Summary: Fili has a moment of weakness and Bilbo's message causes a little snag in Bazani's plans.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. This is fiction

Just Once

Fili was lonely. He had his family, but they were all searching for Borin. Normally, he'd be there with them, but he was still learning how to rule and Dis refused to let him take time off. She assured him that she, Frerin and the guards could find his cousin, while he concentrated on his work.

And Fili missed his fiance. The dwarves still had not heard from the party that had travelled to the Shire and Fili was concerned. What if something had happened? What if there were no survivors and the kingdom did not find out about their deaths until future travellers stumbled across their bodies? Or bones? What if...

"You're panicking again."

The prince looked up, surprised at the voice. Avna. Fili could admit that she had been a big help in the past weeks. She could calm Fili down and organised his days, the way Kili used to. Fili had spoken to Thorin about making her his secretary.

"I am. Avna, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Why was she blushing? Never mind, he had something more important to ask.

"You've been invaluable to me to the past few weeks. I don't think I could survive without you here. How do you feel about being my personal secretary?"

"Really? Will I be spending a lot of time with you?"

Fili frowned, confused. Why was that important?

"Well, yes, I suppose you will be. Certainly more than you do now."

Avna squealed, rushing around the desk to throw her arms around Fili's neck.

"Of thank you, thank you! Fili, this is wonderful."

"Yes, I suppose it is. Tell you what,why don't you run down and get some wine? We'll have a drink to celebrate."

Avna nodded and ran from the room. Fili chuckled to himself. She was excited, that was for sure. Avna was an intelligent dwarf, with a good head on her shoulders. He could trust her. Fili pulled out two glasses for the wine. Valar, he hoped this idea was a good one.

Thorin smiled as Bazani handed him his spare quill, taking the one he had been using to sharpen. Since the night she had comforted him, Thorin and Bazani had been spending a lot of time together. Bazani was a Queen. She had a good understanding of Thorin's relationship with the surrounding areas and she knew that he needed to spend time everyday with his family and the Company. When he was away from his office, Bazani happily took over. It wasn't the same as having his Hobbit with him. Bilbo did all that for him and then some, but it was close.

"My King, a raven has arrived. He has a message."

Thorin would later admit, that yes, he ran to where the raven was eating.

"You have a message?"

The raven turned a beady eye on him. If birds could smirk, this one would.

"Yes, from your little Hobbit. He reached the Shire safely. There was an issue with some irritating family member."

"Lobelia?"

"Yes, that's the name. Look at you, knowing his family."

"Tell me the rest of the message!"

The raven flapped his wings, muttering to himself.

"Yes, yes. They arrived perfectly safe. The new road is wonderful. The three will be going to see the Thain tomorrow to get the blessing. They will give Bilbo some time to recover from the journey and to strengthen himself for the journey back."

"When do they think they'll be back in Erebor?"

"They think another 3 months."

"Thank you my friend. You may rest now."

The raven chuckled and flew off, leaving a relieved king behind him. Bilbo would be back in three months. That gives three months to find Borin, get a nursery ready, train Tauriel and clear everything up with Bazani and her family.

The king was so lost in thought that he did not see Bazani standing in the doorway. Damn that hobbit. Things were going so well between her and Thorin. And now, all he would care about is Bilbo. Bazani had three months. When that hobbit returned he was in for a nasty surprise. She wasn't sure yet what she would do, but it would get rid of Baggins once and for all.

Fili smiled as he felt Kili burrow deeper into his side. Wait, Kili? Fili's eyes snapped open. He looked to his side, afraid of what he would see. Avna, naked. And Fili himself was naked. Oh Mahal. What had he done?

A/N Fili tries to remember what happened and Avna makes it difficult. We look in on Borin, is he ok?