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 7: Kili's Secret

It was still dark outside when something woke Fili from his sleep. Dwalin was still cuddled to his back, sleeping quietly. He tried to fall back asleep, but he was wide awake. He looked over to the window, and saw the stars shining brightly in the sky. It wasn't like him to wake up in the middle of the night. He had always had troubling falling asleep, but never staying asleep. He cuddled into Dwalin's chest, and closed his eyes in vain. He opened them back up after a moment with a sigh.

He felt Dwalin shift in his sleep, tightening his arm around Fili's waist and burrowing his face into his hair. It was odd to see the warrior asleep, and comfortable. He was normally hard at work doing... something, but Fili felt like he could get used to it. He turned over, not very easily, either, in the dwarf's grip, and heavy arms, but finally made it to where he was facing him. He wondered to himself how exactly he planned on asking Thorin if they could be together. That's not exactly a light subject. He reached his hand up, and lightly stroked his face. Dwalin's eyes opened instantly, but not in shock.

"I didn't mean to wake you up."

"I'd rather ya wake me up than anythin' else."

Fili smiled, and kissed him softly. He laid his head down on Dwalin's arm, and moved closer. Dwalin pulled the blanket around them, and settled into the pillow, his left arm under Fili's head, and the other around his waist, holding their bodies together will a constant pressure.

"What has ya awake, anyway?"

"I don't know..."

Dwalin leaned forward, and kissed his forehead, then moved down to his ear, placing a small kiss there as well, before speaking in a breathy tone: "Should put that extra energy to good use..."

Fili shivered from the way his breath brushed over his ear. He felt the arm around his waist move to his back, where he started rubbing up and down. Fili let out a small 'mmm' sound. The contact was relaxing, and he realized he'd never been so comfortable really... in a lot of ways. Then darker thoughts made their way to him, and, for whatever reason, he started imagining Dwalin asking Thorin for his hand, and Thorin growing very angry. He shook his head, almost automatically, and it caused Dwalin to back up.

"What is it?"

Fili was quiet for a second, then spoke: "Just what exactly are you going to say to Thorin?"

Dwalin looked at him and took a deep breath. "Didn't I tell ya not to worry about that?"

"I can't help it."

"Well... I guess I hadn't really thought about it."

Fili kind of laughed, but he was confused. How could you not think about something like that? How could walk into a situation like that blindly? Maybe he just thought too much, but the idea was ridiculous to him.

"Thorin is my friend." Dwalin said, "We have known each other fer a long while... been through a lot together. I really believe that even if he doesn't approve, he'll listen to what I 'ave to say."

Fili took a breath. He was nervous for Dwalin... for both of them. He closed his eyes. "Are you sure we wouldn't be better off like this?"

"What? Lookin' over our shoulders all the time? Havin' to sneak around to see each other? We can't have a relationship like that, Fili."

Fili looked up at him. He was starting to feel kind of frustrated. "I just don't see how it's fair to me."

"What do ya mean?"

"You have to ask someone else for my hand... why isn't that my decision? I know it's tradition, but... I didn't ask to be prince. What if I didn't even want to be?"

"Ya are, though. That's how it is. Besides, Thorin is yer uncle. Even if ya weren't the prince, it would be right to get his approval."

"But if I wasn't prince, his answer would matter."

Dwalin leaned down and met his gaze. His eyes were serious, and he stroked his hair softly. "Do ya really think I'll just forget if he says no?"

"Would you?"

"I promised before that I'd never forget ya... and I meant it."

"But how? How could we hope to even have this kind of relationship if Thorin is against the idea?"

Dwalin smiled, and kissed his forehead, then lips. "I told ya to let me worry about that..." He stroked his cheek with the back of his hand. "I'll take care of ya, and that's a promise, too."

Fili smiled and curled up to his chest. Dwalin wrapped him up in his arms, and pulled the blanket back over them. Fili sighed, and did everything he could to believe Dwalin. Maybe his friendship with Thorin could really persuade him, but Fili was still so doubtful. Thorin was over-protective, and stubborn. If he had any distaste for the idea, he would dismiss it immediately, and hopefully that would be all. Fili couldn't bare to think if it upset him. As he felt sleep start to take him again, he basked in Dwalin's arms, trying to take in every bit of the feeling for as long as he could.

...

