Your Highness

by EJOakenshield

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 very people, not to mention 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)

9. Ever After

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 9: Ever After

When Fili finally came to, his vision was still blurred, but eventually he focused, and he saw Dwalin and Thorin standing in the corner of his room talking. They didn't notice him, and he turned his head, and that was when he saw the bright eyes of his brother, and his contagious smile.

"Nadad..." He said quietly, and Fili was happy kept it calm. He smiled at him and lifted his hand up to stroke his face. Kili smiled, and took his hand tightly. "Please..." He said, gripping his hand, "Don't scare me like that." Fili was slowly starting to regain himself, with some rest in him.

"Thorin..!" Kili couldn't hold it in. The older dwarfs rushed over, but Dwalin stood back, allowing Thorin to get to him first. He looked down at his nephew with concern, but there was also pride... a bit of a light was in his eyes, and suddenly Fili felt closer than he ever had. He then turned to Dwalin, and then to Kili, placing a loving touch on his hand.

"Excuse us, please. Just a moment."

Kili looked hurt, but the look on Dwalin's face was understanding, if not a little apprehensive. He bowed, and looked to Kili, who finally peeled himself away from his brother and followed Dwalin out the door. Thorin sat on the side of the bed, and Fili shifted, but Thorin stopped him. "You shouldn't move." He said.

"I feel fine."

"You hurt your head, Fili. You need to relax."

He conceded, and leaned back. One hand rested on his chest and the other reached up to feel the bandage around his forehead. "He got me pretty good, huh?" He said, trying to sound light, but it didn't come out that way.

"He almost killed you." Thorin said gravely.

"But he didn't..."

"Fili..." He started as if remembering what he had to say, "I feel like I have seen you for the first time. Your bravery, I have always known, but you have shown me that your heart is even more of a marvel. I couldn't be more proud of you for what you have taught me... all in one night." He laughed a bit, and Fili smiled. He placed a soft hand on his nephews cheek. "You'll make a great king one day."

Fili felt a bit confused. "You don't think what I did was... stupid? Or crazy?"

Thorin smiled again, and lifted back up, removing his hand, and crossing them in front of him. "Rash, maybe. A bit impulsive... but stupid?" He shook his head. "Not at all. Crazy?"He shook his head again. "I'd call it brave. That's the heart I'm talking about... you faced your own demise for the safety of others and to see the end of an evil. There's nothing stupid or crazy about that."

Fili smiled again. To have his feeling be put into such perspective was a new concept to him, and he felt like he had a lot to think about. He uncle smiled back at him, and stood.

"I'll keep Kili outside so you can have your privacy with your Captain, but I can't promise a long time. He's been by your side every second."

Fili nodded and smiled, feeling odd, but comfortable with 'your Captain' and the insinuation of privacy. Thorin walked out, and a barely a second later, Dwalin was in and closing the door. He walked over, and Fili was about to say hello to him, when he sat on the bed without even looking, wrapped his arms around the prince, almost gingerly, and pressed their lips together. It was fiery, but Fili felt something in it that made him sad. Fili's arms immediately went around him, and he started to move, trying to be closer to him, but Dwalin stopped the kiss, now holding the prince with both arms, wrapped just under Fili's, holding him lifted off the bed.

"Ya shouldn't move."

"You moved me." Fili teased and kissed him again, but this one was more sweet.

Dwalin didn't allow it to last, and gently unwrapped them, lying him back down, and sat on the bed as Thorin had, but Fili managed to keep their hands laced, even if Dwalin lowered his so that they were still resting on the bed. "I'm sorry..." He said suddenly.

"Dwalin, I feel fine. You didn't-"

"Not that."

Fili blinked. "Then what?"

"Fer what happened..."

Fili lifted straight up. Even with Dwalin trying to keep him there, he managed to sit up with his back to the cold stone headboard. He was wearing a thin white, long sleeve shirt and he could easily feel it through the material. He looked right at Dwalin's eyes. "Why would you think you owe me an apology for that?"

"Because..." Dwalin actually let go of his hand. "He got by me... He knocked Dwyn on the head with somethin'... I didn't see, somethin' hard, and he ran right fer me... might as well jumped in my arms, and somehow the little bastard tripped me... and if he hadn't... if I would have just grabbed him..." He lifted his hand and gentle brushed the bandage with his thumb. "He never could have done this to ya..."

