Lost little souls

by Yaoi Queen the 13th

After fleeing from Smaug, Thorin and his people have no where to go. Gandalf suggests that they go to the Shire. Everyone must cope with the heart break of their journey. The hope of a new beginning and the strength to carry on. But the green hills of the shire holds some terrible sorrows and secrets that even those who live there are not aware of. Will have Slash.

8. Stay

Lost little souls

Chapter 8

"Stay"

Happy International Fanwork Day! I told myself, come hell or high water, I would post today. I even marked it on my calendar and tried to write everyday to finish. I was not able to write everyday and if you read the note at the bottom, you will find out why.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything of Tolkin's because if I did, things would have turned out differently. I also don't own the music

Note: Anything said between ** is said in Khuzdul. Later, I will but a word or two in but for the most part follow this.

"What the fuck were you thinking?!"

"I'm sorry…"

Ori had been drifting peacefully in slumber land when the fighting started. Hearing angry raised voices; he was brought out of the comfort and safety of sleep to find his brothers, yet again, fighting. But this time it was different, Ori could tell even if he couldn't hear as well. Usually when they fought, both Dori and Nori were shouting. Dori screaming about Nori's illicit actions and Nori hollering back in defense. Now, it was only Nori's roar. Dori's voice sounded more like a breath of a whisper. In his young life, Ori never heard this type of arguing between them. The young dwarfling tried to hide under the blanket for safety, but still the words came though the barriers of both the wall and blanket.

"No! What were you trying to do? Get yourself kill?"

"Of course not…"

"Then why? What could possess you to do something so stupid?!"

There was a silent pause. Ori held his breath hoping this was the end of the fight.

"We needed the money…"

"Not that badly! Bofur-I'm going kill him-said you told him this was not the first time!"

"There was nothing I could do…"

Ori tried to cover his ears. But it couldn't block out all the anger and frustration from his brother's voice.

"Nothing you could do? What about me? What about Bofur? What about anyone the fuck else? There were plenty of things you could have done! Fighting and-and-I can't even say it!" The little one could hear Nori's voice start to crack. It scared Ori to hear his strong brother sound so weak and helpless. What had happened? Did Dori do something bad?

Dori couldn't even look his brother in the eye. Bofur had brought him home and told Nori everything. Now he was facing one of his worst fears. This was what he had been afraid of. The pain, disappointment and shame he brought to his family were almost too much to bear. Sitting in one of the kitchen chairs, he could hear Nori sobbing. It broke his heart to see his younger brother in so much pain and worst yet, he was the cause of it. On instinct, Dori attempted to go over to hug Nori only to be pushed away. He shouldn't have expected anything else. It was his fault Nori was like this and at the moment, Nori wanted nothing to do with him. Dori couldn't blame him. Part of him wished he had been killed on the way to Bree. Then, at least, no one would have known his secrets and Nori wouldn't be suffering so.

As Dori turned to retreat to the safety of his bedroom, he heard his younger brother call out. "We are not finished with this yet."

"You are right…But please let us finish it in the morning…"

"FINE!"

It was all quiet in the house, a great contrast as to what it had been a few moments ago. The only thing Ori could hear was the sound of his beating heart and rapid breathing. This wasn't happening. It couldn't be happening. No! He had just gotten both of his brothers back, so why were they now fighting? They didn't fight like this. Not any more. They loved each other. Ori's mind raced and he trembled with emotion, trying not to cry. He needed to get out. He needed some air and some place to feel safe. It wasn't safe there. Not anymore. He wanted to be held and told everything would be ok, but the two people he would normally go to for that were the ones causing his distress. Who could he go to? Mister Bilbo? Mister Bilbo was very kind and wouldn't turn him away but something stopped him from going there. No, he has Frodo to look after and he didn't want to put his friend out in case he needed comfort. Dwalin….Ori's face flushed at the thought. He wanted to go to his protector but…he didn't want to be weak in front of him, or for him to think less of his brothers. Bofur! That was who he could go to! Bofur had said earlier tonight, if Ori needed anything at anytime, to go to him. Getting out of bed, Ori wrapped his floral fuzzy faded blanket around him as he put on his shoes.

As he walked in the crisp night, Ori tried to think of how to get to Bofur's house. He'd been there plenty of times during the day, but this was night time. The dark made everything look different and scary. Friendly trees during the day turned to wicked monsters at night. Branches clawing at the path beneath his tiny feet, wanting not more than to grab and gobble him up. Small noises seemed to thunder, shaking him to the core. Even the air smelled different. Instead of the warm fragrant flowers wafting in the air, pungent moisture seemed to penetrate the ground making it soft and brining its odor to the air. Part of Ori wanted to turn around and run back home to the safety of his brothers, whether they were fighting or not.

But when he looked behind him, he noticed, he couldn't recognize where he was. Some how on a straight road, with no turns, he had gotten lost. Stupid dark. Thought Ori bitterly. Now he had two choices, one, try to find his way back home or two, try to find his way to Bofur's. Since he was already out of his home… Ori tried to count to mailboxes he saw on the road. He remembered Bofur's was 10 mailboxes from his house and had a red flag. Racking his brain, he tried to think about how many he had past. After a while, he decided it couldn't have been more than 5. So, from five he counted. 6…7…8…9…10.

At the tenth mailbox he looked at the small earth house. No lights were on. Everyone must be asleep. He thought. As much as he wanted comfort, he didn't want to bother Bofur. He was always so nice to him and his brothers. Always offering to watching him and would make him special toys. It wouldn't be right. Carefully, he made his way to the window and sat down underneath. Even if he didn't go inside, just knowing that he was near a friend was comfort. Slowly, he wrapped the blanket tighter around himself to fight the chill as he lend against the soft grass. All he needed to do was close his eyes and drift back to sleep. As his eyes began to shut, the window flew open and a massive hand reach out and grabbed him, dragging the frighten child inside. Ori tried to scream but found he had no voice. Wherever he was, it was not Bofur's house. The child didn't want to open his eyes for fear of what sort of horrible monster might have grabbed him.

"What are ye doing here, child!" The voice boomed.

Slowly, Ori peered through his fingers. In the darkness of the room, he was able to make out the mountain of a dwarf holding him. "Mister…Dwalin?"

"Again, lad, what are ye doing here?" He growled. Dwalin had nearly been asleep when he heard rustling outside his bedroom window. Years of training had given him an acute sense of hearing and if something seemed out of place, he had to investigate. To do otherwise, in certain situations, could mean death.

"I…I'm sorry, Mister Dwalin. I thought this was Bofur's house." He squeaked, trying not to look Dwalin in the eyes as he was brought eye level.

"Bofur's house is 20 houses in the other direction!" Dwalin put the child down on the bed. It wouldn't do to frighten him anymore. The poor thing probably wet himself already. Dwalin thought as he looked at Ori trying to adjust his clothes. Even when Dwalin's voice was not raised, it still shock people to their core. "So, why are ye out at this time of night? Ye trying to run away?"

"No. I just needed a place to stay for the night. My brothers are fighting." He whispered not wanting to wake anyone else in the house.

Dwalin couldn't blame the kid. When family fought, the only thing one wanted to do was get out of there, but this was the Ri brothers. Ori should have been used to the fighting by now. Every time Nori came back, a shouting match between him and his older brother would wake up the dead. "Them fighting in nothing new. Nori always does something that drives Dori up the wall."

"But this is different! Nori was the one yelling at Dori."

This was an unexpected turn. "What happened?" If Nori was the one doing the yelling, something must have happened. Something real bad.

"I don't know…But I needed to get out." Ori stared at the quilted pattern on Dwalin's blanket. Tracing a nonsense invisible pattern with his finger, he found his voice. "Can I stay here? Bofur's house is far away and I really don't want to back."

"Lad-"

"It's dark and I know I will lose my way, again. Please, Mister Dwalin." Ori felt two massive fingers under his chin, lifting it gently to look into the other's eyes. As much as Ori wanted to be brave, the trying night he had left him weak and tears were starting to form again.

How could Dwalin say no? "Fine."

The tears seemed to sparkle like diamonds in the moonlight. "Thank you, so much Mister Dwalin! I promise I won't be any trouble."