Fili woke to Dwalin moving from under him. He tried to open his eyes but it was kind of bright and he closed them quickly. Dwalin kissed his head and pulled the cover over him before walking over to his wardrobe and starting to change. Fili turned toward him and opened on eye. He was pulling his pants up and Fili's eyes went to his back. It was battle worn and tattooed, and Fili barely noticing opening his other eye and staring. Dwalin was thumbing through a stack of shirts and tunics, and Fili noticed a blue one that he had never seen the warrior wear. It wasn't bright but it wasn't dark, it was more of a true blue.

"You should wear that one." Fili said from his place under the blanket.

Dwalin looked back with a smirk, and a bit of confusion. "Which one?"

"The blue one."

"Why?"

"Because I've never seen it."

"I don't care for the color, so I don't wear it much."

"Put it on for me, at least. I like blue." That was true. If Fili had to pick a favorite color, that would be it.

Dwalin kind of laughed, pulled it out and slipped it on. It was simple, a little long, and the top opened in a V with small dark brown laces. The color was odd on him, Fili had to admit, but something about it made Fili smile. "I like it." He said.

"I don't."

Fili slowly sat up, letting the blanket slide to where it was just covering the lower half of his body. He stared at the warrior in front of him, making sure that he felt correctly about it. Then he nodded and said: "But I do. You should wear it."

Dwalin gave a sigh and placed his hands on his hips, but then he smiled : "Is that an order, Sire?"

Fili knew he was only be cheeky, trying to make him smile, but it rubbed him the wrong way. He never wanted Dwalin to treat him like the prince. In this part of his life, he was determined to be Fili, just Fili. "I give you no order, Captain." He said.

Dwalin walked over to him and kissed him gently. Fili couldn't help but smile. Dwalin had a way of something a lot without any words. He turned took the few steps to his wardrobe, and grabbed a dark brown leather belt and placed it around his waist. Fili smiled at him again, and finally got out of bed and started putting his, once again, old clothes back on, in fact, this was his birthday attire.

"I need to bring some clothes here..." He muttered to himself, but then felt bad for inviting himself to the idea. That wasn't really his decision. It wasn't his home. Nevertheless, he now had to deal with sneaking back to his room, again before someone saw him, and it was absolutely obvious he had slept somewhere else. Once he was changed, he walked into the living area to see Dwalin pick up his coat, and notice it was still damp.

"I'm sorry." Fili said, and he turned. "Kili and were outside. I ended up in the snow."

"I wasn't sure ya'd wear it."

"Isn't that why you left it?"

"Aye, but also, just to keep ya warm in the bed if the fire went out."

"I'm sure you regretted that." Fili laughed a bit.

Dwalin tossed the coat back on the table and smiled at the prince. "Not at all."

Fili smiled, and looked at the floor, still feeling a bit bad about it. They made their way into the living area, and Dwalin started preparing to leave. "Where are you going?" Fili asked him.

"To talk to Thorin."

Fili felt something grip his heart. "Now..?"

"I figure I should before I loose my nerve." He gave a chuckle, but Fili didn't see the slightest bit of nerves on him. He looked as calm, strong, and level-headed as ever. Fili took a deep breath, and decided he would have to be nervous for both of them.

"And how am I suppose to look at Thorin after that?"

"He doesn't even have to know. I can make it out like ya don't know I'm askin'."

"I don't like this..."

Dwalin gave him a warm smile, and walked over to take him into a loving hug. "It'll be ok. I promise."

Fili tried so hard to believe him, but the dark voice was strong today, and he could only see things going badly. He looked at the ground, but nodded, deciding not to argue with him. He knew that Dwalin was doing the right thing, but Fili wasn't sure he cared about doing the "right" thing anymore. He just wanted to be happy, and even though everything seemed shaky, Dwalin was the one thing he could hold dear, and now, he might loose it... all because Dwalin was trying to be noble.

"I'll tell ya what he says."

Fili took a breath to make, yet another, negative comment, but held himself back and just nodded again.

"Don't make that face." Dwalin lifted his chin up and kissed him passionately. Then, without another word, he caressed Fili's face and disappeared out of the door.

Fili really tried to suppress all the feelings of fear that gripped him, but that dark voice kept yelling at him to stop Dwalin and beg him not to speak to Thorin. His feet didn't stay still, and to avoid rushing out the door, he started didn't know what to do. He supposed he should let Dwalin handle it, but he wasn't very comfortable just sitting and waiting for an answer. Then he wondered if they should talk to Thorin together, but quickly banished the thought. That would give everything away far too quickly.

