Your Highness

Summary: After an emotional night of revealing secrets, and a bit of deflowering, Dwalin, and Fili find themselves in a love affair that defies all customs, and traditions of their people, let alone the royal family. Will Fili finally be able to break the chains of his birthright, or will tradition hold it's place above the matters of the heart? (DwalinXFili)

Chapter 6: Gifts Given and Gifts Received

As the tears finally started to subside, Fili sat up on the bed, abandoning the pillow. He took a deep breath and wiped his face with both of his hands. He knew, eventually, he would have to go. He would have to face everyone at some point. He would have to look at Thorin, Kili, Bombur... everyone he was certain he had offended deeply. Especially, Master Bombur. He'd never be able to look at him. How was he going to explain something like that? It was the most magnificent cake he had ever made for a birthday celebration, and he was so proud it. Not only for it's beauty, but because Fili had loved it so.

Fili hung his hand and covered his face with his hands, trying fruitlessly to think of anything that would make what he did sensible. He stood, and started pacing around. He wondered if there was anyway he could just disappear, short of running away... He turned to the window, but put his hands out in front of him.

"No, Fili... Don't even think of it."

He turned and walked into the living area, and sat in the chair in front of the doused fireplace. It was cold, and he considered building one, but he knew he shouldn't. He wasn't really supposed to be there. Though, for the time being, he knew it would serve as a good hiding place... at least until he gathered the courage to face his family. He wondered if Dwalin would mind that he was using his home as a escape from something like that. He sighed. He felt very alone, misunderstood, and as out-of-place as ever. He couldn't see how anyone would forgive him for acting so... he didn't even know what to call it. Childish? Impulsive? Stupid? They all fit to him.

Suddenly he heard shuffling outside, and a fear gripped his heart when he realized whoever it was right outside the door. He stood, and looked from either side, and finally quickly ducked into the pantry. He covered his mouth to hide his breathing, wondering how anyone would have found him. Maybe he had missed it and someone saw him duck inside. The door opened and he stood as still as possible, knowing that he would be found with minimal effort in the small home.

The intruder walked in slowly, and Fili heard something hit the floor, then the door closed behind him. He noticed the person didn't sound rushed, and it started to settle in him, that whoever was in the home, was not searching for him. Who else would come into Dwalin's home, if not to look for him? Then it hit him, just as the figure walked by the pantry, and his breathing started back suddenly.

"Dwalin?"

Dwalin stopped right in front of the pantry, and strained to see in the dim light. "Fili..? What are ya-"

He was cut off by Fili leaping on him. He wrapped his arms tightly around his neck, and pressed his face into his shoulder. Dwalin wrapped his arms around him, and could immediately feel how Fili's breath was shaking and he was trying everything he could not to cry right there. He was so suddenly happy it was overwhelming. He held him as tightly as he could, never wanting to let him go away from him again. He didn't think Thorin himself could have separated them right then.

"Fili... what's wrong?" Dwalin said without releasing him at all.

"I ruined ... everything..." Fili said, choking back a sob in the middle.

Dwalin pulled, back and looked down into the prince's eyes. They were misty and clouded with a sadness that made the older dwarf's heart break. "What are ya talking about?"

Fili took a deep breath and stepped back, composing himself. "I thought you weren't supposed to be here until tomorrow..."

"I thought so, but we found a road that had been cleared and we rode through the night. I wanted to be back for yer birthday."

Fili's heart shattered into a million pieces. He rode all night, in the cold, wearing nothing but a small fur vest, instead of his coat, which he had left for him, all to make it home for his celebration, which was over... very over.

"Dwalin... I'm so sorry." He wrapped his arms around himself, "I... I ruined the celebration. It's over..."

Dwalin stepped forward quickly and ran his thumb down a dried tear stream on Fili's cheek. "I didn't do it for the party..."

Fili shook his head, and Dwalin's hand dropped. He turned away from him. He didn't deserve to look at him. He had gone through so much for him, and look at how he'd re-payed him. If he had just waited... just another half hour... Dwalin would have appeared at his celebration, and it would have been the best gift he could ask for... but he hadn't.

Dwalin stepped forward, but didn't try to turn him around. He wrapped his arms around his wait from behind and held him close. "Tell me what happened..."

