A/N: In which Fili laughs, Kili pouts, and Dis is, well Dis; because we all need a fluff break every once in a while.
Disclaimer: Still not mine/still no profit.
Chapter 10 Fluffy Interlude
Mum goes back to her chores, leaving me to read a book I find on the bedside table until Fili comes home. That is, of course, unless Uncle finds something to keep Fee occupied all afternoon. I wouldn't be surprised; Thorin knows that would make me more miserable than I already am.
I finally hear the door open and Fili's greeting to Mum, then his footfalls on the way to our room. He opens the door and enters, grinning widely, his arms laden with books, then slams it closed with his foot.
"Fili!" Mum's displeasure is evident, but it doesn't faze him.
"Mister Balin was very sorry to hear about your...er...problem," Fili dumps the load onto my bed. "He asked me to make sure you have plenty to do so you don't get too restless," he smirks.
I try to swat his arm, but he dances back just out of my reach.
"That's not fair," I protest. "I'm stuck in bed and he expects me to study?" I realize I'm whining like a dwarfling, but I do not care.
Fili ignores me. "Going to bathe, then I'll be back." He heads for the door pulling it open. Stepping into the hall, he turns and flashes a wide smile. "Have fun, Kee," he laughs, the beads in his golden moustache swinging.
He shuts the door quickly enough that the book I hurl thumps against it.
Then the door slips open just barely for my idiot brother to snicker, "Oh, and, he said he'd be coming by to check on your progress." Snick, the door closes again.
I'm so glad my brother can have some fun at my expense. Sighing, I sift through the books Fili has left me trying to find the most innocuous one. I glance through the titles, groaning: "On Dwarrow-Men Treaties and Trade," "Understanding Trade and Finance," "The Essentials of Being a Diplomatic Envoy," "Tinker, Miner, Jeweler." By fire and forge, is Balin trying to bore me to death? I grab one at random and turn to the pages marked.
Shortly, I'm granted a reprieve as Fili returns carrying the chessboard.
"Thought you might be getting bored," he smiles setting the board down on the table and moving things around so we can play. Of course, Fili will win; he always does, because he actually thinks out his strategy. I'm too impatient for that and just move my men in response to his plays. I understand the strategy, but it's just not a fun game if I have to put that much effort into playing it. At least it gives me something to do, and with Fili.
We play until the front door booms closed and we hear Thorin's heavy tread in the front room. I look up at the door, my eyes wide, fearing that he will come to speak to me. Fili sees my distress.
"It'll be all right, Kili, don't worry about Uncle." He reaches over to lay his hand on my arm.
Yes, it's easy for Fili not to worry. He's not the one that has to face Thorin. Then I remember what my brother did and I yank my arm from his touch.
"You told them," I accuse him, glaring.
"Kili, you can't be upset about that," Fili states shaking his head.
"I can," I huff. "You had no right."
"Think, Kee. You don't really want to explain all that again, do you? To both of them?" Fili keeps his voice even. "You were barely able to get through it last night with me."
I look away, not wanting to concede his point.
Suddenly there's a knock on our door, and I flinch fearing Uncle's wrath. My dread seems unfounded this time, however.
Of course the knock is a mere formality as Thorin opens the door and stares.
"How are you feeling, Kili?" He seems calm enough.
"I'm well, Uncle," I respond quietly.
"That's good, lad," he returns. "We'll want talk after we eat." And then he's gone.
Oh great. Ruin my dinner, too. I swallow the lump that has risen in my throat. I've been dreading this all day because I so do not want to discuss yesterday with him. Talking to Mum hadn't been so bad, so I guess that she's leaving the discipline part to Uncle. Fili just pats my arm and smiles, then returns to our game.
Finally Mum comes to the door, "Food's ready. Where would you like to eat, Kili?"
"You mean I have a choice?" I ask in disbelief.
"Of course you do, love. Here or with us?"
Still not fully believing, I ask, "You mean I can walk to the table?"
"No, my silly raven," she smiles. "But Fili will be happy to carry you."
"What?" I can't believe this. "No! Fili can't carry me," I proclaim indignantly. I'm not that weak and helpless. "I'm perfectly capable..."
"Ten days." Mum interrupts. I swear she is gloating over this.
"Fine. I'll just eat here." I fume, sweeping the chess board onto the floor, clearing the table.
"Kili," Mum starts, her voice displeased, but Fili holds up his hand.
"We'll be there, just give us a minute."
She looks from me to Fili, then nods her head and leaves.
"I didn't say I was going," I state, crossing my arms over my chest, in a gesture of defiance.
Without answering, Fili kneels on the floor retrieving the chess pieces I have scattered. I do feel bad that he has to pick them up and know I shouldn't have acted so petulantly but I hate appearing weak, not even allowed to walk to the table.
Once finished, Fili stands looking at me. "You are such a dwarfling brat sometimes," he declares. "So if you want to act like a dwarfling, then I'll treat you like one. And by the way, you are so going to pay for that," indicating the chessboard, he promises with a smile, relishing the thought of revenge.
"Ready?" He gives me no time to disagree or argue, scooping me up in his arms and heading for the dining room. I let out a surprised squeak. So much for what I want.
A/N: Next chapter- Thorin. Hope you're still enjoying the fic. Let me know by reviewing.