Finally, he walked out, with intention on going to his room to change, but about half way there he ran into Kili. He didn't even notice Fili. He was walking with his head down, in front of Fili. His normal bounce was long gone, and he slumped, reminding Fili more of himself than he liked. He jogged up.

"Nadad?"

Kili looked up, almost shocked. Fili had never startled Kili, nor had it happened the other way around. They were just too close, a brotherly thing.

"Did I scare you?"

"Um... a little, I guess." He turned back to look at the ground and kept walking, but he did pick up his pace a bit.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." He said it so low that the he might as well have told the truth.

"Nadadith..." He stopped him by his shoulder and turned him so they were face to face. "You think I can't see? Your eyes tell me enough. Why won't you speak with me?"

"Because..." His eyes feel back to the floor. "I can't."

"You can tell me anything."

"Not this."

"Why?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"I do, Kili. I can't stand that sound in your voice."

"Then don't listen." Kili turned from him, and dashed off. Fili tried to stop him, but his arm slipped through his hooded cloak, and he whipped down another hall. Fili didn't even try to follow. He knew that Kili was faster when he really wanted to be, and he was also stunned by what just occurred. Kili never acted that way toward him. He was always open and trusting, and he never ran away from him.

Fili had took shake his head a few times to break the shock and start moving again. He walked and looked down the hallway that Kili had rushed through, and of course it was empty. He blinked a few times staring down it. What in Durin's name could have caused his little brother, Kili, to have that look in his eye, and rush away from him? He finally looked up and noticed that he was right by The Great Hall. He would have to go past it to get to his room.

He honestly considered going around, but that would take a bit of time, and he was ready to be in fresh clothes, also thinking of having a bath. He took a deep breath and held it as he walked towards the doors, hoping that Thorin wouldn't be in there and he could slip by. As he got closer, however, he started to hear voices. He strained to hear who they belonged to. Sure enough, it was Thorin. He tried not to listen too much, knowing it was rude, but he couldn't help himself. The doors were only partially open, so he could have easily walked by the door unnoticed. Could have, if he hadn't noticed the other voice as Dwalin.

"He's dangerous, Thorin." He said, "Hear those in Ivory Hills tell it, he was impulsive, and a violent when he got upset."

"I've noticed."

Fili didn't mean to stop behind the door, and listen but he the mention of Odin intrigued him.

"I say we lock 'im up."

Thorin was quiet for a moment, and Fili could imagine him with that thoughtful gaze he had when he was making an important decision. "I think he will do where he is. At least until we can have all the loose ends taken care of. Make sure that's completed right away."

"Of course."

There was a silence so long, Fili almost left... almost, but just as he took a step to go, Dwalin spoke: "Thorin, can we talk about somethin'... personal?"

Fili's heart almost stopped, as he realized he was eavesdropping on the very conversation he wasn't even sure should happen, and he was frozen, listening intently.

"Of course, Khuzsh... What is it?"

Fili placed his hand on his heart, holding his breath, as there was another silence. "I'm not tryin' to overstep anythin'... but I wanted to talk to ya about... Fili."

"Fili? What about him?"

"Well, I've been... noticin' him lately... and, well, I wanted to ask ya..." Fili's heart was thudding against his chest.

"His courtship?"

Fili's breath suddenly started again, as he almost gasped. Thorin had just finished that sentence... like he knew? He couldn't. Could he?

"Well, aye..."

This silence was the worst of all, Fili felt like his breath was so loud, they must have heard them, and he took a moment to look around and make sure no one was there. "Dwalin... Khuzsh... I..."

"I know that I don't have much to offer 'im... Believe me, I know that... but if ya let me... I want to at least try to make 'im happy."

"And what makes you think Fili will share the affection?"

Fili's breath stopped again.

"I... don't..." He could tell it was hard for Dwalin to lie to Thorin.

"My friend... I understand that you are sincere in your request... I do... and I do not feel like you're overstepping yourself. You are as worthy a dwarf and consort as you are a captain."

Fili felt a smile teasing at his lips.

"However..." It fell, "I worry that Fili is going through a bit of... turmoil. I don't know how to explain it exactly, but I just feel that a relationship would not be a good thing for him right now... at least, until he overcomes whatever has caused him to be so... melancholy."