I doubt that. Thought Dwalin. If the boy was friends with the princes, then yes, he would be trouble. Dwalin watch the little one swim under the covers. Before the thought of where would he sleep came into play. Thinking for a moment, Dwalin felt this was no different from the other times when the boys had crawled into his bed when they thought they saw a monster under the bed and Thorin was unavailable. No trouble. Dwalin hadn't even lain down and already this boy was causing him to lose sleep. Sighing, he knew there was little he could do as he crawled back under the sheets for the second time that night.

It was then that Dwalin felt a set of arms trying to wrap themselves around his bulky form. He watched as the boy attempted to make himself comfortable by using Dwalin as a body pillow. His small head tucked under this chin and into his grizzled beard, nuzzling like a kitten into its mother. "Thank you, Mister Dwalin." A whisper came. Dwalin felt the nuzzling had stopped and Ori was looking him in the eyes.

"Ye're welcome. Now get some sleep." He grumbled.

"Right." What Dwalin wasn't expecting was a tiny set of lips to fall on his. Whatever fog he felt from his much needed sleep was washed away at that moment. Throwing the kid half way across the bed, he looked at the kid in horror. "What was that for?!" He resisted the urge to wipe his lips.

"What do you mean?" It was clear Dwalin had hurt the boy's feelings. But at the moment Dwalin couldn't find it in his heart to care.

"That! What you just did." He didn't want to say the word. Dwalin might not have been the most straight laced dwarf but he did have his morals. Kissing a child was one of them.

"The kiss?"

"Yes! That!"

"I don't understand…" Ori looked down at his hand as they fiddled in his lap. Had he done something wrong?

Dwalin took a deep breath. Ori look really confused. More so than Dwalin. Perhaps it was natural to kiss someone on the lips in Ori's home. He had seen and been a part of that in his own house. When the boys were very little, they called it "lippy kisses". Perhaps Ori was just showing him the same affection he would show his brothers since they were unavailable. "Ori…ye're a good lad, but I'm not family. Ye don't kiss people who are not in yer family." He explained hoping to help the boy a bit.

"Yes, you do! I see Merry and Pippin kiss."

The warrior didn't feel like pointing out the doppelgangers of Fili and Kili were in fact cousins, so hence family. "That's different. They love each other." As much as two children can love each other. He added to himself.

"I know. That's why I kissed you. I love you." Ori didn't try to hide his face as he might have in the past. Something about his recent brush with death had made him a bit stronger; he knew what he wanted and wasn't going to let anyone else tell him otherwise.

"Love me? Like ye love yer brothers, right?" For the love of Mahal, please tell me it like his brothers.

"No. I really, really like you." If Ori heard the groan, he ignored it. "You are really kind to me and always try to protect me. You never say anything bad about my brothers in front of me and the times when Nori was arrested, you come back to see if you can help us."

This wasn't happening. Dwalin thought as he ran his hand over his hardened face. He needed to explain to the kid this wasn't right. The drawing was cute but this…love…he was way too young and Dwalin was way too old for him. Channeling all of Balin's diplomatic skills, he tried to find the right words. "Look, lad. Ye might think ye are in love-"

"I am in love!" Ori folded his arms across his chest.

"Right…But ye are too young for this-" Dwalin put up his hand to stop Ori from commenting. "And I am too old for ye. Besides, ye can do much better than a cold warrior like myself."

Rejection. That's what it was, no matter how you put it. Dwalin was rejecting Ori. Ori had heard about broken hearts but never really knew what that meant until now. It really did feel like some one took a hammer to his heart and smashed it into a million little pieces. Completely crestfallen, Ori's head fell to his chest as his shoulders rose in an attempt to curl himself up.

As much as the kid was hurting, Dwalin was sure he hurt equally as bad. It was so much easier to bark orders at soldiers and guards than children. The only children he really did bellow at were his little cousins and even then their reaction was nothing like this. Ye weren't yelling, ye fool. It wasn't the volume but the words themselves. Through out his life, he killed and fought. The only true weapons he knew where the ones that currently occupied the corner of the very room. But words…never. To hurt such a sweet child, one who didn't have a cruel bone in his body…it almost felt like murder. Dwalin knew he was going to regret this. "Look. Ye are very young, ye haven't even hit majority yet. Maybe and I'm not saying it will happen. But maybe, when ye are a little older."

Ori's head shoot up. Did he hear right? There was a chance! From what it sounded like, he would just have to wait a bit. "How long?" He didn't even want to keep the hope out of his voice.

"Come back in 10 years then we'll talk." He grunted as Ori throw himself at Dwalin.

"Thank you! Thank you, Mister Dwalin." Dwalin knew he was going to regret this but seeing the kid happen was nice.

Morning didn't come soon enough for Dwalin's taste. Even though Dwalin told Ori, he would need to wait; the little one was still allowed to share his bed. And Ori, just like Nori, took what he was given and more. It had to be around 4 am when Dwalin decided he had enough of Ori's python like grip and fled from his own bedroom and into the safety of the kitchen.

But in the kitchen, it was like out of the frying pan and into the fire. Balin was up as well. Trying to surpass a groan, he hoped his older brother would be half asleep and miss his presents. He should have known better. Balin was a train warrior like himself and nothing escaped his sight.

"Is everything alright? I thought I heard noises coming from your room earlier?" Balin placed a cup of hot tea in front of his younger brother. Tea always helped no matter the time of day.

Dwalin sighed. How was he going to explain there was a child in his bed? "Ori is over." Dwalin paused as he waited for his brother to ask the questions that never came. "Something happened at home and the lad ran. Tried to find the toymaker's house but ended up here."

"And of course you didn't throw him out into the cold, cruel night." Balin's smile was carefully hidden by his tea cup. Dwalin struck fear into the hearts of many but he had a soft heart. Children were his weakness. He never could stand when one cried or looked depressed.

Refusing to talk more Dwalin only grunted.

Setting down his cup, Balin lend across the table to examine his baby brother's face. Dwalin was hiding something. He could tell. Big brother always knew. It might not be catastrophic or painful, but as an older brother, he had to know. "Did something else happen?" Balin thought for a moment out loud before he remembered the picture Dwalin showed him earlier in the day. To be so young and so foolish. "Did Ori do something?"

Dwalin snorted and looked away. He wanted to retreat back to the safe haven of his bedroom but it was occupied by a pint sized dwarf in love.

So, he was on the right tract. Now to get Dwalin's attention. "Did you do something to Ori?"

A thunderous bang echoed though the kitchen as Dwalin pounded his massive fist on the flimsy wooden table. Never! He would never do anything to child and Balin should know that!

"So, tell me, then."

Sighing in defeat, he knew there was no way to escape his brother's morbid curiosity. "The lad kissed me and said he loved me. Told him he was too young."

"And what else?" He could just imagine his baby brother coming face to face with a crying Ori and bending over backwards to make the kid smile again.

"Told him to come back when his balls dropped."

"But not in those words, of course. How long do you think that will be?"

"I give it about ten years. Ten years should be long enough for him to forget this foolishness."

Balin tried not to laugh at his brother's obvious uneasiness. Dwalin was always so sure of himself and his actions. It was strange and humorous to see him otherwise. "So, where is he now?"

Balin couldn't contain his laugher when Dwalin muttered, face all red, the child was sleeping in his bed.

The sun rose both far too fast and too slow for Nori. All night he tossed and turned over Dori's actions and what might happen come morning. Having finally given up on sleeping, he made his way to the kitchen. It was there he found some small measure of peace. In the silence of the night, he was able to better assemble his thoughts. He always thought better in the dark. Usually no one was round to bother him. What had set him of? Was it Dori's actions or the potential consequences of them? Was he only concerned with Dori or had Ori snuck in there? What about himself? If something happened to Dori….But nothing did. Dori was safe and whole in his bedroom, all be it nursing a hurt heart, but no permanent damage was done, he hoped.

Hours must have passed since a golden ray of sunlight now spread across the table and his fingers. The warmth of the ray's brought him back to his senses. As angry as he was with Dori, he had done worse and probably worried Dori equally as bad if his older brother's gray hair was anything to go by. To keep himself busy, he put the kettle on. Dori would most likely want a cup of tea after last night. Out of all the brothers, Nori possessed the best hearing. He was able to hear a cricket two rooms over or the noisy couple whispering at the next table. This time his ears picked up the light faltering steps of his older brother. "I wondered when you were getting up." Nori turned to look at his older brother. There was a dismal sort of quiet about him. "The kettle's on. The water should be hot enough by now."