Fili grabbed both sides of his face, and placed their foreheads together so quickly, he hurt his head a bit. "I wasn't paying attention... he obviously had some kind of training. None of it is your fault."

Dwalin took his hands and laced them together, and held them in his lap, and took a deep breath, but Fili could tell he didn't believe him. He decided not to press it for now. He wanted to be happy. There was something in him now... something changed. Almost like, in the most basic way, he'd gotten it out of his system. He had faced death, and in the shock of survival, he realized... it wasn't time, and perhaps the world was a little more changed for him being there than he thought.

He smiled, and Dwalin smiled back but his eyes were confused. "Tell me, Master Dwalin..." Fili said, just like the first night, "Would you object to letting a prince move into your humble home and not coming to the Royal Quarters yourself? I believe I'd be happier that way."

Dwalin actually let out a laugh, and kissed his lips softly. "Whatever you wish..."

Then, there was a lous sound as the door flew open, and Kili rushed in. He ran to the other side of the bed, and jumped into it, smiling when he saw his brother sitting up. He cuddled to his chest, and looked right at Dwalin with an almost possessive glint. "You've had long enough. He can go home with you later." Both Dwalin, and Fili almost jumped at the openness of the comment, but Kili completely ignored them, and just hugged his brother.

"You know, Nadad..." Fili said smiling. "We never had that rematch."

Kili lifted up and smiled like a little kid. It was hard to believe that this little bundle of grins had just saved his life. "We didn't!"

"There will be no snowball fights until Fili is well." Thorin's voice was fatherly as always.

They did not protest, but honestly, Fili was a bit restless. He walked to at least stand. Almost just to make sure it was real. "I want to go outside at least." He admitted.

"No." Thorin said quickly, "I told you. You've hurt your head."

Fili just kind of rolled his eyes, and swung his legs over to the side with Kili, knowing he wouldn't stop him. Kili helped him stand up, and even though his head did spin, it faded quickly, and he was able to walk over to the dresser. The other three just watched him. He looked down and felt the wood, checking that it was like it should, suddenly very taken by the fact that he hadn't fallen off of that balcony. He turned back to them, and took a breath, and stood straight to show that he could.

Thorin crossed his arms, but finally nodded. "Do as you like. I have some more letters to write." He bowed to Fili and Dwalin separately, but when he looked at Kili, he just smiled, then turned. They all watched him go, and then Kili looked up at his brother. "Well..." He said with a sly grin on his face, "I think I'll go... elsewhere." He whipped out of the room after Thorin, and Fili shook his head.

Dwalin watched the door for a moment and then walked over to where Fili was standing. "Are ya sure ya feel ok?"

Fili nodded. "I couldn't rest anyway."

Dwalin looked down at the dresser and noticed a small cherry-wood box. He picked it up and looked at it. "What's this?"

Fili looked and a knot immediately gripped his stomach. "It's the necklace..." He opened it in Dwalin's hands, "That ... Odin gave me." It was odd saying his name knowing he was dead... and technically that he had killed him.

Dwalin looked at it closely, and even though they both knew the pendant was beautiful, it seemed tarnished somehow, and just not as bright as the first time Fili had seen it. He took it from Dwalin's hand and gazed at it closely.

What does one do with such a thing?

"Are ya gonna keep it?" Dwalin asked. There was no hint of jealousy or judgment in his voice. It was a simple question.

"I don't know if I should." Fili answered honestly, "But a part of me wants to."

Dwalin nodded, and took it from him and placed it back in the box. "Keep it, then. I guess he meant no harm when he gave it to ya." Once again his voice was sincere. He sat the box back where he had found and Fili decided he would worry about it another day. "Are ya hungry?"

Fili thought about it, but his stomach was just uneasy and he didn't care for the idea. "Let's just go for a walk." He looked around the room and found his boots and slipped them on. He grabbed his coat and put it on, before looking at himself in the mirror. He found when he saw how ridiculous he looked with the bandage around his head. He sat down in front of his mirror, and looked over to Dwalin. "Can I take this off?"

"You're goin' to anyway, aren't ya?"

