A/N: A bit shorter chapter. Please read the A/N at the bottom before you yell at me. Thanks again for reading & reviewing. I'm trying to answer all the reviews where I can.

Disclaimer: No ownership/no profit.

Chapter 6: Heading Home

Apparently my fear was well-founded. As I drop to the ground my feet are engulfed in pain, my legs shaking from exertion of the climb. I try, unsuccessfully, to bite back my cry as I pitch forward onto my hands and knees, adding new bruises.

"Kili!" I hear Fili's panicked yell.

I know Fili is close. I push myself up and take a tentative step forward. I gasp but do not fall. I manage a few more steps before I stop, panting, and cursing myself for my own stupidity. I might be able to make it home by myself...by morning. I let myself lean against a tree and slide to the ground, dropping my head into my hands. I run fingers through my hair and wait for my brother.

Then Fili stands before me. "Kili? Why didn't you wait for me?"

I detect a hint of hurt behind his words. Slowly I look up to my brother. His expression is a mix of both relief and fear as he rakes his gaze over me. I expect him to grab me in a tight bear hug as he usually does after we've been apart. But that doesn't happen now, instead, he keeps questioning me.

"Kee, what have you done now?" Fili asks quietly, not condemning. No, rather, his voice hints of resignation as if he fully expected me to be hurt or in trouble. At least I am consistent and do not disappoint him.

Fili looks at the ragged bandages on my feet. "Where are your boots?"

It doesn't matter, so I don't answer, just drop my eyes. He sounds like Mum does when she asks a question she does not expect answered.

"Oh, nadadith," Fili shakes his head and drops to his knees before me. He puts his hands on my shoulders and now pulls me into a hug. This time I don't resist. I return his embrace, relieved for the comfort I had rejected earlier.

"Let me see," Fili releases me and without waiting for an answer, begins to unwind the strips of cloth on one foot. He shakes his head and looks up at me. I meet his gaze, but neither of us speaks. There is no need. Next he raises my ripped pants leg to reveal the abrasion. Finally he takes my hands and turns them palms up to find the scrapes and scratches.

"There's nothing more we can do here," Fili says rising to his feet. "Let's get you home."

He bends down to pick me up.

"No," I snap. "I can walk"

"Really?" He asks, rolling his eyes, exasperated.

How many times have we had similar conversations? We are both hesitant to admit when we are injured. It might be seen as a sign of weakness and we don't want the other one to worry. It's a pride thing I suppose; it would be shameful to appear weak.

"Just help me up and let me lean on you," I return, not rising to his bait. Since Fili knows how stubborn I am, he doesn't even respond, just offers me his hand and pulls me up. I hiss as I bear my full weight, but just nod. With my arm over my brother's shoulder and his around my waist we set out.

Naturally, the progress is slow. Each step feels like I'm walking on shards of glass and I bite my cheeks to keep from groaning. My limp becomes progressively worse the farther we go, with Fili bearing more of my weight with each step. I have no doubt he knows that I'm struggling but, for once, he indulges me by saying nothing.

When I stumble, he manages to hold me up, but then stops and lowers me to the ground.

"I'll be OK in a minute..." I start.

Fili shakes his head. "That's it," he declares glaring. "You have two choices. Either you spend the night out here alone and apparently unarmed..." He has obviously noticed that I am without my bow, arrows or sword, another mistake I'd made in my panic to leave home.

"You wouldn't just leave me." I interrupt as I stare up at him, my eyes wide and frowning in disbelief. Fili would never leave me alone; he had promised many years ago that he would never do that. He can't mean it.

"Try me, nadadith." he snaps his face unyielding, and I fear that Fili is really mad at me.

I swallow hard trying to determine if he's actually furious with me or if he's just scared before I dare to answer.

"Or," Fili continues smugly, "You can let me carry you."

"I..."

"All I want to hear is your choice," Fili cuts me off, his voice as cold as the steel of his swords.

For long minutes I stare at the ground trying to swallow my stubborn Durin pride.

Finally, I manage a weak, "Carry me."

Fili relaxes flashing a smile, "Wise decision."

Once again he offers me a hand up then stoops so I can climb on his back. I wrap my arms around his neck while he puts his hands under my knees, and then we start home in silence.

After a few steps, I lean my head against his. I smile as I remember being a little raven-haired dwarfling riding on his big brother's shoulders, my cheek pressed against his golden locks. I guess the only difference now is our size...and the fact that I am leaning against his double scabbard and twin swords. Not quite as comfortable, but still, we are going home.

A/N: Yes, I know that Fili isn't all "concerned big brother will make it all right." Comforting Fili comes later. Right now he thinks Kili ran away because he was pouting over being left behind and then having Fili desert him again when Thorin called. In other words, he thinks his little brother is being a brat. Unfortunately, Kili has no way of knowing that and since this fic is written in 1st person, Kili can't explain what he doesn't know. So please don't get mad at Fili.-And as always please review; Kee and I really like them.