All Dori could manage was a broken smile as he silently went about making himself a cup of tea. Neither one knew where to start this conversation and the thought of it kept Dori up all night.

"It's funny." Nori started figuring if he didn't start it they would get no where fast. "I couldn't figure out what made me so mad. Mahal knows I've done worse, so why was I so mad? Then I thought about it." Nori paused waiting for his brother to take a seat. As he heard the scrapping of the wooden chair on the hard floor, he pressed on. "I think I just don't want to lose you. You know the two of you mean the world to me. I never thought anything could happen to either of you. You always seemed to have everything under control and never let anyone, Ori and me especially, think otherwise. But after what happened with Ori…I think I had to realize some things were just out of my control. And yours as well. I think that's what scared me the most. The fear of not being able to help or do anything. I don't want anything to happen to either of you. Believe it or not but that was why I left. Figured there would be one less mouth to feed and I could send you a little to help."

"You never had to leave. We would have figured something out." If Nori came to Dori with those concerns in the beginning, how different would their life be? Perhaps they wouldn't have fought as much. Perhaps, they could have drawn strength from each other. But either way, a luminescent feeling filled Dori. Nori left to protect them.

"I know." They sat there for awhile enjoying each other's company as Dori sipped his morning tea. The quiet was a welcome change of pace for them.

"Besides, I'm supposed to be the black sheep of the family, not you." Dori sputtered out the last bit of tea across the table as he tried not to laugh at his brother's poor humor. Nori always tried to make light of things.

"Looks like there are two in our family." Dori countered as he wiped the mess from the table.

"Yeah but, they were expecting it from me. Not prim and proper Dori." It felt marvelous to laugh. In his travels, he heard "Laughter is the best medicine." With how much he had been laughing recently, he should live forever. "Well, I think it's time to get the half pint up." Nori said as he rose from his chair to get their younger brother.

Dori couldn't help but smile as Nori left. This morning turned out to be nothing like he expected. Thank Mahal! He had feared the worst. Most of the thoughts were irrational like Nori leaving again and taking Ori with him. The most realistic ones were Nori never speaking to him again or telling Ori. But no, Nori, no matter how furious he would become, never involved their younger brother. He was far too precious for their feuds.

It was when Dori heard the middle brother run at down the hallway at top speed his heart began to sink again. "What's wrong, Nori? You look like you seen a ghost."

"Ori's not in bed!"

"What? He must be. I put him to bed before I left."

"And I checked on him right before Bofur brought you home. But he's not there."

Even thought Dori knew Nori would never play such a trick on him, he had to make sure. Pushing Nori aside, he ran to Ori's room. He heart leapt into his throat as he found Nori was right. His eyes combed every inch of the room, hoping he might be hiding under his bed or in his closet, but the little one was gone. So was his blanket.

"Dori, his shoes are missing!"

Both brothers were at a lose. What could have happened to their little brother? It was obvious he was not taken. But if not, it meant he left on his own. Why would he do such a thing and where would he go? .

Dori was forced to take a cleansing breathe as he pinched the bridge of his nose. It felt like he was in some sort of hellish nightmare waiting to be woken up. Anything could have happened to Ori. Quickly, the pair scurried out of the smial hoping to find the lad only wanted to draw outside. But both knew they wouldn't find him. Sadly, they were right.

Nori was near tears when there was a knock on the door. Who ever it was better leave or they might end up with a knife in their throat. Hoping to not turn the rain into a down pour, Nori steadied himself as he opened the door. "We are a bit busy right now, Balin." He barked. Niceties at this moment had long been forgotten. Lord or not, Nori had no trouble telling Balin to get out and where he could shove it.

The elderly dwarf put up his hands to calm the other down. Behind Nori, he could see Dori running around from room to room. "I am sure that is the case, but I only wish to help."

"And what could you do?" Nori hissed as he leaned against the door frame. All he wanted to do was slam it in the other's face and get back to his task.

"Ori is currently at our home." Balin paused for a moment to let the relief sink in before continuing. "He arrived late last night. Something must have given the poor thing quite a fright. The lad informed my brother he tried to get Bofur's home but was turned around."

Not paying any more attention to the lord, Nori turned to call Dori and relay the information. The instant it reached Dori's ears, he all but bulldozed passed Balin, Nori hot on his trail.

"What in Mahal's name was he thinking?" Huffed Dori as he ran towards the Durin home.

"Who knows? But now it looks like we are a family of black sheep. I steal, you do…stuff and Ori runs away." It took no time for Nori to catch up with Dori.

Even though the joke was in bad taste, Dori was still able to smile.

Never before had Nori hated a door from baring his passage. He could have broken down the solid oak slab but Dori wouldn't have disapproved given who lived there. They might be in exile, but their king still dwelled in this humble abode. A loud knock had to suffice.

The door creaked as a pint sized dwafling popped opened the door. But it wasn't their pint sized dwarfling. "Good morning. Are you here to pick up Ori?" Kili inquired as he looked at the brothers, his eyes all bright and shiny from a good night's sleep.

Dori felt much calmer as Kili asked the question. So, Balin was telling the truth. In the past, the lord of Moria always told the truth but other nobles were less…noble and lied to the brothers on many occasions. It was comforting to receive confirmation. "Yes, we are. Is he awake?" Dori asked getting eye level with the little one.

"Yep. We are just finishing breakfast. Come in." Kili grabbed Dori's large hand and began to pull him to the kitchen.

Upon entering the eating area, both brothers finally let out the breath they had been holding since discovering Ori's disappearances. There he was safe and sound eating breakfast. His tiny legs swinging back and forth as he happily polished off his plate. Hearing familiar foot steps, he turned his head.

Ori's brown eyes sparkled for moment at seeing his brothers but faded when the memories from last night returned. "Are you still fighting?" He whispered as pushed the plate around on the table.

Two sets of arms wrapped around Ori's minuscule form. "Little one, brothers fight. That's what we do." Neither Dori or Nori realized their quarreling wake Ori last night. He had been present for other fights in the past, but this one must have freighted the lad to no end if he fled their home.

"Yeah, but this was different, Dori." Ori needed the warm comfort of his brother's hugs as he felt himself tear up at the memories of last night.

"You're right." Nori began. "It was different. But Dori and I talked and everything is better."

Ori looked at Nori suspiciously. Nori was known to lie, even to him. "Really? You two still love each other?"

"Was that what you were afraid of, love? That we didn't love each other any more?" Dori brought Ori's head close to his chest as he had done so many times in the past when comforting the little one.

"I thought you didn't love each other anymore and Nori was going to leave again and never come back."

"Kid, listen. No matter how pissed I get at the fuss pot, I'm always going to love him. As for leaving…I never left because I didn't love him or you. I left for other reasons which I will explain when you are older. But I'm not going anywhere. I'm here to stay."

"Really?"

"Really."

"So, are you ready to go home?" Dori's eyes looked over Ori. The child needed another bath after his late night adventure.

"Yep. I'm ready. Thanks for everything, Mister Dwalin." Ori ran and hugged the stoic warrior who tried not to move to avoid detection.

"That was very nice, Ori." Nori tried not to let his true feeling for the warrior show.

"Mister Dwalin was very nice. He let me sleep in his bed with him!"

All Dwalin wanted was for the earth to swallow him whole.

When Bifur arrived at his spot on the hill, he wasn't surprised to see a little hobbit child. Many of the children would seek Bifur out. They were under the impression he was unable to talk to the other grown ups in the shire. This meant they could tell him anything and their parents would never know. One little girl told him how she hated how her and her siblings were forced to study all the time, another spoke of her family fighting and her baby brother would often get the brunt of the punishment from their father. Some of the lads made similar stories. One thought it might be better to run away. It looked like the green of shire was losing its shine. When they arrived, many thought the hobbits were little more than children with child like problems. Their troubles were far from childish and the adults were not the only ones to suffer.