Fili just nodded. He didn't care for it, and even though there was a low throbbing in the front where it had smacked the stone, he slowly undid it while Dwalin watched carefully. Finally he was free of it, and the large red spot on his forehead was starting to heal, and luckily, his hair covered most of it. He redid his braids as best he could with his hands feeling weak. He certainly felt like Odin had got the better of him. Finally, he stood.

Dwalin pulled on his own coat and Fili pointed at it. "You washed your coat."

"Aye." Dwalin said, and then cracked a smile, "Your brother had quite a laugh about it, actually..."

"He noticed, huh?" They were walking out of the room as the spoke.

"Oh aye. Said he could believe he didn't notice it was mine when he saw ya in it."

Fili laughed. "It's so odd to talk about it like that."

"What do ya mean?"

"So open. If you would have told me two weeks ago that you and Kili would be having a conversation about how I looked in your coat... I would have laughed."

Dwalin smiled, and turned them toward the kitchen, even though Fili had said he wasn't hungry. "Yer uncle warmed up faster than I expected... We talked while you were sleepin'. He wants to hold a feast when you're well enough."

"Oh Mahal... I don't want a celebration in my honor ever again."

Dwalin chuckled at him, and then fluidly reached out and took his hand gently, and before Fili knew it, they were walking hand-in-hand into the kitchen. He smiled about it until he saw Bombur and Bofur notice them. He wasn't sure how they would react, and though he wasn't embarrassed of Dwalin at all, he was afraid of the shock it might cause.

"Well, now, Prince Fili!" Bofur stood, removing his ever present hat, and bowing low. He replaced it with a smile. "Glad to see you out and about!"

"Yes!" Bombur agreed with his booming voice, "I shall make you up something, and I don't want to hear a word about it expect: 'Thank you, Master Bombur! That will be lovely.'"

"Thank you, Master Bombur. That will be lovely." Fili repeated, and laughed. It was then he noticed Bofur's eyes moved down to their clasped hands. They got a bit wider and his eyes brows perked up. The toymaker looked up to meet Fili's gaze, and then looked to Dwalin.

"Well, well!" He said with the biggest smile he thought he had ever seen on him. He nudged Bombur playfully with his elbow, and pointed the mouthpiece of the smoking pipe he was holding at the couple's hands. "Look here, Master Bombur! It seems congratulations are in order!"

Bombur noticed, and even though he couldn't hide his genuine smile, he looked to Dwalin. "Now, would you look at that! I'll be honest with you, Master Dwalin... I expected you to do a heck of a lot worse." He winked at him.

Dwalin gave him a look that said 'watch it', but a smile slowly crossed his lips. The two sat along the counter with Bofur. "Well!" The toymaker said, still proud of his discovery, and grasping the chance for new conversation. "This is certainly a courtship I could not predict, but I certainly approve. You compliment each other, I think."

"And why we would need ya to approve?" Dwalin said, but there a playful tone there as Bombur poured them fresh mugs of ale.

"You wouldn't." He laughed, "But you have it all the same, Captain!"

Fili smiled. He was surprised it was being received so well. Bofur and Bombur would never had said anything negative, of course, but they were being so natural that it made Fili warm inside, and every fear he had about his relationship was slowly fading away.

"Do tell." Bofur said, still smiling, "How long has this been going on?"

"Not long." Fili said, hiding his mischievous smile.

Bofur laughed at the young prince and gave him a wink. He saw right through him, and Fili knew it, but that was alright with him. He didn't want to hide anything anymore. He jumped a bit when Dwalin slid his hand onto his knee. He smiled up at his lover just as Bombur placed food in front of all three of them, there was even a plate for himself. They ate and drank, and Fili felt his strength returning with every second. They all laughed and smiled, and Fili couldn't think of a dinner he had enjoyed more.

Then Dwalin stood. Fili followed suit, and they thanked the chef and toymaker for their kindness. They headed out with fond farewells from the two, and started walking toward the row of balconies and the drawbridge. Fili was leading them. He wanted to go there, just to make sure that he still could, but he could see that Dwalin was skeptical about where they were going, and sure enough, just before they turned onto the breezeway, he stopped him by the arm.

"Fili... are ya sure ya want to go out there?"

"Dwalin, if I can't face it now, I never will. How will I even live here if I can't go by the front gate?"