"I ..." He took another deep breath and Dwalin held him closer. "I got upset. I don't even know why... I missed you so much, and everyone was yelling and talking and it was so loud... I couldn't think. No one would listen to me... except Master Bombur... and what I did to him...!" He had to take another breath, "He made me a cake that was... so beautiful, Dwalin... it was the best thing I had ever seen, and I ... I... pushed it over. I threw it right on the ground... I didn't even cut it..! Then I just ran out... I ran and I came here to hide in my shame... He'll never forgive me..."

Dwalin turned him around then, and tilted his head by his chin, and placed a kiss on him that made him almost completely forget what had happened and what he was saying. When it broke, Dwalin pulled him into a comforting embrace, and swayed slightly. "Aye... he will. They all will. Ya got upset, Fili, and there's nothin' wrong with that."

"But there is..!" He pushed away from him in a way he never thought he would, almost shoving him into the wall behind him. "I had no reason to do that! I destroyed a beautiful cake and a wonderful party because I was selfish... What's wrong with me, Dwalin?"

"Nothin'... Nothin' is wrong with ya..." He stepped toward him, and wrapped one arm around his waist. The other hand wiped the tear marks from him face, and then cupped his cheek as he placed small pop kisses on his lips. "You're perfect..."

He kissed Fili with a sudden passion. Fili melted into it, giving up completely to the older dwarf holding him. Dwalin moved both of his arms around his waist and squeezed so tightly if nearly took Fili's breath, and he had none to spare. He broke the kiss to breath but Dwalin moved his lips right to his neck, kissing and biting a bit. His hands started to roam and Fili felt the want in his touch. It started to overcome him, too, and he tilted his head to open his neck up to the warrior.

"Dwalin..." he started, but he hushed him.

"It's ok... don't talk." His breath was hot on his neck as he spoke, and Fili felt himself grow warm all over, even in the cold room. Then in one movement, Dwalin lifted him off his feet, and carried him with ease to the bed. He laid him down, and immediately started back on his neck. He bit and started sucking hard, and Fili was concerned about a mark, but had no will to stop him.

Then he slowly lifted up and looked down at him with a look that Fili was still trying to figure out. "I'm sorry..." He said, and moved off of him and sat on the bed. Fili got up and crawled over to him on the edge of the bed. He lifted up and wrapped his arms around his shoulders, clasping his hands at his chest, and resting his chin on his shoulders.

"What do you have to be sorry for?"

"Loosin' my place..."

Fili gave him a look, not quite sure what he meant, but as the thought settled in, he had to ask: "Wait... do you mean the fact that I'm the prince?" He didn't mean for it come out like he was offended, but, honestly he was. Of all people he thought would see him beyond that, it was Dwalin.

"Well... Aye, a bit..." Fili felt his heart sink, and was about to let go of him, when he continued: "That wasn't what I was thinking, though."

"What were you thinking?"

He slowly turned, causing Fili to have to shift his position to sitting on the edge with him. Dwalin took both of his hands, and sat for a second, forming his thoughts into words. Finally, he looked up at him, and started: "Ya remember when ya told me that ... you would have done this when ya were fifty?"

Fili nodded.

"It wasn't long after that... I started noticin' ya... in that way, I mean. I had always felt wrong about it..." He let out a slight chuckle, "And when ya said that... well, I saw this differently, and I'm guessin' that's probably why I got so carried away..." He looked away for just a second and then back to Fili's eyes, "I want to do this right... ya deserve it... I..." He trailed off. "I care about ya in a way that I'm still tryin' to understand myself, but... I want to do this one right."

Fili knew he must have looked like a swooning child, but it didn't matter. He leaned in slowly and kissed him. It may not have been their most passionate kiss, but Fili felt more from it than any before. He wanted to tell him. Tell him that he loved him, and that being with him now, before, and again was saving his life. Dwalin tried to break it, but Fili wrapped his arms around his neck and pulled himself as close as possible, and just deepened it. Dwalin's hands rested on his hips, but they instead of sliding up and down him like they had been, he simply gripped, holding their bodies together.

Finally, Fili allowed the kiss to be broken. He was about to speak, even though he wasn't sure what he might have said right then, but was stopped by a frantic loud knock at the door. They both jumped, and looked.

"Dwalin? I need your help." It was Thorin.

Thorin!

