't even think of complaining. Your happiness soon fled when you realised that the forest had gone silent around you. "Kíli?" you said softly.

"I know," he said, his voice low.

You didn't want to leave the safety of his arms, but you knew there was no way he could protect you if you clung to him like that.

He scooped up his sword before moving you so your back was pressed to a tree. "Stay behind me," he told you, turning away to face the noise that was coming closer.

Holding your breath, you tried not to imagine all of the numerous things it could be. Branches were snapping and cracking in its path, anger bleeding through the sounds. Was it a bear? Or some large game that was irritated with you being there? You nearly jumped out of your skin when Kíli reached back to give your hand a squeeze.

"It'll be fine," he said, glancing over his shoulder. "Promise."

You gave him a shaky smile and bit your lip as he faced the threat again. You couldn't see past him and you weren't sure if you were thankful for that or not. Did you really want to see what was possibly coming to attack you? You saw his shoulders tense as the noises got louder before his entire body went rigid. "Kíli?" you whispered.

"Gimli!" he snarled. "What in Durin's name are you doing out here?!"

You blinked. Gimli? Peeking around him, you saw the young dwarf standing before you both. He was puffing harshly and his cheeks were nearly as red as his hair.

"Give it back!" he shouted.

"Gimli, for the last time, I didn't steal it," Kíli said in exasperation. "Why would I take it? I don't even use axes!"

His chest puffed out. "You're jealous that you can't," he said confidently. "And you know how much those mean to me so you took it."

"You broke it, you clot," Kíli snapped. "What are you going to do with a broken axe?"

You saw Gimli falter for a second. "My da gave them to me," he said, glaring once again. "They're special and you took it!"

"To my uncle to get fixed!"

"I don't believe you!"

"Would you believe me?" you asked, stepping around Kíli.

Dark eyes swung to you. "You're his princess. You'd lie so I don't beat him up!"

You didn't think the youngster would be able to do that, but you kept that thought to yourself. "I really have no reason to lie to you," you said. "And Kíli has no reason to lie to me."

"Course he does! You won't like him if you know what kind of thief and traitor he is."

You heard Kíli growl behind you and you took a small step in front of him to keep him from lashing out at his younger cousin. "Well, I don't think he's a liar and I know I'm not. Are you calling me one?"

He faltered again, looking up at you hesitantly. "No," he said slowly, scuffing his foot against the grass.

"Good because I think it would be a horrible thing to only have one axe instead of two. Isn't it a good thing that Kíli took it to get fixed?"

Gimli frowned fiercely. "Why would he do that? It isn't his axe."

"Because I saw how upset you were, brat," he muttered. "I know your father gave them to you and that wouldn't tell him that you'd broken one being childish."

"I wasn't being childish!"

"You were hitting the wall with it because you wanted to go outside and it was raining."

This time the red in Gimli's cheeks wasn't because of him running. "W-Well, I…."

Looking back at Kíli, you asked, "How long before it's fixed?"

"Shouldn't be long," he answered, but his gaze was on Gimli. "Uncle had something he needed to finish first but he said he'd work on the axe as soon as he could."

"Is that satisfactory, Sir Gimli?"

He pursed his lips, still rubbing his boot against the ground. "You really took it to Thorin?" he said finally.

"Yes, Gimli."

Gimli made a face before looking at you. "Sorry about trying to kidnap you."

You smiled and crouched down in front of him. "That's quite alright, Sir Gimli," you murmured. "It's all worked out in the end."

He nodded slowly before looking around and his face blanched slightly.

"Would you be so kind to escort me out of the forest?" you asked quickly, knowing where his fear was suddenly coming from. Now that the anger was gone, he had finally realised how deep in the trees he had gone. And, truth be told, you'd like to be back near the stones and rocks of the mountain. Despite Kíli's reassurances, you weren't comfortable around them.

His nod was more enthusiastic this time and he took your hand when you held it out to him. "She didn't say anything about you," he said quickly when Kíli moved beside you.

Kíli gave him a look that Gimli returned by sticking out his tongue. "I'm not going to stay out here by myself," he said dryly.

Gimli tugged on your hand to get you to walk and try to leave Kíli, but your other hand swung out and caught the prince's arm. "You can both walk me back," you said, giving the youngster a bright smile.

He hesitated for a moment before sighing and nodding.

Your smile stayed in place as you turned to look at Kíli. He had a small smirk on his face that made you pause and ask, "Yes?"

He shook his head and leaned in closer to you.

Your breath caught as he stole a kiss even as Gimli made gaging noises. "What was that for?"

"For making the brat understand," he said quietly. "I might get you to break up more of our fights if you keep doing it that diplomatically…Princess."

You blushed deeply at that and looked away. There were a lot of implications in that statement and you weren't sure you wanted to think about them right now. But you let them fade as Kíli tugged you closer and Gimli pulled on your hand to make you walk about. It would be something to think about later. For now, you would just enjoy being with him…even when he started arguing with his cousin.

A/N: This was mostly written for myself because I was having a crap week and wanted something light and fluffy with Kíli because he's my favourite dwarf and I never seem to write about him. Or when I do Fíli's involved and there's anger and pain there. Wanted something…not that. So yes, some fluff for everyone that got a lot bigger than I'd anticipated, but whatever. I like it and it made me happy. :)