"I got ya, but it's hasn't even been a day."

Fili could see the sun getting lower in the sky, but it was barely passed lunch time. He took the warrior's hand in his and held it tightly, and started walking as he spoke: "You're here with me. You can walk on that side, if you want, but I promise... I'm not afraid of it."

"Maybe ya should be..." Dwalin spoke quietly, but he knew Fili had heard him.

Fili stopped, by beside the first balcony, and stood right in front of the warrior. It was odd being out in the open like they were, but Fili tilted his head up and kissed him. Neither of them cared who was around once their lips were connected. They stood, in their own little world for a moment, and when they broke, Fili couldn't resist looking around, but they were alone. "I have you..." Fili said assuredly, starting to believe it for himself, "I don't have to be afraid anymore."

Dwalin still didn't look too convinced, but he allowed the prince to lead him on down the breezeway, even though he stayed on the side with the balconies. Fili had to resist the urge to look, but he fought it well. He was starting to accept that he would always have these feelings. He would always be pessimistic, and easily bored. That was just a part of him. For whatever reason, the dark voice would more than likely remain, but as he held Dwalin's hand and stared in front of him, making small talk about Bofur's reaction to them, he knew that it was something he would just have to fight. His own responsibility to himself as he had explained it to Kili... and he knew he wasn't alone.

Suddenly, they were at the drawbridge, and Fili had almost not even noticed it, when normally the walks, for him, were unnaturally long. Dwyn was standing at the top of the staircase, obviously his post.

"Master Dwyn." Fili said with a smile. He wasn't sure how their odd friendship had come about, but it was there and he found he cared for him, and enjoyed his company.

Dwyn looked over and smiled at him. "Sire..." He said and bowed low. "I'm glad to see you're alright." His voice was very polite, and when he lifted up, his eyes passed their hands. Fili had forgotten, and was sure, by the look on his face, Dwalin had, too. For the first time, Dwalin let go, and Fili knew he felt odd showing any kind of affection in front of his guard. He was the Captain after all. Fili didn't mind, and looked back to Dwyn who was trying his best not to look shocked. "I-I was hoping you would be."

"Thank you." Fili said casually, understanding that this would probably happen more than once. "How are you?"

"Fine, Sir." He smiled, and Fili could tell he was adjusting the shock. Dwalin was gruff, but not angry, and Dwyn didn't mind talking a bit in front of him, but Fili could tell he was watching his words.

"There you are!" Kili interrupted them. He jogged over. "Have you eaten?" He asked his brother and eyes his suspiciously.

"Yes, Nadad."

He looked to Dwalin, instantly who nodded in agreement. "Very good. Master Dwalin, Thorin would like to see you in the library, something about the letters. I don't know." He waved his hand in the air, as if throwing something over his shoulder.

Dwalin chuckled at him, placed a warm hand on Fili's arm, and then headed down the hall in that silent way that Fili was coming to understand. He watched him for a moment, and then Kili spoke. "You know, Nadad.." Fili looked at him, but he was looking down the hall as Dwalin turned the corner "I never thought you would actually end up courting him..."

Fili couldn't hold in his giggles, remembering their childhood so vividly. Kili joined him immediately, amused that he had gotten the joke. Dwyn was beside Fili and he, too, started laughing, having heard Kili's comment. It took them a good moment to regain themselves. Kili always being the one to start again, sending them back into fits. Finally Fili got his bearings and was finally able to answer him: "Neither did I."

"I like it though. It's like a fairy tale..."Kili said, and then he chuckled again. "An odd, very dwarvish, fairy tale."

Fili smiled at him and resisted the urge to laugh. He was right, in a way, though Fili didn't really care to think of it that way. It just seemed too juvenile a statement to describe what he felt for the warrior Dwalin. He loved him. If he asked him, right now, to marry him, he would say yes, without a second thought. He didn't care what anyone would have to say about it.

Then Kili turned to his brother and brushed his hair away from the wound on his head. Fili pushed his hand down and moved his hair back. "How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Better." Fili answered.

"Good." Kili laced their hands together. "Let's go see the snow again. I promise I won't throw a snowball at you."