The other hobbit children he had seen once or twice around the shire, but this one he knew very well. The golden curl's framed his round faces as his usually amber completion was tainted by strikes of red from where the tears trailed. Never before had Bifur seem Samwise Gamgee so upset. He was well aware of the mindset of his father regarding places in society. Could he have finally put his large foot down and put a stop to his friendship with Frodo? On instinct, he took the little one in his arms. He couldn't stand to see a child cry.

Bifur didn't bother to speak as he might have with the lad's younger sister. She seemed to understand the words. But they would be lost on her brother. Looks would have to do. Creasing his brow, Bifur put a finger under the tiny hobbit's chin, lifting his gaze. Silently pleading, he wanted to know what ailed the normally happy child so.

It took a moment for Sam to catch his breath. The small sobs and hiccups ebbed as has he tried to explain. "It's not her fault!" Sam pleaded. "It's not. Not matter what Sackville-Baggins says it's not her fault that Ma went away!" Sam buried his head deeper into Bifur's chest as he continued to mutter how it wasn't her fault.

Bifur disappeared to his spot and Bofur decided he should go to his. No one knew where it was, not even his brother. Bofur prided himself on being able to keep quiet about its location. Unlike his cousin who wanted to watch the world as it happened, Bofur wanted to escape it. Everyone assumed Bofur never had any doubt or sadness. Why would they? He walked around with a huge smile plastered on his face and laughing and telling poor jokes which could get even the most stoic to crack a smile. But he needed time to himself. To not play the happy all the time person and let his face rest. Bofur found this place by the river by accident during their first week in the shire. He noticed no one seemed to visit and for that, he was glad.

Sitting down, he watched the ripples in the stream as he thought about his actions over the past 24 hours. How badly had he screwed up? Nori was more than likely furious at Dori for his actions and at Bofur for not knowing of them. It was his job to take care of Dori and Ori in Nori's absences. A fine job he did! Dori was probably embarrassed at being caught and angry in the betrayal of Bofur telling Nori. It seemed the only one in that house who wasn't mad at him would be Ori. But if his brothers were fight and Ori discovered it was Bofur's doing then yes, he would be also angry with Bofur. He just wanted them safe. All of them.

Nori had to be the only person in the shire who knew where Bofur's hiding spot was. He had known about it for a while so when he began to seek out the dwarf, this was the first place he looked. His hand grazed the steel hilt of the dagger resting in its holster on his hip. Nori didn't want to use it but he would, depending on some of Bofur's answers. Clearing his throat, Nori tried to get the other's attention. But it seemed Bofur must not have heard him. He was still looking in the water, mesmerized by the ripples and currents.

Closing his eyes, Bofur waited for the knife he knew Nori always carried. He wouldn't blame his friend. He was responsible for much of their suffering right now. He had failed them and had no one to blame but himself. Death might even be welcomed. "I'm sorry" He whispered as he heard the blades of grass being crushed under Nori's feet. "I'm sorry for everythin."

Looking at his friend's back, he knew he needed to at least give Bofur a fighting chance. Sitting down beside him, he was still surprised to not meet the other's gaze. All he did was stare in to the water. "Explain."

"Where to begin? How about I'm sorry for lettin ya down." That caught Nori's ears. Out of all the things Bofur could felt ashamed about, letting Nori down was one he hadn't thought of. "Ya asked me ta watch them and I thought I was doin a good job. Thought Dori needed sometime to work. Had no problem watchin Ori. But I swear, I had not idea what he was doin. If I had known, I would have done somethin about it. I would never want him to be in danger, ever. I should've looked out for him more and I'm sorry for hurtin him because of it. Had I known…"

He really does look sorry. Thought Nori and he knew Bofur, while a great storyteller, was a horrible liar. "What about the kiss?"

The toymaker winced at that. He told Nori everything when he brought Dori home. Everything, including about the kiss. "That I am not sorry about." He paused trying to get some strength. "Nori…I really care for him. He's kind and always looks out for everyone. I always knew he would do anythin for you two, but I didn't know what "anythin" was. I think he must be the most loyal and strongest dwarf there is. Some where alon the journey, I fell for him hard and I never wanted him to know, but last night. It just happened and for that I am not sorry."

Bofur closed his eyes again as he hear Nori shift. Trying to taking deep breaths to steady himself not to move as he heard the dagger being pulled from it's leather casing. This was it. He just hoped Bomber and Bifur wouldn't blame Nori for his own faults.

A swish past his ear and a wet thud echoed in at the river. Cracking his eye, open he spied the danger embedded in the soft mud of the river bank.

Gimli sighed as he looked at what used to be the lean-to. Sometime over the night, it fell over and they needed to start over, a task the dwarfling was not looking forward to. "How did it mange to fall, again?" The dwalfing had been relived Legolas wasn't hurt. According to the elf, it fell on top of him but he was not hurt since they used light materials.

"I don't know." Legolas said folding his arms across his thin chest. "I think an animal ran by and knocked into it."

Looking at the damage, Gimli knew his friend was holding back the truth. The damage was from the inside causing the side to be pushed out, not in. Was the elf just too embarrassed to admit he rolled around in his sleep? Whatever the reason, they needed to build a new one and fast. Uncle Oin said it would rain tonight and he didn't want a stupid elf, who couldn't stop himself from rolling around in his sleep and destroying the only shelter he had, to get sick on top of everything. "Let's get to work, shall we?"

It didn't take too long for them to have it back up and suitable enough to stay in. To give it extra support, Gimli lined both the outside and inside near the sides with medium sized rocks. This did not surprise Legolas at all. Gimli was very dedicated to his work and as most dwarves, or so he was told, were excellent craftsmen and construction workers, so Gimli should be the same, right? But the shock came when he looked inside his new shelter. The forest floor was covered in verdigris spongy moss. Even more was piled near the rocks padding him from the unyielding rocks.

"It looks comfy." He said to himself more than his friend.

"Yeah, I thought it would be nice. I remember when we were traveling; my dad would always find moss for me to sleep on. It wasn't bad, not a bed mind you, but not bad. I'll bring you some blankets a bit later today. Oh and some canvas. My uncle said it is going to rain. Don't want you to get sick or anything." The last part was muttered under his breath but still his friend heard it.

"That's very sweet of you." Their eyes locked and Gimli couldn't help but swallow hard as he knew his face was starting to match his hair. Why was his heart beating so fast? It never did that unless he was running. Maybe he was getting sick. Yeah, that had to be it. There was no reason for his heart to be this weird around his friend.

"So, yeah." Gimli stuttered. "It looks comfy but maybe we should give it a try." He waved his friend inside the lend-to.

As Legolas crawled into one side of the structure, Gimli did the same to the other. It wasn't too tight of a fit. There was enough room for both of them to sleep if they wanted to cuddle like his cousins often slept. It would also be nice and warm with another person. Gimli had been worried about that. The weather cooled down during the night and for the past few nights it seemed colder than normal.

Shoot! I forgot the blanket again! He would come back tonight regardless of the weather to make sure his friend was safe.

"It really is comfy, Gimli. Thank you." The elf slightly bounced on the springy moss. He had been blindsided by his friend's insistence on the comfort level. He couldn't remember the last time some cared enough to go out of their way for him. It felt nice to be loved. Legolas' eyes opened wide for a moment. Was that what it was? Love? No, it couldn't be. No one would love him. No one could love him. He was told this from his birth. He was nothing more than a pawn. A minuscule piece of a much larger game to which he must be sacrificed it order to win. No, it couldn't be love. A dwarf could never love an elf. No, it must be something else. Pity? It could be pity. Many people pitied him throughout his life. Maids and servants gave him a sad look as they watch or at the very less suspected what happened behind closed doors. But no one said anything. Occasionally, he would receive an extra sweet but nothing more. No words of kindness to ease his pain. Only a look and a piece of candy. Perhaps he wanted something…That he wouldn't put passed anyone! "Why are you doing this?" This voice gave the impression he was fished for some sort of answer.

Gimli paused. Why was he doing this? At first he thought, "Hey, it's a stupid elf who doesn't know what he's doing and will die if I don't help." But over the course of knowing him, even in such a sort time, it changed to "Friends protect and help friends." Talking a gulp of air, he tried to explain what even he had trouble understanding. "I'm not sure. I think you are my friend, I mean; I never really had any real friends so I wouldn't know but, I think you are one. And I you protect and love your friends. That's what my dad says. Even if your friends annoy you, you have to be there for them."