He jumped up, but Dwalin quieted him by putting his finger to his lips, stood, and sat him back on the bed. He walked out of the room, and unhooked a curtain that Fili had never noticed before. Being on the outside, the dark green curtain covered the entrance to the bedroom completely. Fili scrambled to the edge of the bed, disliking for the first time that it was made out of the mountain and there was no way to duck behind or under it.

He held his breath when Dwalin opened the door. "Khuzsh (Friend)" Thorin didn't waste any time speaking, and Fili could tell he was still standing at the door. "I know you have only just returned, but I must ask your help." He sounded just a bit rushed and a little unlike himself.

"Anything, of course."

"Fili left his celebration. He seemed very upset."

Thanks for sparing the details, Uncle.

"We haven't been able to find him, and I'm worried. Please, get some men together, and help us."

Worry. That was what Fili had heard in his voice... almost... fear?

"Of course." Dwalin didn't sound fake at all. "Right away."

"Akminruk Zu, Khuzsh. (Thank you, friend) Tell me immediately if you find him"

They way Thorin said 'if' made Fili want to rush out, hug him like he used to, and show him that everything was alright, and there was no need to sound so... sad.

"Yamal. (You're welcome)"

There was a bit of shuffling, which Fili figured must be them bowing to each other, and Dwalin shut the door. He walked over and hooked the curtain back, and looked at Fili. His look was a mixture of humor, worry, and a little bit rushed. "I didn't like that." He admitted. "You're gonna have to talk to him, Fili. "

Fili hung his head. He was right, of course. He slowly stood. "Come on." He said, a little defeated, "We'll tell him I was in the hall and you found me. I suppose I'll have to face him eventually."

Dwalin walked over and put their foreheads together. "Just tell 'im what ya told me. He'll understand."

Fili didn't agree with that at all, but he nodded. He was disappointed Dwalin had stopped earlier, and he wanted to climb back into bed with him, and tell him to have him right there, but he knew they wouldn't be able to, and if he had understood correctly, he wasn't quite comfortable with going that far anymore. He sighed, and Dwalin noticed.

He leaned down and kissed him softly. "We can finish talkin' later. Right now, ya need to let yer uncle know yer ok."

Fili nodded again. Dwalin checked the hall to make sure no one was around, and they slipped out to find Thorin. Fili felt his heart thumping in his chest, and his face was a bit hot. He was nervous, wondering what he would ask him, and if he would be upset with him. He would almost prefer that to the sound in his voice he had speaking to Dwalin. It had made Fili feel all the more guilty.

They didn't speak, but Fili didn't really mind. He was more than happy just to be near him, even though he still felt bad about ... everything. THey turned the cornner toward the Great Hall, and there was Thorin, speaking to a guard. He noticed Fili instantly.

"Fili..." He walked over, but there was no affection this time, and Fili knew he was at least a little angry, "Where were you?"

"I was... walking... outside... getting some air. I came upon Master Dwalin when I came back in. He said you were looking for me." He felt wrong lying to him, but he just threw it on top of the mountain of guilt he had already started building.

"Thank you, Master Dwalin." Thorin bowed to his captain, and Dwalin returned it. "Come with me, Fili." He turned and started walking. Fili hung hid head, did not look to Dwalin, and followed him. They walked until they made to to the top of the drawbridge stairs. Funny place for such a meeting for Fili, but none more suiting he supposed.

"Fili..." Thorin stood close to him, and he felt much shorter than the already taller dwarf. In fact, he felt about two inches tall, even though his voice had not been threatening or angry. "What happened? Why did you leave like that?"

Fili was thankful he avoided the cake situation, and hoped for a moment that maybe he was unaware. He hadn't been standing around him when it happened. "I'm sorry... I just... wanted some fresh air."

"Please..." Thorin tried to hold in his scoff, but it came through a bit, "Tell me the truth."

"I don't... know the truth, Uncle." He looked down at the stone floor below him, at his reflection staring back at him, "I'm not myself lately."

"I've noticed." He placed his hand on his shoulder, and bent down and caught his gaze, Fili looked up so he could straighten himself, "I'm not going to ask what's troubling you. I've tried, and it seems you don't care to speak of it."

There was that insight Fili envied so. It always managed to surprise him.