Fili almost said no, but the temptation was too great to do something fun. He wanted to smile more. So, he lead his brother to the drawbridge, even though neither of them were really dressed for it, and they rushed out. The snow was still high, and not a bit had melted in the frosty air. The brothers started walking around in it. Kili was keeping his promise, but Fili kept an eye on him in case.

"So..." Fili said, curiousity getting the better of him. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Kili sighed, and looked at the white ground. "How was I supposed to say that? Besides, you didn't tell me about your little affair."

This was true, but honestly, Kili had never asked. "Were you wondering?" He asked.

"Well, no... but... your relationship is a bit more normal, and I totally called it! Even as kids."

Fili laughed at him. "That you did, Nadad... but still... I didn't think I could share it with anyone. Though, if I had, it would've been you."

Kili looked at the ground, and Fili realized he had made him feel bad. "I thought about telling you. When he told me to go the first time, but I was trying to protect him. I didn't want you to be upset with him for hurting me."

"I would have been."

"See?"

Fili smiled at him, but he really wasn't certain how he would've felt if Kili had told him something like. "I guess we both learned to trust each other more."

They continued their walk, avoiding the area below the balcony the incident had occurred on, even though it had all been washed away. They walked toward the drawbridge just as clouds started to move in. Fili stopped and looked up at them. They looked a bit menacing, and Kili noticed as well. The bothers looked up at the oncoming storm for a moment before Kili finally spoke.

"I guess we're getting more snow."

"I hope so." Fili said, cracking a smile. Now that Dwalin was home, and he knew he was safe, Fili welcomed the snow. They stood their ground for a moment, and a voice broke their gaze.

"Are you two going to stand out here and freeze..." They looked up to see Thorin and Dwalin walking towards them, "or would you like to come get dinner?"

Kili looked at his brother, and smiled, but then it faded. He looked into his eyes. "You are hungry, right?"

Fili gave him a look, but then nodded. " I could eat." He said, grinning.

They walked over and Fili looked up at Dwalin. He had shine in his eye as if he had been laughing and he could so tell by Thorin's calm smile that they had been having nice conversation. He walked very close to his consort, but the didn't hold hands. Kili had his arm around Thorin's but the way he was bouncing with his steps made it look more like father and son than lover's, but Fili already knew that was their dynamic.

They walked through the halls back toward the kitchen. Fili felt like he was just there, and even though he had not lied to Kili, he wasn't sure he could handle all of dinner... depending on what was served. He knew Thorin was going to have their meal in the Dining Hall, but Fili was looking forward to it, all the same. When they walked in Master Bombur smiled that broad grin that was always on his face.

"Your Majesty!" He bowed, "And Your Highnesses!" He bowed once more. He gave a slight wave to Dwalin and Fili giggled. Their interactions always made him smile.

"Prepare dinner for the four of us, please, Master Bombur. A bit of a special one." Kili smiled up at Thorin as he said it.

"Oh, special, eh?" Bombur nodded. "Of course. Shall I have that serve in the dining hall?"

"Please."

Bombur smiled and started his normal cooking rush. Thorin turned to them. "I'm going to prepare for dinner. I'll see you all there." He spoke more to Dwalin and Fili, than Kili, and when he walked out of the kitchen, Kili was right on his heels.

"He's gonna follow 'im around like a lost pup..." Dwalin said shaking his head, but there was a smile on his lips.

Fili nodded. "He always has."

Dwalin chuckled and returned his nod. "That, he has."

Fili sat down at the counter, and rested his elbows on it. "What are you making us, Master Bombur?"

"I was thinking of this nice turkey we cleaned last night. The normal fixing, of course. Any special requests?"

Fili shook his head, and rested his head on his arms, feeling it start to throb. He watched Master Bombur bounce around the kitchen. It was making him a bit dizzy. Dwalin sat beside him and looked down at him, but didn't touch him. "Are ya alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." The feeling was subsiding a bit, and it was replaced with a mild headache, starting in his forehead. He looked at Dwalin, keeping his chin rested on his arms, thankful the kitchen was dimly lit. "Just a headache..."

Dwalin nodded. "Not surprised..." He said gravely, and Fili couldn't help but hear the guilt in his voice. He lifted up, and was glad the dizzy feeling stayed away. He was going to take his hand, but when his eyes moved down to locate it, they paused on his muscular shoulder, and it just looked so inviting. He leaned down, and the stretch was a bit awkward for just a second, but Dwalin moved his chair over instantly, and draped his arm around him, placing the side of his head more on his chest than shoulder, but he was tall enough that it worked comfortably.