Fili felt his heart shatter, and this wasn't figuratively. His knees threatened to buckle under him, and he had to steady himself on the door. Not only had Thorin just told him no, it was his fault. The reason he had just denied his relationship was because of Fili's actions, and his moods. The guilt was absolutely overwhelming. Hee looked around to make sure no one was in the hall, and tried his best not to choke on the emotions building in his throat.

"Well, maybe I can help 'im... I want to."

"I understand that, Dwalin, and I know your intentions are good, but I simply don't feel that Fili is ready. Allow me to... talk to Fili, but for now, I think it would be best if we save the idea for the future."

Fili had heard enough, he took off, suddenly released from his spot, and ran, as fast as his legs could carry him to his room. He slammed his door, finally letting the emotion take him. He rushed toward, the bed, but suddenly found himself going past it, and slamming his hands down on the window sill. He looked up and didn't even try to stop himself, throwing the window open. The air flew in, sending his hair flying back, and his breath turned into a small cloud, that rushed back behind his face. He threw his hands back down, gripping the edge of the window tightly.

He tried suddenly to pull back, trying to remind himself that this behavior is what just caused this. Even if Thorin had never seen it, he sense it, like a good uncle should... but his fingers just stayed where they were and he stared straight out to the snow-covered openness in front of him. He wasn't surprised that Thorin had denied them, he had expected that from the very beginning, but he had never expected it to be that reason. He hadn't mentioned anything about Dwalin's age, or his social standing, in fact, he had said that he would be a very worthy consort, but it was Fili who wasn't ready... it was him.

He closed his eyes and tried to steady his breathing, but he was just so... frantic. He felt all kinds of horrible emotions and the longer he though about it, the closer he leaned to the window. Thorin had understood. He really had, and that made it all the harder to deal with. Maybe he was right... maybe he wasn't ready for a relationship like that until he conquered his demons... but that was hard to accept. He wanted to be with Dwalin. He made him happy, and even though he was still struggling, when he was with Dwalin, those thoughts didn't come... but if they overcame him... if he did something... unthinkable. Dwalin would be crushed... it would hurt him deeper than he cared to think of, and he knew that.

Maybe it would be better if he... just did it.

His eyes fell and when they met the ground, he felt his knee lift, and he knew it was heading for the ledge, but he managed to press his boot back onto the stone. He knew that there had been some light in the conversation... but all his mind could focus on was Thorin's voice saying 'However'... He had praised Dwalin and even made reference to the future, but Fili didn't want to wait. He didn't know if he could. He shook his head, trying desperately to think rationally. He was starting to sway a bit, and with much difficulty, he shoved back from the window and started pacing furiously.

Finally, he fell down on his bed and let out a frustrated sigh. He turned to his back and stared at the ceiling, it was certainly more calming. His mind was clearing a bit, as he focused on his breathing. He still couldn't keep the conversation from repeating, but he was analyzing it now, thinking of anyway he could make it better. Thorin did say he would speak with him, but that was just awkward. What was he supposed to say? What would Thorin even say about that?

Nephew, Dwalin asked for your hand, but I said no. Sorry.

Fili immediately felt bad for the thought. First, Thorin was unaware he ever knew. Second, he had said nothing that wasn't true, and Fili was starting to realize it. That was the hardest part. He wanted to believe that he was ready. That he could be committed, understanding, and loving... and Thorin couldn't ask for a better protector for his nephew. It was starting to settle in him that if he wanted this to work, he might have to be pretty... honest, and that idea was terrifying.

Then, a knock.

He would've honestly beleived he was having a heart attack. He stood and took a few deep breaths before saying: "Who is it?"

"Fili, it's Thorin."

He had to consciously remind himself not to pass out. He turned around, and started fixing his bed, just trying to look busy before saying: "You can come in."

As the door opened, Fili could feel his heart in his chest. Thorin shut the door behind him, and he knew. "How are you feeling?" Thorin asked.

"Fine." He replied just as he finished smoothing out his comforter. He slowly turned to meet Thorin's gaze. He was looking down at him with an odd expression. It was inquisitive, and Fili felt a little nervous under it. "I wanted to talk to you about something..."

"Yes Uncle?" He didn't try to sound clueless, but he hoped he didn't give himself away.

"I just spoke to Master Dwalin... He asked me something that, honestly, surprised me."