"Just know that you can speak to me about anything. If it is something I can help you with, I'll do that, because I hate to see you like this." Fili tried to look down, but Thorin turned his face up to him with a gentle hand on his cheek. "I have something for you." Fili was kind of shocked by the change of subject. Thorin reached in the pocket of his fur coat, and pulled out a small box. He opened it himself, and pulled out a large ring.

Fili immediately knew the ring, and took an inhale of breath. "Uncle..." He handed the ring to Fili. It was a large golden band. In the middle was an onyx. The most pure, and perfect one Fili had ever seen. There were runes on the band that read: 'Men lananubukhs menu (I love you)' He knew the ring, and had seen it many times before. It was a gift from Thorin's mother, who had it made for his father Thrain, who gave it to Thorin the night before he disappeared. There were few material things that Thorin held of value, but this was one of them.

"Uncle... I can't."

"Yes, you can." He smiled at his nephew, and placed his hand of Fili's, closing his fingers around the ring. "It is my birthday gift to you."

"But this is..."

"I know what it is, and I'm passing it to you. Treasure it, as I have, and know that the love goes with it."

Fili couldn't hold it in any longer, and jumped, wrapping his arms around Thorin's neck and hugging him tightly. He had never thought the conversation would turn this way, but it had certainly done wonders for Fili. He loved his uncle more than he ever had in that moment, and felt for the first time in a long time, that they were as close as they once were. "Thank you, Uncle..." He whispered.

Thorin hugged him back, and when they stepped away they were both smiling. He placed his hands on Fili's shoulders. "Please, keep that smile." Fili was a bit bashful by the comment, and looked away, but his smile did stay. "And find your brother. He's searching all of Erebor for you." Fili nodded, and Thorin handed him the box for the ring. "And I also think you should talk to Master Bombur..." Fili's expression went from happy to grave in a matter of seconds, but Thorin smiled and squeezed his shoulders lightly. "Don't worry... he has already forgiven you." Fili nodded, and Thorin bowed to him. It was low and long. "I'm retiring for the evening, but you may speak to me whenever you wish. Goodnight." He turned and walked off.

Fili stood, and opened his hand to look at the ring. It was shining in the torchlight and Fili couldn't imagine a more thoughtful, and meaningful, gift. He placed the box in his pocket, and turned. He decided to head for the kitchen. Kili would find him eventually. He always did. Right now, he had a more important task of apologizing to Bombur for what he'd done. As he walked, he moved the ring in his hand, and slipped it on his middle finger. It was a bit too big for him, but he wanted to wear it. He ran his thumb back and forth across the band, and smiled. He was convinced that Thorin would be furious with him for being so rude, and ill mannered, and he felt that he was a little disappointed, but it all manifested into worry. He was starting to accept that his feelings were a bit more obvious than he'd thought... to the right dwarves.

He was just about to turn into the kitchen when he heard footsteps behind him. As he turned he heard them start running, and just as he got around to notice it was Kili, he leaped into the air and tackled his older brother to the ground. They slid across the floor a couple feet and Fili could aready feel his brother's arms squeezing around his waist. "Don't do that!" He yelled when they came to a stop, "What's gotten into you?"

"Nothing, Kili. I'm sorry." He hugged his brother, and the two of them stayed there for a moment. He could tell that Kili was giving him one of those hugs he thought he needed. He knew them too well. They heard rustling in the kitchen and Bombur peeked out to see the brother's on the floor.

"By my beard, what are you doing in the floor?" It was then he noticed Fili, "Master Fili! There you are! You'd had us right worried, you did! Get in here, I have something to show you."

Fili couldn't believe he was acting so jolly. Wasn't he the least bit upset with him? The brothers got up and walked into the kitchen, and there, sitting on the counter was a cake. It looked exactly like the other, except this one was much small, being only two tiers. Fili couldn't believe it. He walked over to the counter and stared, and then shot his eyes up to Bombur. "Master Bombur... you didn't have to do this. After I..."

"You don't have to explain anything to me, Lad. I know it got a bit wild in there and things got out of hand, but you never even had a chance to taste it, and being my gift to you, I made you this. It's about eating the cake, not looking at it."

Fili walked right around the corner, and hugged the chef. He chuckled in that jolly way and hugged him back. Bombur cut the cake this time, and it was, indeed, the most delicious cake he had ever had, and he wouldn't have traded sitting there laughing at Bombur and Kili arguing over more cinnamon rolls for a thousand celebrations. Finally, the brothers said their goodbyes, and left the chef. They walked and talked about nothing and everything, and Fili felt the bad feelings washing away from him, and his smiled was less forced every time he did so.