"Love?" The word felt so foreign to his tongue. Not wrong but different. But then his mind caught up with his thought. "I can't be loved." He whispered as he brought his knees up to his chest.

"But everyone can be loved." Gimli whispered. He thought about all the times he fought with his family. Never in the heat of the moment did they ever say, I don't love you. It was "I can't stand you at this moment." Or for his cousins, "I hate you at this moment." They always added "this moment." The moments would pass and all would hug and make up. But never was he told he couldn't or didn't deserve love.

Looking over his shoulder, he saw were Legolas' blond hair parted revealing part of his neck. The color had changed since yesterday, if he had seen it at all. What should be a pale peach turned to a demonic deep black with rings of purple. Uncle Oin's words came back to him. "A burden shared is a burdened halved." Perhaps it was time to use the old dwarf's words. "So, my uncle said something very interesting yesterday." Gimli waited for the elf to show any indication he was listening. The only thing he got was a shaking head. "He said "a burden shared is a burden halved." I'm not really sure what it means, do you?"

The other's eyes seemed to clear up for a moment. "It means if some thing is wrong, you tell someone and you feel better or they can help you."

Gimli shifted to eye the other's reaction. "So, care to do it?"

"Do what?" Legolas had a feeling his friend knew he was playing dumb. But it didn't matter. Some secrets were meant to stay hidden forever.

Frustrated with his friend's avoidance, the dwarfling reached out to touch the elf's shirt sleeve. "Tell me what's wrong? I know you are hiding from something or someone. I know you have bruises and don't tell me it is from the lend-to! I know it's not. I want to help you."

"Why?"

"Cause you are my friend and I love you."

Legolas thought for a moment. He always heard about friends but never thought he could have one. No one else even tried in the past. But he did hear a lot about them. His older brothers would talk about their friends and how they had secret that no one would ever find out. Right now, he needed a secret kept. "If I am your friend, you can never tell anyone about me."

"But-"

Grabbing Gimli by his shirt collar, he brought him close practically screaming in his face. "Never! If they find me, they will send me back and I won't go back. I won't. I'll die before that happens. So you need to promise me that you won't tell."

"But-"

"Promise me!"

Sighing, he knew there was nothing he could do to change the elf's mind. "I promise."

Oin, like his younger brother, was known for his temper. He had mouth fowler than a sewer and didn't care who heard it or where they were. Those traits had served him well in their own community. People rarely bothered him unless he was needed and those who were brave enough to befriend, him earned his undying respect. However, when both sides of this trait were combined, problems typically arose. The past few days, right under Oin's skin, this temper simmered and seared. He might have down played his feelings about it to Bifur but all he wanted to do was find the hobbit responsible for the rumors and wrap his aged hand around his neck! How dare someone say such slander about Bifur? Even with his hearing issues, he could still hear the treacherous whispers. For the past few days, he ventured out to discern the slanderer's identity.

It was harder than he thought. Many heard the rumors but gave them no mind. One young hobbit lass informed Oin, her father would be cautious even if it was a foreign hobbit. That the shire folk were unaccustomed to strangers, even friendly ones, and were still unsure how to take the dwarf. She also pointed out Bifur's lack of communication skills. While not his fault, it did cause some concern and anxiety among the people. But he was happy to find most enjoyed Bifur's presences. They had seen him often enough with his cousins and the dwarf children to know he wasn't a real threat. But still he was an outsider and it would take longer for them to completely bring him into their ranks.

Catching his breath, Oin had to think about where he should go next. He didn't want to give the hobbits the impression he was spying on them, even if it was the truth. In the corner of his eye, he spotted the hobbit lass he spoke with on numerous occasions about this. She seemed to be as disturbed as he was about the rumor. Doing his best to act causally, he strolled over to her. "Good day." He said a bit louder than most would.

The girl smiled in turn. "Good day, Master Oin. How are you?"

For the life of him, he couldn't remember her name. She looked familiar. Perhaps she had family which crossed his path. "I am well as can be expected. Forgive me, my dear, but I can't recall your name." He placed the trumpet closer to hear.

"Daisy. Daisy Gamgee."

That was it! The Gamgees had so many children running around the shire, it was hard not to see at least one of them everyday. "Daisy, have you heard any more?" He didn't need to give her more context. She knew.

Her brown curls shock as she responded. "I'm afraid so, sir. But I think I know who is starting all the rumors." Her hand resting firmly on her arm as one of her delicate fingers pointed to the hobbit wearing a faded green waist coat.

Oin mimicked her actions before whispering the word "green". It wouldn't do for him to scare the day lights out of a random innocent hobbit. He had to be sure. "How do you know?"

Daisy could understand his apprehension in believing her. "I wanted to know who was tormenting such a kind soul. Mister Bifur has been nothing but kind to my younger siblings and I will not stand to see such things happen. Especially when the lie is said enough times people start to believe it. I started to tract down who hear what from who. It all came back to him. Not sure why he's doing it, though."

The eldest Gamgee girl was not one of the world and for that Oin was grateful. Knowing more about the world meant seeing not just the wonders but the horrors as well. Bigotry and hatred towards others was not something the old healer was unfamiliar with. Ever since they were forced from their home, they had been subjected to torments which could make half of the people in the shire cry. Refused entry into a village, denied work. Those were the tamer of their trials. Having rocks thrown at them, being spat upon, the verbal torment which still reached his ears, despite their faults. He hoped she would never be subjected to such things.

A low growl rumbled in his throat as he tromped over to the hobbit. As he neared, he could hear him informing the other hobbit of some nonexistent defect of Bifur's. How dare he! Who did he think he was to say such blasphemy? Such slander and vile stories should never see the light of day much less be spoken in public.

Oin became a puppet and his anger the puppet master. Invisible strings thrust out his arms, forcing his hand to grip the front of the hobbit's shirt. "Care to say that a little louder so I can hear it?" He growled. All Oin wanted to do was bash the small hobbit into the ground. He just needed a reason.

The hobbit tried to stammer some sort of response but was too frightened for words to come out completely. "Just gossip."

Dropping the hobbit, he thrusting his horn to the other's mouth and he screamed. "I can't hear you."

By now the hobbit was cowering in fear, trying to make himself as small as possible. But no matter how small he tried to be, Oin still could see him and that was one of the problems. The other was the rapidly growing crowd.

"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Do I need to help you loosen it?" Oin cracked his knuckles ready to put his fists to work.

Suddenly, Oin thought he heard a noise directed at him. His eyes shifted through the crowd to find the familiar face of Bifur. However, unlike his normal peaceful expressions, the way his face contorted could only mean he was pissed. * What do you think you are doing? Stop this at once!* He quickly signed to his angry friend.

Oin just looked at him, blinking impishly as if he couldn't understand Bifur. "I'm sorry but I can't hear you." He smiled as Bifur clenched his fists in rage.

Of all the childish things! Bifur wanted to go to Oin and strangle his friend. Didn't he realize how scared he was making these good people?

He might have if a child next to him hadn't grabbed his arm. "He's only playing, Mister Bifur. He's playing!" Laughed the child thinking it was no more than a silly game.

"I don't know why the fool stopped him." Whispered one hobbit to another.

"Who? The dwarf or Rosie?"

"The dwarf, of course. Ted is always causing trouble and spreading rumors. It was about time someone put a stop to it!"

"True and the things he was saying were just so nasty."

"And about such a kind dwarf too! Might be a bit odd, but I think I'd trust him with my children more than I would with some residence."

Bifur, and apparently Oin, calmed after hearing the whispers. They were not alone in their grievances, it seemed.

"What's the meaning of this?" Boomed a voice forcing the crowd to part. Dwalin stormed over to Oin towering over him. Oin tried not to laugh at Dwalin's attempt to intimidate him. Having known Dwalin since we was less than knee high, it was hard to find him threatening in the least. More times than not, Dwalin ran from Oin when it came time for medical treatment.

"Nothing much, Dwalin. This gentle hobbit just needed a reminder about manners. That's all."

"And ye were the one who was going to give it to him, I'd wager?"

"Of course. I bloody well should be the one!"

Growling, he leaned closer to Oin so he could hear better. "Enough! Ye are only causing problems. Not just for ye but for others and I won't be having that. If I need to, I shall put ye under house arrest."