"What did he ask you?" There he was being dishonest with him again. It was starting to eat at him more than anything else.

"He asked me for your hand in courtship."

It was in that moment that Fili had to decide whether or not he was going to tell Thorin the truth. He jerked himself back and forth in his mind, and ended up just kind of standing there.

"Does that surprise you?"

Fili looked up to his uncle and tried to speak, not sure what he was really going to say, but the words just didn't come, and in the way Thorin's eye changed, he knew he'd given himself up.

"It doesn't... You've been having a relationship with him?"

"No!" He suddenly found his voice, "I mean... I wouldn't call it that..."

"Fili..." Thorin's voice was a bit hard. "Tell me the truth."

After a second of making sounds and half-words, Fili finally managed to form a less than helpful explanation: "We... have expressed... interest to each other."

"So you share his affections? I wish he would have told me."

Fili thought for a moment that he had changed Thorin's mind, but when his uncle looked at him with those fatherly eyes, he knew.

"Fili, I think that you are too young. You are an heir of Durin, and I believe that at your age, your heart should be elsewhere. Dwalin is a very worthy suitor in heart, but his age does cause me concern, only because you may be left lonely in later years. I just do not think it's something you should infest in right now." He walked over and placed his forehead to Fili's, but his nephew was looking straight down, "I'm sorry. When you're older, you will understand. I just want what's best."

"I understand." Fili said flatly.

"Fili..."

"I said I understand. Is that it?"

Thorin actually looked kind of hurt, and he took a deep breath. "Yes, I suppose." He turned and walked to the door, but before leaving he turned back: "I'm sorry if you disagree. I'll think on it... but for now, my answer is the same." With that, he left.

...

Fili spent the day locked away in his room. He changed, and even managed to take a bit of a nap, but when he awoke, he felt restless. It was dark outside, but it could tell it was early evening. He pulled on his coat, and walked out. Hoping to find someone to talk to. It really didn't matter who, he was just tried of being alone and feeling so upset. It was particularly cold, and he wrapped his arms around himself as he walked, just looking around for signs of life.

He found himself about to turn the corner to the outside hallway, lined with balconies, not to mention the one he had stood on that night that changed everything. He almost walked out, but in a second of conscious, he dipped down another to his left that led to the kitchen. He thought maybe Master Bombur would be there and he was always nice to talk to, but really he was wondering if Kili would be there. He hadn't forgotten the look in his eyes, and the way he had dashed away from him, but when he turned into the kitchen, there was no one there.

Maybe it's later than I thought...

He turned and head up some stairs towards the Great Hall, even though the balconies would also be there. He just wanted to find someone. When he made it to the top, there were at least two guards standing on either side of the doors, like always. One was Dwyn.

"Master Dwyn, it seems we can't keep from meeting each other." Fili said and forced a smile, "Have you seen my brother?"

"No, Sire, I'm sorry... but I did see His Majesty a bit ago, heading towards the drawbridge, or his quarters."

"What about the Captain?"

"The Captain?" Dwyn seemed confused that he would ask. "Last I saw him, he changed my post. I was supposed to work the drawbridge, but he told me to come here. That was a while ago, however, at the guards barracks."

Fili thought for a moment, then thanked him. He turned toward the drawbridge, not sure what drew him there, and he hoped it wasn't the darker part of his mind setting a trapped. His feet, however, walked steadily to the massive staircase, but when he arrived, no one was there, expect the lone guard on bridge duty. He wondered to himself if he was meant to be at the Great Hall, or if there was another change. He shrugged it off, and walked straight across the top of the staircase, and up another set of stairs that led to the other side of the crescent shaped Royal Quarters, where Thorin's room was. He didn't really want to speak to Thorin, but if he did see him outside, he would just ask him where Kili was.

When he made it to the top of the stairs, he stopped and listened. For a moment he heard nothing, then, almost loud enough to make him jump. He heard Kili.

"No!" Kili yelled.

He rushed, but froze when he heard a familiar voice hushed him... Thorin.

"No, Thorin... You don't understand."

"I understand well enough."

"No, you don't because you won't listen!"

Fili couldn't believe what he found himself listening in on. He had never heard such a tone from Kili. It was angry, but also very sad. Fili could hear the shaking in his breath, and he couldn't believe he was acting in such a way towards Thorin!

"What is it then?" Thorin's voice was also that mixture of anger and sadness. "Do you think anything you're going to say will make this right?"