"Nadad..." Kili said, and suddenly his tone was much less joyful, "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Do you think that sometimes... I mean... if you really... ah, I don't know how to say it..." He stopped as if his steps were hindering his thoughts. He leaned on the wall behind him and looked at his brother. Fili could see in his eyes that he was a bit nervous, but trusting. "Do you think that... something that's... wrong... can be... right... if your heart tells you it is?" Fili could tell he was placing his words very carefully, which wasn't like him. He was always rushed when he talked. Kili shook his head and at stared at the ground, avoiding his older brother's gaze.

Fili furrowed his brow and looked down at him. He couldn't believe his brother had just asked him the very question he had been asking himself for the past ten days. He thought of the night he'd caught Kili out, or had Kili caught him? Doesn't matter. His little brother just asked him a question that he understood on a level that gave away more secrets than Kili realized. "What are you talking about, Kili? Truly? You can tell me."

"What do you mean? There's nothing to tell."

"One of those things we shouldn't talk about?"

Kili looked at the floor, knowing he was caught. Fili felt bad for causing that look on his face yet again, but he was worried. Kili was young, and a bit too trusting. If he had found himself in any kind of situation similar to his own... he could get hurt very easily. He tried to think this without realizing he had let his own feelings for Dwalin put him in the perfect position to be hurt, but this wasn't about him, it was about Kili.

"Nadad." Kili started, "Will you just answer my question?"

Fili sighed. "I think that..." He wanted to tell something that would discourage him from doing... whatever it was he was doing, but to do that, he would also have to deny himself the only thing he had wanted in a long time. Finally he decided he was better off being honest. "You should always follow your heart, Nadadith..."

Kili looked up, and Fili could tell he had expected a much different answer.

"I think that's as long as your heart is true and you know that it's what you really want... it shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks."

"Even ones you have a responsibility to?"

"Kili..." He walked over and placed his hand on lightly on his brother's chest, just over his heart. "Your responsibility to yourself is your own happiness."

Kili looked up at his brother, and his eyes were shining in that way Fili loved so much. He hugged him tightly, and linger for a moment. He stepped back, and smiled. "Thank you, Nadad. You've really helped me."

Fili smiled down at him. "Come on..."

They started walking again, neither of them knowing where, just walking together through the halls. Kili was slowly getting back to his usual self, smiling and talking about humorous things. They were laughing about earlier in the day when Kili had accidentally hit a bullseye on Thorin's chest with the snowball.

"I would have got you right in the head."

"If you weren't so obvious in your aim. I'm surprised Thorin didn't see you."

"I'm sure he would have if you weren't in front of me."

"That's what you get for thinking you can best me."

"Oh, please. We can go another round now!"

Fili laughed. "I would but given your luck I wouldn't want you to end up hitting Thorin in the face with a rock."

Kili gave a sound of fake alarm and placed his hand to his chest. "Dear brother! Wish whatever you want on Thorin, but spare me the consequence!"

"Ha, let him hear you say that."

Kili shook his head, as if banishing the thought. "It wouldn't matter anyway if you wear that ugly coat again. You wouldn't be able to feel it."

Dwalin's coat..!

Then Kili stretched and yawned. "Well, Nadad, I think I'm going to go to bed, but tomorrow, we'll have that rematch."

Fili smiled at him. "Of course, but I'm going to my room as well, so we can walk together."

And they did. Kili hugged his brother again outside his door. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, Kili."

He turned and walked inside. Fili went towards his room, a bit rushed, now remembering he had to return Dwalin's coat, and, for once, he had a reasonable excuse to go to him. He opened the door to his room, strode to his bed, and grabbed his coat. It was still slightly damp and cold, but he decided he would just explain. He made his way out, and threw that halls, almost jogging.

He turned the corner, into the hallway with Dwalin's home, and two older dwarfs were walking the opposite way toward him. They were holding onto each other, and stumbling from one side of the hall to the other. One had dark brown hair with traces of white. The other was a bit younger, but still much older than Fili, with balck hair. The brown-haired dwarf looked up and caught Fili's eyes. "My Prince!" He hiccuped, "We were just speaking of you." He stumbled and had to catch himself. The other dwarf looked up and smiled. "Well, by my beard! We were just talking about you!" He tried to bow, but gave it up, trying not to fall.