Oin wanted to argue with Dwalin. Who did the child think he was to talk to him like that? But one look from Bifur, silently pleading with him, told him not to. "Fine! I shall leave this hobbit in peace so long as he does not even breathe the name of my friend again!"

Dwalin ran his hand though his beard as he readied for his shift at the forge. What was he going to do with those dwarves? Didn't they realize what a precarious situation they were in? If the mayor thinks they could possess a threat to his citizens, the dwarves will be forced out. He already heard rumors of the hobbits not being happy with some of the dwarves activities. Cultural misunderstandings really but he was taking the preemptive strike and trying to solve whatever problems he could before the hobbit authorities became involved.

A gentle knock echoed through the empty forge. Grumbling, he hoped the early visitor would take the silence as an absence of presence but this was not to be as an unknown hobbit walked through the door examining the place. "Well, hello there. How are you this fine day?"

It would be better if you would leave. He thought to himself. "Fine." He replayed.

Nodding, the hobbit looked the dwarf over with a smile. "My name is Robin. I am the sheriff."

Dwalin's blood ran cold. Had something happened with one of the dwarves? He was sure he put out any occasional fires. Could he have missed something?

Despite keeping a good poker face on, Robin it seemed could read minds. "Nothings wrong, so no need to get your beard all in a bunch. But I did see that little display out in the market this morning." Robin put up his hand to stop Dwalin's line of questions. "I have to say, you know how to handle people. So, I asked around. Turns out, you were captain of the guard before you came here."

Dwalin didn't want to listen to the past, or to be more specific, his past. He had taken pride in his job and tried to be fair to everyone. But arriving in town meant someone else was the law and he, despite his desire, was not.

"I haven't heard of many problems with the dwarves but with so many new people and so many new faces, I kind of get a bit lost. You on the other hand, probably know everyone and everything about them. So…what I'm asking is if you would like to be part of the force." Dwalin looked at the hobbit in awe. "I know it wouldn't be what you are used to. I'd still be in charge but I would leave you alone to for the most part and if anything involves a dwarf, you'd be the first to know. So, what do you say?" The hobbit stuck out his weathered hand in anticipation for a response.

Nori could have made a joke about Dwalin's face cracking as he smiled and grasped the other's hand.

The house smelled wonderful as the scent of freshly baked bread and hot tea wafted through the air. Nori was hard pressed to feel anxious with all the homey smells. But still, he needed to have this conversation. It seemed that was all he was doing these past few hours. No action, just talking. Of course, this didn't mean he couldn't have his fun. "Enjoying the happy homemaker horse crap, Dori?" He teased his older brother as he watched him take out a loaf of bread from the oven.

"Laugh all you want, Nori. But come supper, you will be grateful." He smiled as he set down the bread to cool. "Is everything things all right?" He could tell Nori wanted to say something but was holding back. Nori was never one to mince his words and for him to do so, could mean any number of things.

Brushing his hair with hand he replied, "Yeah. But can we talk?"

"Of course."

Nori didn't know where to begin. He wanted the truth but he didn't want to put his brother on the defensive. "Remember when Bo brought you home last night?" It was a stupid question to ask but he asked it anyway. "Well, you know he told me everything and I mean everything."

"Nori, we went over this." Or at least I thought we did.

"No, no. I'm not talking about what you did, I talking about what Bofur did. He said he kissed you and I believe him." How could he not with the light shade of red Dori was turning. "And I wanted to know, well, how you felt."

"How I felt?"

"Yeah, I know you can handle yourself but was it…forced or unwanted?"

Dori was stunned. "Well, to tell you the truth, I never thought about it, one way or another. I was shocked at the moment. He just discovered my dark secrets and then he kisses me. Was it forced? No. Was it unwanted? I'm not sure. Before last night, I never really thought about Bofur as anything other than a dear friend. But…"

"But now you're not sure."

"Correct. It is something I will have to think about."

Connections were the name of the game when it came to Nori. Knowing people was his way of getting information and he knew everyone and where everybody was buried. Hell, he even helped bury some of them. So, when he wanted to find out more about Bofur, he ran right to his little brother. Bombur was a kind sort of dwarf like his older brother, but not as sharp. Nori asked Bombur how his brother felt about Dori and a barrage of other questions. If he had asked Bifur, he might have received a slammed door at one point with how brazen his questions were getting. But no, Bombur wouldn't do that. It was not in his being. Instead, he answered truthfully. Nori even had the feeling Bombur was hoping they would marry or at least start going together. Romance. Yuck. But what could he say; out all of his "friends", Bombur was the only one who was married.

But the conversation started to shift from Bofur to Bifur. Nori heard about the commotion in town the other day, how could he not. Dwalin was back with a badge and most likely, would watch Nori like a hawk, again. However, Bombur did really talk much about what happened in town, but what happened on the hill. "Bifur came home really upset." Bombur started. "You know how he is with children. If one is upset, he gets upset."

That's how you ALL get! Nori thought. Those three had bigger hearts than most.

"Well, it turns out, whatever was said to Sam, you know Sam, right? He's the gardener's son who works at Bag End, Frodo's friend."

Of course, he knew who Sam was. How could he not? But hearing Sam's name did make his ears perk up. He was a good kid. "What happened?"

"Sam was crying and saying something about his mother and youngest sister. From what Bifur could get, someone with the name Sackville-Baggins has been tormenting the poor soul about them. Mind you, I have never met the mother; I think she died some time ago. But I'm not sure what the connection is." He muttered as he tried to think of a link.

Nori was by no means a kind dwarf, but what was being said warranted a visit and a few chose words, maybe a fist or two. His knives would have to sit this one out no matter how much he wished other wise.

Finding Pimple Lotho was almost too easy and sadly, he was up to his old games. From where he was standing, he could see the cruel hobbit smirking as Sam was nearly in tears.

"Please, give them back, Mister Sackville-Baggins." Sam pleaded.

"Give what back? Oh, these?" He pulled out the stacking dolls Bofur crafted for the young hobbit. "They are mine. I purchased them this morning."

"Please, give them back." Tears started to form in the corners of his eyes.

"Perhaps you just lost yours." Pimple Lotho laughed as he threw the toy up in the air and caught them. "Maybe you can ask the crazy toymaker to craft you another one if you have the money. But than again, I don't think you have it do you?"

By Deathless Durin's beard! He rarely saw such cruelty in his travels. It would not continue if he had anything to say about it! "Really? You just got those, eh?" Nori grabbed the dolls from the round hobbit as he looked them over and smiled. Good old Bofur! "There are two very interesting things, lad. First, Bofur has been home the entire day. Been working hard on something new and hasn't left the house all day. I should know, I spoke with him. Second, this was a custom job. Made specially for Sam here."

"You can't prove that!" Lotho screamed. This low life dwarf would not get the best of him. He was a Sackville-Baggins and that dwarf was nothing.

"Yes, I can. The art on the dolls came from a strange dream Bo had a while ago. I should remember since he felt the need to wake me up to talk about it. But more importantly, if you look on the bottom…" Nori flipped the large doll over to expose the bottom. "You can see dwaven runes. I don't think you know what they mean, but I do and they happen to be Sam's name."

Too amazed to talk, Pimple Lotho could only watch as Nori handed the dolls back to Sam. "Thank you so much, Mister Nori!"

Smiling Nori ruffled the kid's hair as he would with his baby brother. "No problem kid. Oh and Lotho? If you bother this kid again, we will not be having such a civil conversation, understand?"

Nori was pleased with himself. It wasn't often he was able to help someone out and control himself at the same time. Perhaps he was finally growing into his beard as Dori would say. Either way, he hoped Pimple Lotho would leave Sam alone.

From the corner of his eye, he could see he was being followed by an adult hobbit. Normally, he wouldn't pay it any mind, but it being the sheriff…What could he want? Nori hadn't done anything wrong! Stay calm, stay calm. No need to have a guilty conscience.

"A moment of your time, Master Nori." He called out.

Hearing the slamming of the front door, Dori stopped his knitting to see his younger brother lumber in and plop down in a chair. Dori instantly became concerned when there was little emotion on this face. Nori was usually such an expressive dwarf. "Is everything all right?" He inquired as he put his knitting down to rest the palm of his hand on his brother's brow. "You don't seem to have a fever. Please, tell me what is wrong."