When Bombur bounced back towards them, the sight didn't seem to surprise him. In fact, it was if he didn't notice at all as he spoke to Fili: "You'll feel better when you eat, lad!" He waved that spoon at him, and Fili just smiled.

"Is food your answer for everything, Master Bombur?" He said, teasing, not lifting or looking at all.

"Done right? Aye, I think so!" He laughed, and Fili felt Dwalin chuckle a bit.

"Aye." He said, pointing with the arm that wasn't around his prince. "Ya can tell."

Bombur turned and crossed his arms. He shook his head, and then pointed his spoon back at Fili. "Honestly, you must have the patience of a saint, Master Fili..."

Fili had to laugh at that. He didn't think he took any amount patience to be around the warrior. Of course, he was starting to notice more and more that he had always been treated a little differently by him, and perhaps it had always had more to it than just his position as heir. He closed his eyes. He most almost like he could fall asleep, which was odd for him. He opened them again, and Bombur was walking to the other room to have some servants start preparing the tables, and collecting their food.

Dwalin gently lifted him up, and looked at him, both hands on his shoulders. "Are ya sure you're alright?"

"Yes, Dwalin. I'm fine. I'll tell you if I'm not, I promise."

Dwalin nodded, but he had that unconvinced look again. Fili just smiled at him. He stood with more ease than he thought, and walked well enough. They made their way to the Dining Hall, passing several servants, who glanced over at them more than once. They were not holding hands, but they were walking very close, and he was certain their favorite toymaker had made it his soul duty to tell every dwarf in Erebor.

When they turned in the Dining Hall, Kili and Thorin were already sitting there, and the last of the meal was being placed. They sat down. Fili on Thorin's right with Kili in front of him, and Dwalin by his side. He felt comfortable. He looked to Dwalin who smiled at him.

Kili was already tearing into a roll and filling his plate. They other three joined him. The dinner was happy and slow. They avoided talk of what happened and it seemed so far away now. They had hot coffee at the end of dinner, just to prolong their time together. Fili didn't care for it as much as Dwalin's, but he enjoyed it anyway. Finally, Thorin addressed them all.

"It seems we will all be embarking in a new chapter of our lives."

"A good chapter." Kili said smiling, and Fili returned it. He felt his leg brush against Dwalin's and it made a slight chill flow through him. He suddenly realized he could go to his home after dinner without any worry of who might see, or wonder. It made him think of how the warrior's hands felt on him, and he found it a bit difficult to listen to Thorin after the thoughts invaded him.

The King looked at all of them, one by one, in that way that he does that was so understanding and wise. Fili loved him, and knew the others did too, in whatever way it was, but he looked to his right, and let his eyes moved over Dwalin, finally, meeting his gaze. All the warrior did was smirk and his and shake his head, then they both looked back to Thorin as he started again.

"Let's put these bad times behind us... but may we be happier for them..." He smiled down at Kili. Fili looked up at Dwalin, and without intention the two couples shared a separate, yet mutual moment, and Fili couldn't help but lifted up to kiss him gently, letting what Thorin had just said sink in, but as soon as their lips connected, even though Dwalin did not seem hesitant, he realized who he was dining with, and he turned his head to gauge Thorin's reaction, but only that movement made him turn from Kili. The moment wasn't awkward.

After a bit longer of talking, and odd glances between Dwalin, and Fili, Thorin finally stood. "The hour grows late, and I must bid you all a goodnight."

Kili looked up and didn't hide his almost hopeful expression, but Thorin didn't acknowledge it, even though Fili knew he had noticed. Thorin looked from the prince to Dwalin, and bowed. "I'll see you in the morning." He said, and Fili had to smile at the fact he'd spoken to them as one. Thorin then turned and left. Fili expected Kili to follow, but he slumped back in his chair and looked at his brother. Fili questioned him with his eyes, but Kili just nodded his head and then stood himself.

"Well, I suppose I'll go. I suppose by now, I'm not above following him." He winked at his bother, and he shook his head.

"I think a little communication would be good for the both of you."