Fili bowed to them, and tried to walk by, but the dark-haired dwarf stopped him by his arm. "Wait... I wanna ask you... something..." His words were drawn out and slurred. Fili pulled his arm back, and stood tall.

"What is it?"

"Will you ... be all alone tonight? On your... birthday?" The way they were looking at him made him nervous. They were leaning toward him and the alcohol made them sway back and forth like horrible shapes in a nightmare.

"That's none of your business. Goodnight."

This time it was the brown-haired dwarf who stopped him. He grabbed his forearm, and let his hand slide down, making sure to graze Fili's fingers. He jerked his hand back, causing him to drop Dwalin's coat. "I think that means ... yes."

Fili tried to grab it, but the dark-haired dwarf stepped towards him and in front of it. "I can ... change that, you know?"

Since when did I become so noticeable..?

"No thank you."

He reached out and grabbed Fili's hand and tried to pull him, but he jerked it away again, but this time, it came into contact with something right behind him. At first, he was sure it was the wall, and he would be trapped, but he didn't even have to look back. Dwalin walked past him ignoring the accidental contact to his chest. He grabbed the dark-haired dwarf by his collar and heaved him into the air and down the hallway. The brown-hair dwarf tried to back up, but stumbled. He looked up at Dwalin with genuine fear.

"Get yer filth and get out of here." Dwalin said, standing tall in front of Fili, holding his fists tightly.

The other dwarf wasted no time, and scrambled to his feet, and started helping his friend down the hallway. As soon as they turned the corner, Dwalin turned to Fili. "Are ya alright?"

Fili nodded. "I'm fine."

Dwalin leaned down and picked up the coat for him, only then realizing it was his. He was still fuming, and he looked back toward the hall. He then turned Fili gently by his shoulder and led him inside. He pitched his coat on the table. The fire was roar, and Fili could see the steaming kettle sitting just before the fire. "Are ya sure you're ok?"

"They barely touched me."

"Aye, but I know those two. Drunkards, they are. Had trouble like that from 'em before."

"I'm fine, Dwalin. You were watching weren't you?"

He gave a laugh. "Only long enough to see that bastard grab ya."

Fili smiled at him, and placed his hand inside Dwalin's. "Really. It's fine."

Dwalin took a deep breath and kissed his forehead lightly. "Do ya want some coffee?"

Fili looked at Dwalin in the firelight and suddenly all he could think about was the first night, and the way he felt on top of him. He leaned in and made sure their lips were close enough to feel his words: "Not really..." He captured his lips in a kiss, that he hoped would show his intention. He unclasped and dropped his coat, backing the older dwarf to the wall. Dwalin broke the kiss and tried to step forward, but Fili shoved him back. Before he could even move in for another kiss, Dwalin reached out, took both of his shoulder, and whipped them around, pushing his prince a bit roughly into the wall.

"That's not how this works." He kissed him, still holding his shoulders. Fili lifted his hands and gripped his forearms, but as soon as his fingers wrapped around them, Dwalin flipped his arms, capturing Fili's wrists and pressing them to the wall above his head. Fili tried to say something, but Dwalin wouldn't let up the kiss, now rubbing their bodies together. Fili felt himself start to melt, not sure how to feel or react the roughness, but loving it all the same. Finally Dwalin broke the kiss but didn't release his arms. "We really shouldn't..." He said.

"Why not?" Their mouths were close, and Fili could feel his breath.

"I want to do this proper..."

"Proper?" Fili pushed slightly up with his wrists, and smirked at the warrior.

Dwalin smirked back and kissed him again, but then slowly let his arms go and stepped back. "I'm serious, Fili... I want to do right by ya..."

"Dwalin... I want to..."

"Aye, so do I ... more than anything." His eyes traced Fili's body. "But that doesn't mean we should."

Fili stepped to him, and took his hands, and placed them on his hips. "I don't care if we should... I want to. Please, for my birthday..."

Dwalin lost it. Fili was starting to get the hang of what his warrior lover wanted. He started kissing him, and backing them up, lips pressed together to the bedroom. He dropped his vest, and started taking his tunic off, breaking the kiss just long enough to slip it over his head. He then yanked Fili's off and kept backing him up until his back pressed against the cold stone of the wall. He arched away from it, but Dwalin just used the movement to press into him. Fili let out an approving sound, and wrapped his arms around Dwalin's neck, letting the older dwarf loose control on his neck.