Nori took a moment to sort out what happened. Out of everything which could have happened today, what did happen was the least likely. "I got a job." He breathlessly whispered.

Dori throw his arms around Nori. "Oh, that's wonderful!" He cried. Dori couldn't care less what the job was. His brother was staying on the straight and narrow by getting an honest job. He could be disposing of dead animal caresses and Dori could still think of it like his brother was mining for diamonds. "So, what is?"

"You're going to laugh."

The laughter from both brothers could be heard from outside their home.

Dinner had been lovely. It always was with Bilbo but more so given the fact Frodo was having a sleepover at his cousin Merry's home. Thorin enjoyed Frodo's company. He was a bright lad but he wanted some quiet time just for the two of them. For the past few days, Thorin wrestled with his conscience and morals about his relationship with the hobbit. He liked what he had. No, he didn't. He loved what he had, but was it really right? Was it really fair to Bilbo? Being lied to everyday and having no inkling of what the truth could be. If Thorin could, he would pretend to be just some poor unfortunate blacksmith who lost everything to the dragon. A blacksmith wouldn't upset Bilbo's calm world. A king would. Perhaps he could abdicate? But abdicate what? There was no crown. No throne to give up. His people only followed him because he was their hope and no matter what he wanted, he could not take away that hope from his people.

"You are quiet this evening." Bilbo peered at him through the candle light on the table. Quiet was never a good thing in relationships or so he was told. People became quiet when something was wrong.

"I'm sorry." He muttered. Thorin hadn't meant to put off the hobbit but his thoughts were getting the better of him.

"You could tell me what's wrong. I won't judge you."

How to begin? Thorin pushed himself away from the table as he began to pace around the kitchen. "It's not fair. It's fair to you. This relationship." Thorin was so caught up in his own mind; he failed to see Bilbo's face fall. "It just isn't. I can offer you nothing! You should have more. Someone who can give to you, not only take and that person isn't me. If I could, I'd give you a crown. I'd give you a kingdom. I would. But I can't. I can't offer you anything."

Bilbo's heart was breaking. Thorin was trying to leave him or at least it was on his mind. "Could you love Frodo?"

Whirling around to face the hobbit since he began to speak, he finally noticed what damage he was doing. "What?"

"Could you love Frodo as if he was your own? I know he would never be like your nephews but could you still learn to love him? If you can, then that is all I need. I was never one of all the glitz and I have more than enough of all five of us."

"Five?" Thorin's mind whirled as he realized Bilbo was referring to Fili and Kili. Bilbo was willing to support them? "What?"

Bilbo stepped out from behind the table and made his way towards the blacksmith. "You have this idea in your head about supporting me. I am more than capable of supporting myself. I don't need anyone to provide for me. All I want is for someone who can not only love me, but Frodo as well. That is more than enough. So, now I ask you again. Can you love Frodo?"

"Do you really need to ask?" Thorin calmly smiled.

From inside the warm home, the pitter patter of rain began to drizzle down the window pane. "Perhaps, I should be going before the weather becomes worse." Thorin made for the door when a voice caught him.

"Stay. For the night I mean. It is already raining and you would be caught in the storm. I would hate for you to catch sick." His warm hand reached out to grasp Thorin's.

Their hands fit perfectly together. Even with the vast contrast in size and texture, it was a perfect match. "If I stay, you know what will happen."

"I know. But I still don't want you to go. We have been going round and round each other for too long now. So, please just stay."

Frodo was so excited about sleeping over his younger cousin's home. It was not often he was afforded this opportunity. Even though there was a time when he lived at Buckland, it seemed like a life time ago. Familiar things morphed and warped giving the illusion of some far away land instead of his cousin's dwelling. Perhaps he had been away for so long that nothing was the same.

As he crawled into bed with Merry, he thought about a time when this was his safe spot. Right after his parents passed, he would crawl into bed with Merry seeking some sort of comfort. Words were not needed just another body next to him, another sound in the room, another heart beat. Anything to prove the world was not over. But that was so long ago. Laying next to him did not hold the same comforts it once did.

"Oi, Frodo. We should be getting some shut eye." Whispered Merry.

Perhaps his cousin was right. Some sleep could help clear things. But why did he feel so anxious. Not the same kind of energy he felt at the beginning of his stay but more of an unease feeling. The warmth was not there. Hearing a noise at the window, he turned to see at tuff of auburn hair trying to climb into the room. Finally making it, Pip crawled onto the other side of Merry, clutching him tightly.

"Pip, is everything alright?" Frodo asked as he tried to look at his cousin in the dark.

Looking back at him with large eyes, Pippin only nodded before drifting off to sleep. "Pip comes here sometimes to get away. He says it's the safest place in the whole world. But it's not."

For a long time, Frodo watched Merry cradle Pippin to sleep as he thought about where his own safe place might be. Where did he feel safest and with whom? First, there was Bilbo and Bag End. But soon another thought came to his mind. Seeing Merry and Pippin were sleeping, he quietly climbed out the window.

Even in the dark, Frodo knew he could find his way to the small smial packed with more people than was wise. Over the two years he lived in Bag End, he came to know the gardener's house pretty well. Frodo would walk over to Sam's house at least once a week just to see his friend, just to make sure he was alright.

Quickly, he found the window to Sam's and his brothers' room. Hoping not to disturb anyone, Frodo climbed in and laid down next to him.

"wha?" A sleepy Sam rubbed his eyes to figure out why the weight in his bed shifted. Spying familiar alabaster skin, Sam nearly tumbled out of bed in shock. "Mister Frodo!" He tried to whisper as to not wake his brothers on the other side of the room. "What are you doing here? Is everything alright?"

Snuggling closer to his friend's warmth, he put a hand on Sam's shoulder to help him lay down. "Yes. I was just lonely and I wanted to go to safest place I knew."

Ever obedient, Sam followed the hand's lead. "But wouldn't that be Bag End with Mister Bilbo?"

"No, Sam. It's with you."

The soft rain did little to lull Gimli to sleep. Try as he might, he knew he would not sleep until his friend was safe. Quickly, he climbed from bed and made his way to the door with his bundle. Over the past few hours, he scavenged for bits and pieces to make Legolas more comfortable and safe.

The rain could not keep him inside his safe and warm home. All he could think about was his friend. How alone he must be and cold.

The mud caked his boots as he walked through the darkened forest to the tiny little lend-to they built. Inside, he could see Legolas sitting up just staring blankly at the rain.

"Oi, my friend. Mind if I come in?" He hollered over the rain. In the back of his mind, he thought me might strangle the elf if he did not let him inside and out of this rain. He was getting soaked! Gimli was shocked to see only a small nodded of the head instead of spoken word.

Crawling inside, he wrapped the blanket around them both. Silently, they watched the rain create rivulet on the forest floor, turning leaves into boats to sail south.

"Why are you here?" crooked a voice. Gimli wasn't even sure it was Legolas' but it had to be. No one else was around.

"That's a stupid question from a stupid elf. You are my friend and I thought you could use some company tonight. Was I wrong?" He didn't want to go back and leave his friend but he would if he needed to.

Again silence took them. "But you have a family. Why bother with me?"

"I already told you! You are my friend and I'm not leaving you. You are stuck with me whether you like it or not." Gimli had to calm his beating heart as his friend lend against him, their foreheads touching.

"I wonder what life could have held for us in another time and another place." A ghost of kiss pressed their lips.

Millions of thoughts ran thought the dwarfling's head but only two he was able to catch. First, this had been his first kiss and second, the elf's forehead was very warm.

Thorin wasn't sure what sort of hell he would be in when this was over but for now he was enjoying heaven as he stripped Bilbo's shirt off revealing smooth pale skin. "Stunning…" He whispered as he brought his mouth to the other's neck sucking lightly. As much as he wanted to mark the hobbit, Frodo might ask some uncomfortable questions.

The wet licks caused Bilbo to giggle. "What's so funny? I am trying to be romantic."

"I know. But I can't help it if I am ticklish."

"Well, I will just have to do something about that." Roughly grasping the other's nipple. Twisting it, he could hear Bilbo pant and shutter as he arched his back. "So, you like things a bit rough. You really are full of surprises."