Kili just waved his brother off, and without any other goodbye, strolled out the same door that Thorin had disappeared through. Dwalin stood, and held his hand out to the prince.

"Come on..." He said, "Let's go home." A grin crept across his lips when he said it, and Fili's hand almost shot to the warrior's.

They walked with their hands laced together, and the guards avoided staring. As soon as they got to the door, Fili felt a giddy feeling rise up in him and he felt like a child. He had to let out a laugh. Dwalin looked down at him.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing..." Fili said, smiling. "I'm just happy."

Dwalin opened his door, and they filed inside. Fili walked, looking into the dark fireplace. The home was chili, but not too cold. Dwalin walked past him, with a gentle hand sliding across his back. He knelt down by the fireplace, and started build one. Fili took off his own coat, and sat in one of the chairs, watching his hands work expertly.

"I feel kind of odd..." Fili admitted, just making conversation.

"Why's that?"

"Everything changed so quickly... and now we're together. There's no hiding anymore... It was just fast."

"It was..." Dwalin lit the fire perfectly. "But you're happy, right?"

"Of course." Fili said.

The warrior stacked a few smaller logs, and sat in the other chair, giving it time to catch. Fili stared at his lover, who was watching the fire. His head was starting to feel a bit sore, as he felt the veil of fatigue start to fall over him, but he refused to allow himself to be taken by it. He had other intentions.

"Come here." He said, feeling a bit bold. Perhaps it was his new found peace, or maybe his cocky attitude was finally returning. Dwalin gave him a surprised look, but stood and took one step, and he was right in front of him. Fili lifted his hand, but he didn't have to make it to Dwalin's face, before he leaned down, braced himself on the arms of the chair, and they kissed. It was fiery, and there was a want in it, that made Fili melt, but then, in his way, Dwalin lifted back up.

"Ya need to rest..." He said, turning around, but Fili could tell it was to keep from kissing him again.

"Do we have to do this again?" Fili said, cheeky as ever. "You know we're going to."

Dwalin turned around, and even though there was a slight smirk on his lips he said: "Oh, ya think so?"

"I do."

"We really shouldn't."

"I've heard that before..." He smiled, and the warrior returned it, but shook his head.

"This time, I mean it. Ya feel ok right now, but ya got hurt pretty bad. The last thing ya need is be thrown around..." He trailed off. Fili couldn't tell he hadn't meant it to come off so alluring, but they both felt it. Fili stood, and walked over to him. He wrapped his arms around his neck, and sighed when the warrior's arms wrapped around his waist.

"Who said you had to throw me around?"

Dwalin chuckled and kissed him, but made sure to keep it short and sweet, avoiding Fili's tongue. "Let's just say, it would end up that way..."

Fili lifted up and started placing small, teasing kisses on his neck. "This is your way of telling me no?" He made sure his breath was hot, and obvious. "You're not very good at it."

His arms gripped tighter around Fili's waist, but his voice held it's tone: "I don't think I'll ever be too good at that..."

"Then why try?"

It was then Dwalin pulled back, but he didn't take his hands off the prince's hips. He leaned down, and kissed him, once again, keeping Fili from deepening it. "I just want to make sure you're alright..."

Fili shook his head, and took his head and started leading them toward the bedroom. Dwalin didn't resist him, but he heard a sigh that wasn't exactly sarcastic. He turned and pushed the warrior on the bed. He had hoped he would lie down, but he kept himself sitting up. Fili just took the chance and straddled his hips. Dwalin did crack at a smile, but he was holding back. Fili just kissed him, and encouraged his hands with his own to move up and down his body. Dwalin follow suit easily, and Fili dropped his quickly, tugging at his lover's tunic and belt, until he finally took them off.

As soon as the warrior's shirt was gone, it was like Fili saw the release. His arms wrapped back around Fili with a new force, and he pulled him into a steaming kiss, running his hands down the prince's thighs and around to his ass, which he gave a tight squeeze. Fili jumped just a bit, but kept the kiss going, now fumbling with his own top. Once gone, Dwalin had slowed down again, but Fili could feel he was fully ready, and it was rubbing against him in the most teasing way. He pushed him onto his back and leaned down, rubbing their erections together, and whispering to him: "Please don't make me beg for it..."