"Mmm... you're going to mark me..."

"Then everyone will know you're mine."

"Aren't we trying to..." He had to stop and gasp as Dwalin ran his hand over his hardening muscle through his pants. "...avoid that?"

Dwalin let out a small chuckle and pulled back from his neck. He ran his hands down his sides, and Fili felt chills go through his and a love swelled his heart that almost overcame him. He placed a kiss on Dwalin's lips that was gentle and sincere, causing the older dwarf to slow his movement, and wrap his arms around his waist, and hold him tightly.

Then he turned them and slowly laid Fili on the bed. He started kissing down his chest, moving lower and lower. Fili felt a bit exposed and embarrassed as he slowly started to pull his pants down. He took them and his boots off completely, then slowly slid back up him, letting his hot breath brush across Fili's, now very hard, cock. He kissed his hip, and nibbled a bit. He smiled when Fili jumped, then took him in his mouth, and new feeling surged through Fili that he never thought possible. His knees flew up, but Dwalin wrapped his hands around the top of his thighs and held him down as he started sucking hard and deep. "Dwalin... please..." He placed his hands on his head and tried to push him back, but he had no strength. Dwalin took him all the way, and he almost lost it right there. He tried to push back into the bed, but he could only go so far. Dwalin picked up his pace, now bobbing his head quickly up and down. "Please... wait... I'm gonna..!" He did everything he could to get back from the intense feelings going through him, but Dwalin was stronger, and held him down. Just as he was trying to peel the warrior's hands off his legs, the feeling took him, and he started bucking his hips as he released into his lover's mouth.

He fell limp on the bed, trying to catch his breath, as the waves of passion that were flowing through him slowing started to subside. He felt Dwalin lift up, but he was in no way done with his prince. He pushed his knees up, and almost immediately had a finger inside him. Fili gripped the bed and tried to breath normally. With much less preparation than the first time, he slid a second finger inside, causing Fili to yell out. Dwalin didn't say anything, but placed gentle kisses on his cheek and lips. He slowly started moving them back and forth, and gently scissoring them. Fili closed his eyes, and tried his best not to become a quivering mess under him, but then Dwalin hooked his fingers, hitting that spot inside him that just turned him to mush.

"Dwalin..! Please, take me!"

Dwalin wasted no time. He grabbed the oil and poured it on himself, making sure Fili could see. Then he draped his whole body over Fili, tucked his hands under his waist, to grip him and gain leverage, and then slowly pushed into him, moaning softly into Fili's neck. The prince tried not to look like it was hurting him, but it sent wave of painful pleasure through him in rapid bursts. Dwalin moved forward slightly, and Fili let out a small sound, causing the older dwarf to kiss him lightly. Fili could tell he was holding back, trying best not to hurt his smaller lover.

Fili took both of his hands and placed them on the side of Dwalin's face. "It's ok." He encouraged, "Take me like you want." Dwalin smirked at him, and kissed him as he started moving slowly. Fili was surprised that it was more pleasurable than painful, and encouraged him further with a bite to his shoulder and whispering: "Harder..." Then, his lover suddenly lifted up and took Fili's hips almost violently, his soft touch missing, and for the first time he could really feel rough they were from his years of work. Then he started moving fast. It was more of him moving Fili up and down onto him, lifting his hips off the bed, than moving himself. A bit of pain shot through Fili on the first few yanks of his hips, causing to try and drop them, but he was too light in the strong dwarf's hands. Then a sensation flew through him that he'd never felt before, even on the first night, and he was instantly hard again. He moaned deeply, without thought. He was seeing stars and Dwalin was only picking up his pace, now making sounds of his own, and it took Fili a moment to notice they were words.

"...touch yourself..."