"Well, excuse me for not being like everyone else!"

"I never said I didn't like it. I was just surprised." Biting hit neck a little harder than intended.

"Oh!"

"Sorry. I got carried away." Carefully racking his nails down the other's stomach leaving behind faint red marks as he stole the moan from the other's lips.

Reaching up to Thorin's high, Bilbo gently placed the other's ear between his teeth. "Leave it to you to get carried away."

Thorin nearly threw the other on the bed as he felt a knee massage him between his legs. This was madness! Out of every partner he coupled with in his life time, this hobbit seemed to know more of the tricks and how to drive him wild than anyone else. Perhaps they were lovers in a former life? Either way, Thorin was thankful to be given this chance. "You have two choices, hobbit. One, you may take your clothes off yourself, or two, I will tear them to shreds. Believe me when I say they will be beyond help!"

With the cheek only Bilbo could pull off in this type of situation, he slowly unlaced his trousers, letting them fall only a little to tease of bit of his hip. The growl from his partner gave him more confidence than worry. Others might order his around in bed, but when Thorin tried, it was more like a game of wills. "Do you like what you see?" He winked.

"Hobbit…"

"And what about you?" He motioned to the blacksmith. "I am at least half way there. You on the other hand bare nothing. Unless you plan on fucking me fully clothed. Fair is fair, is it not?"

Breathe in though the nose and out through the mouth. Breathe in though the nose and out through the mouth. Thorin was one step away from going through with his threat. But for Bilbo, he would play the game a bit longer. Violently, nearly tearing the seams, his shirt was thrown from his body landing somewhere in the dark room. I'll find it in the morning. He reasoned.

Bilbo's mouth watered as he saw the sculpted torso. All those long days at the forge did Thorin's body good. He looked as if he was carved from the mountain itself! Almost self-consciously, Bilbo tried to shield himself from the other's gaze.

"We will be having none of that!" Husked Thorin. "I wish to see all of you!" Pulling down his own pants in one fell swoop, he kicked them to the side.

Again, Bilbo was in awe as he licked his lips. His eyes gaped as he could nearly feel the heat from the other's member. Bilbo had seen his share but Thorin left them all behind. Longer than most he'd seen and wider too. He wasn't sure if he would be able to fit in into his mouth. But looking at it brought the Took out of him as he slump down in front to give it a try.

"Bilbo!" It took all of Thorin's self control not to thrust into warm wet hole. When he entered the bedroom, he couldn't fathom Bilbo on his knees trying to take all of him.

Slowly, Bilbo's plump lips sucked the very tip of the head for a moment before letting the very tip of his tongue tease the slip. Feeling a shutter from above, gave him the boost he needed to press on. Taking only the head, the hobbit applied a tiny bit of suction as if it was a sweet treat. "You taste good. May I have some more?" His big eyes pleaded trying to look as innocent as possible.

Reciting his long lineage in his head was the only thing that kept Thorin from an early and most likely disappointing finish. A moment ago, Bilbo was all cheek and vixen like. Now on his knees, he pleaded like a little child trying to be as innocent as could be. Bilbo's range astounded him! "Have you been a good little lad?" He so wanted to play this game. No one else even tried it with him.

"Yes, Master, I have." Bilbo rubbed his smooth cheek against the heated flesh leaving a trail of clear liquid on his cheek. "I will be really, really good if I can have some more."

Those big eyes. How could he say no? "If that is what you wish."

"Thank you, so much!" Grasping the length, Bilbo tried to put as much in his mouth as he could. What he sadly was unable to fit, he stroked with the tips of his fingers, grazing it gently with his finger nails.

Peering down made the king's knees weak. He needed to stop this before it was too late. Threading his think fingers through the silken hair, he roughly pulled up forcing the member to pop out of the other's mouth. "I kept my end of the bargain. Now where is yours? I want to see that arse of your naked on the bed now so I may fuck you till you can't walk tomorrow."

Blinking Thorin saw a flash of change in Bilbo's expression. The minx was back. "How would you like me?" He cooed running his hands through his thick chest hair.

"So thoughtful." Thorin licked one of the plump checks. "I want you on your back. Legs spread as far as they will go. I want to see your face as I fuck you."

"As you wish." Finally stripping off his pant, Bilbo threw himself on the bed, bouncing his way into the desired position. Extending his index finger, he beckoned the dwarf to come a little closer. The other hand was busily played with his flesh.

Sauntering over to the bed, it dipped under Thorin's weight as he examined between the other's legs as some do with art. Taking this index finger, he made a show of sucking the finger. When it was nice and wet, he ran it down the length of Bilbo's cock over his stones, gently scrapping him as he made his way to the perineum. "My, you are lovely down there." He started as he stroked the area watching the flesh dimple and quiver at his touch. "Perhaps I could spend a day just looking at this. Only playing and teasing." Hearing a moan, he laughed. "You like that idea, do you? Well, I will see what I can do. Perhaps I could fashion you some irons to wear. Bound and trapped in any position I choose. Not to be released until I have had my fill. Oh, you would be there so long. Your arse exposed for me to gaze upon. Your balls dangling and swaging as I play with them. But I am sorry to say, you would not find release until I allow it. Perhaps some sort of binding…"

"Please, please, enough!"

Grinning, Thorin saw pearls of white start to drizzle down. Bilbo really was full of surprises. "Do you have anything?" He whispered. For all his dirty talk and play, he would not take the hobbit unless he was fully prepared.

A shaking hand reached over to the night stand to grasp a vial of clear liquid. Handing it to Thorin, he looked expectedly as he watched the other open it, testing the temperature.

Smirking, he felt the liquid glide over his fingers leaving them slick. Warm up a bit he drizzled a bit over the hobbit's hole watching as it glisten and twitch in the dim room. He really might make those irons if he only to watch this all day. Gently placing a finger to the puckered hole, he carefully sank into the heat; carefully watch Bilbo for any signs of discomfort or pain. A twitch in the other's face cause him to pause. "Are you alright?" he questioned freezing his movements.

"Yes. I'm not used to it."

"Not used to it?"

"It's been a while." Bilbo face turned a lovely shade of red as he tried to look away.

"Well, then I must make up for your lost time." Thorin joked as he continued to ease the rest of the finger in. Slowly, he drew back and pushed in again until he was sure the hobbit could handle another. When he was able to take three, Thorin decided it was time.

"Here, let me." Bilbo grasped the other's member slicking it up.

Thorin basked in the warm of Bilbo's skilled hands as he helped to prepare him. Again, he nearly fell to Bilbo's bedroom skills.

Positioning himself, he slowly sank into the other until he was fully seated. Hearing below him, a gasp he paused to give his partner a moment to adjust to feeling full. If it was as long as Bilbo inferred, he would need sometime and Thorin was many things but a greedy lover was not one of them.

Bilbo reveled in the fullness he felt. So long had he been empty. No one daring to get near him, no one very glanced his way. Until Thorin. Thorin was the answer to his prayers. He was the end to all the loneliness he felt for all those years. The fight he put up at the begging of the night was proof.

His hands clawed their way down Thorin's powerful back urging him to move. He knew somewhere inside him was a spot which would make him see stars. Bilbo didn't have to wait long as Thorin began to move. Slowly at first, but picking up speed after he found the pleasure gem.

All too soon, they were both over come with pleasure, shouting each other's names as they reached their peak.

For Bilbo, he was in heaven. For Thorin, he knew only hell awaited him.

Wow! Been awhile since I wrote a scene like that! So, here is how it breaks down. The precious chapter, I set up the catapult with something less than pleasing and the fan. In this chapter, I released the catapult. Next chapter, it hits the fan!

Next Chapter song is "Broken" by Seether and Amy Lee.

A few other things I need to tell you.

But allot has been going on, on my side of the computer. Recently my father was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's lymphoma and since he can never make his life easy, he has both the fast and slow type of cancer. Yeah…he will be starting both chemo and radiation either this week or next week. That said, by the time I get back from work and check on him/take him to a doctor's appointment, sometimes I am drained. I will try to update when I can. I hope to update some time in March.

On a more positive/hopeful note, if you would like to help end blood cancers, please click on the link below. It will lead you to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

.org