Dwalin pushed up with his hips, and captured him in another kiss, and Fili knew he had him now. He flipped them over, taking special care of how the prince's head landed. He kissed him, and moved his hands down, and pulled Fili pants, and boots off in one fluid motion. Fili shuddered as the chili air touched his skin. Dwalin ran his hands from his ankles all the way up to his hips. He kissed his hipbones, and Fili felt himself twitch, but he had no time to complain, as Dwalin's large hand wrapped around him and instantly starting pumping him fast. Fili had to grip the blankets below him, and tried to protest, but his voice wouldn't work.

Dwalin started biting and sucking on his hip, and Fili's hands shot down, almost fighting him. The warrior lifted up, finally slowing his hand to a gentle stroke, and kissed his prince. He used his free hand to push his own pants off. He reached up and grabbed his oil, and started rubbing it on himself, and used a bit to slick the hand around Fili's fully hard cock. He said nothing as he lifted up and placed himself in between Fili's legs. He kept stroking him, and reached down with his other hand and immediately press two fingers inside him. Fili arched and moaned, but it was much more pleasurable than painful. He moved him rhythm with both hands, and Fili had to steady his breathing to keep from loosing it, but Dwalin noticed, and started stroking harder, and pressed a third finger in.

"Gonna cum so soon?" He said from his place above the prince, not slowing at all. "I didn't know ya like to be fingered so much."

Fili felt his cheeks burn from the vulgar way he had said it, but a surge of passion flew through him, and a moan escaped him. Dwalin then pulled his fingers out and without any hesitation, pressed his large, hard cock into him, pulling his hips down with both hands, finally releasing his straining hard on.

"Ah..! Dwalin..!" Fili grasped the sheets, but wrapped his legs around his lover. They started moving in that same rough pattern Fili was falling more in love with every time he found himself in bed with the warrior. Dwalin stayed up, with his back straight, pumping into him with a lust that he couldn't get enough of. He reached up and started stroking himself, knowing that he wouldn't last with the way Dwalin pressed into him in that perfect way.

"Please... You're gonna make me..." He warned, but he was already stroking himself to completetion and jerking on his lover's hard muscle. Dwalin held him tightly around his waist as he came, only pressing in harder, but not faster. Fili fell limp in his arms, but Dwalin was in no way changed. He leaned over him and kissed him wildly as he gripped his hips hard. Fili wrapped his arms around him, and gripped his shoulders with the same force, as Dwalin started to speak.

"Ya know I love ya, right?" Dwalin sped up so he couldn't answer, but he moaned loudly and clung to him. "I'll take ya like this ... any time you'll let me..."

Fili kissed his shoulder, neck, jaw, cheek, and finally made it to his lips, letting his nails run down the warrior's back. Dwalin moaned deeply into the kiss, and his hips moved in a different angle and the thrusts became more shallow, and Fili kissed him deeper as he came, his hands only gripping him harder, and he felt like he was about to literally break in his lover's hands. Then, with a few lingering movements back and forth, Dwalin pulled back, and walked to grab a cloth, per their ritual. Fili watched him, trying not to let to let his head throb as it was threatening to.

Once they were clean, and Dwalin headed to the other room to take care of the fire he probably shouldn't have built, Fili fixed himself, cuddling in the blankets, and closing his eyes. When he heard Dwalin return, he didn't look, but he moved over and heard his lover chuckle. He climbed in the bed, and melted into Fili's back, taking him in his arms, and twisting their legs together.

"Do ya feel ok?"

"I'm wonderful." Fili answered, pressing into him, and smiling when he felt him place a kiss on the top of his head. Then he turned over, keeping their positions, jutst facing him now, and rested his head on his firm chest. "I love you, too..." Dwalin just tightened his hold, and for the first time in a very long time, Fili felt like he had something to look toward... something his own that he could invest in and feel good about... Finally, he had a reason to avoid death. He felt loved, protected, and most importantly, understood. There was something in the way the warrior was to him that just made him feel completely comfortable with himself, and he never wanted to let that go. He realized they were deeply in love, perhaps had been for a long time, and he could feel, in his heart, that nothing could take that away from him.

Fili lifted up and kissed Dwalin deeply, and the two drifted into sleep wrapped in each other's arms.

END