Even if that was not what he had said, the tone in his deep voice would have made Fili grip himself tightly, but the added order made his heart skip a beat. He almost had to reach up to wrap his hand around it, and he started moving his hand quickly. He gripped the sheets with his other hand, noticing only then that he was moaning constantly, and his thoughts were starting to pour from his lips. "Dwalin... Kahomhilizu (Please)... Master Dwalin..." He was seeing colors through his shut eyes, and suddenly Dwalin leaned down, releasing his hips, and really started to move his own, rocking Fili back and forth on the bed, and Fili was certain he couldn't push into him any harder... then he did... and Fili started shaking, gripping himself wildly as he came again, onto his stomach and chest. Dwalin didn't slow, he kept up the pace for what felt like a long time, and then kissed him deeply as he released into him, clutching at his hair with both hands.

They lingered for a moment, both trying to breath. Then Dwalin rolled over off the bed and grabbed another cloth. Once they were clean, he climbed into the bed, and this time Fili pulled the blankets up, and even though spent, did not feel that tired. He turned on stomach, and lifted up onto his elbows, and looked at Dwalin, who was on his side, head propped by his hand, watching him.

"Ya know..." He said, "Eventually, they're gonna wonder where ya keep runnin' off to every night."

"I don't think so. The only person who ever looks for me very early is Kili, or Thorin, but he's much more patient. Kili won't be worried about me right now, though."

"Why'd ya say that?"

"I know he's been going somewhere at night himself."

"Kili? He's too young fer that."

"I think so, too, but I figure... I understand." He smiled at Dwalin.

He leaned forward and kissed the prince on the lips lightly, and looked down, pressing their foreheads togehter. Then he looked down sharply at Fili's hand. He took it and turned it over, and Fili felt him touch Thorin's, well his, onyx ring. "Is that what I think it is?"

"It is. It was Thorin's birthday gift." He smiled, but then the memory of Odin's box flew to the front of his mind, and he looked up at Dwalin quickly. "Someone else gave me an unexpected birthday gift as well."

"And who would that be?"

"Odin."

"Odin?" Dwalin sat up, his back to the head of the bed/wall. "How?"

Fili was kind of surprised by his change in demeanor, but it wasn't anger or jealousy in his eyes, it was worry. "He got really upset because he wanted to speak to me, so Thorin asked if I would, and he stayed with me. He gave me a golden pendant. I only took it because he said if I did he wouldn't ask to speak to me again... until his name was cleared."

"Oh, that won't happen."

Fili gave him an odd look, not sure exactly what he was referring to. "The noble that I traveled with has intention on tellin' yer uncle that they are leaving the case up to us. They mourn Ludin, but not Odin. Let's just say he was about as popular there as he is here, and with his father gone, they don't care what happens to 'im. I saw enough for myself to tell yer uncle fer sure, I think he did it, and we should lock 'im up for murder."

"Good. He gives me the creeps. You know... he asked me for my hand in courtship."

"Are you tryin' to make me jealous?"

Fili laughed. "If you had a reason to be jealous, it certainly wouldn't be of him."

"Fili..." He looked up and thought for a second, "What if I did talk to Thorin? At least, try..."

"And what if he says no?"

"Why are ya assumin' he will?"

"I just can't imagine him saying yes..."

Dwalin moved over, and slid back down, and pulled Fili to his chest. The contact made him feel warm, and happy. It made him think of what he'd told Kili earlier. He had meant it, and did not regret telling his brother to be happy, but what are the consquences of that happiness? He wrapped his arms around Dwalin, as if something were trying to tear them about. Dwalin held him close, and started playing with his hair in that way he seemed to enjoy. "Ya let me worry about that. I'll take care of everythin'."

Fili felt the exhaustion from the day start to creep up on him, and he could hear Dwalin's breathing starting to slow, and smooth out. He pulled his arm out from under him, and turned with his back to the warrior, getting in a comfortable position for sleep. Dwalin draped his arm around him and pulled him into his chest, placing his chin at the top of his head, and bent his knees under Fili's. The prince felt completely secure, and he pushed up against him, loving his warmth.

"'Ay watch yourself..." Dwalin said, keeping his eyes closed, "I'd like to get some sleep tonight."

Fili just giggled, and smiled. He wasn't sure if he wanted Dwalin to speak to Thorin, but he seemed pretty set on it. He closed his eyes, and tried to let sleep take him, cradled in the arms of the warrior, hoping that this feeling wouldn't be temporary. Hoping that he could keep this one good thing, and that he, or anything else, wouldn't drive him away. He laced their hands together, and when Dwalin squeezed his hand lightly, he felt reassured, and finally drifted off into sleep, deciding his birthday had turned out fairly nice after all.