"I don't care, Thorin!"

Thorin hushed him again, and this time, he listened, and Fili had to press himself just around the corner to hear.

"Thorin..." Kili was crying now, he knew his brother, "I love you..."

Fili was shocked. It was rare that they said such things to their uncle. He just wasn't that kind of affectionate, but Fili also felt odd that he found himself wondering exactly what he had meant.

"Kili..." Thorin sounded a bit shocked, and utterly defeated.

"Does that change anything? Does that make it right?" Kili's voice was so heartbroken, and that Fili had to place his hand over his own, "My heart says it is. Does that count for nothing?"

"Of course not."

"Then why are you pushing me away? You can't... I can't do it. I love you too much..."

Then there was a silence and an odd shuffling, long enough for Fili to brave a peek around the corner, and he nearly fell right out into the hallway. Pressed up against the door to Thorin's chamber, in the shadows, there was his uncle and brother... kissing!

Fili felt a sudden anger and for none of the reasons one would expect. Not that it was Thorin and Kili, honestly he had suspected the odd bond for years, around the time he formed his own with Dwalin. Also, such a relationship was not unheard of in their culture, but one had not been seen in a long time, at least not that Fili had witnessed. He didn't mind how young his brother was and that he was experimenting, he understood all of that, but that was why he was angry. Kili had shut him out and assumed he wouldn't understand and that hurt him. He would have welcomed it and helped him... and Thorin had denied his relationship with Dwalin, when he was having one like this? Kili wasn't even of age, but Fili was too young?

Suddenly he couldn't hold it in, he whipped around the corner, just as the two backed away from each other. Kili tried to wipe his face when he saw his brother and opened his mouth to say something but Fili was already going: "How dare both you..." He wasn't speaking loud, but the venom was there. "You... You denied my relationship, but you were doing this?"

"Fili..." Kili started.

"Don't, Nadad. You shut me out! I would have helped you! I would have understood, and I'm going through almost the same thing!"

"Fili, let me..." Thorin stepped forward, but right now, even he could not stop the words.

"No... I'm explaining... I don't mind that you two are together. Good, in fact, I'm happy for you! But for the two of you to assume that I wouldn't understand or that my relationship was less worthy than your own..." He looked right at Thorin, "Shame on you both!"

With that, he turned and walked out, heading straight for Dwalin's. He expected one of them to follow, but he supposed shock got the better of them, because no one did. To him, Thorin's answer didn't matter anymore. It hurt him so much that his uncle would do that. That he would have his own vice that he couldn't share, and that he denied his nephew... well, one of them. He shook his head. He had completely forgotten the nature of the talk he had walked up on, but his anger was clouding his mind, and he wanted nothing more than to go to Dwalin's and tell him that they were officially in courtship, for he deemed Thorin's answer unworthy.

He found this odd joyful feeling swelling in his chest. Like he had won, a triumphant feeling. He could now go to Dwalin, and be with him, in the way he wanted to be, even if he was having to shame Thorin into it, he didn't really mind. He would fix things later. Right now, he only wanted to be with his warrior, tell him everything, and be happy.

When he got to his door, he knocked but did not wait for a response, he opened the door to find Dwalin walking towards it. As soon as he saw Fili his face dropped, and Fili knew why. He shut the door behind him quickly, and kissed him, but Dwalin pulled back.

"Fili..."

"I know."

"Know what?"

"I know what Thorin said, but it doesn't matter."

"Of course it matters."

"No... I saw him... with Kili. They were kissing."

"Kissing?"

"Yes, don't you see. Thorin can't deny what we have if they have..." It was then, as he was replaying the conversation in his mind that he realized exactly what they had been saying.

"Do you think anything you're going to say will make this right?"

"Then why are you pushing me away? You can't... I can't do it. I love you too much..."

His heart sank. "He was leaving him..."

"What?"

"Thorin... he was leaving him... pushing him away, but then... they kissed, and I got so angry because he had said we couldn't, and I just lost control. I yelled at them... both of them..." Fili felt that familiar guilt rush over him.

Dwalin walked over to him, and gave a deep sigh, but then he kissed him deeply. They held each other close, and Fili knew Dwalin felt the same relief that he did, even if he was acting a little apprehensive. He broke the kiss and looked down at Fili with one of those unreadable expressions.

"I think we all need to have a talk..."