Big thanks to SettingSummerSun for following/favouriting.

Bleeding Blue Kunoichi – I agree they do deserve a break.

Rachetg – This isn't the last we see of the Hobbit I can say that much.

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Nice Egan – We have more cuteness to come I promise.

Surprise Visitors

Two Months Later

Curled up on Kili's lap Fira couldn't help but slip her hand underneath his shirt. They'd spent the past two months doing nothing but hug each other and Fira didn't want it to stop. However, in the back of her mind there was that voice telling her it would soon change. Her legs were almost healed now. She still needed the crutches but Fira knew in a couple of weeks she would be fine. Her hips still ached every time she sat down but she was no longer in agonising pain.

"Fira?"

"Yes?"

"Are you alright? You seem…quiet."

Nodding Fira glance up at Kili, "I'm fine. I was just thinking about when we have to go back to Erebor."

"We don't have to do anything," Kili reminded her, "We could stay here for as long as you want. Or we could go somewhere else for a bit if you fancied a change?"

"No. No I do want to go back. I've missed everyone. I'm just scared."

Kili tightened his hold on her, "Of what? Thorin?"

"A bit," Fira snuggled up to Kili who kissed her lightly on the forehead.

"I know I have no reason to be anymore. But after last time…I just don't trust him."

"Fira…"

She didn't give him time to finish, "And there's later as well. When things settle down and become normal. When the others arrive. When your mother arrives."

Kili chuckled, "I knew it."

Narrowing her eyes Fira glanced at him.

"Knew what?"

"That you were nervous about meeting mother."

"Oh," blushing Fira glanced down at her ring, "Well who can blame me? She's your mother!"

"You have nothing to worry about my love," Kili cuddled her, "We're engaged. Even if she wanted to do something she couldn't."

"She could send me away from you."

Fira didn't know why she was getting all worked up. Judging from Fili's last letter it would be a couple more months before the dwarves from Ered Luin reached Erebor. Plenty of time for her to prepare. Kili smiled.

"Well as we've already proven that means I'll be going as well. Anyway, I should be the worried one."

"You?"

He grimaced, "The second mother gets you alone she'll be spilling every embarrassing story about me!"

Fira reached up and kissed him, "You make that sound like a bad thing."

Smirking Kili kissed her cheek before his lips moved across to her mouth. Holding him tightly so she didn't fall Fira allowed herself to melt against Kili's body. He gripped her firmly but not enough to hurt her. They both broke apart for air.

"Beorn won't be back for a while," Fira ran a finger down Kili's chest, "We could always continue this upstairs."

His eyes widened and she could see a boyish smile appear.

"That sounds wonderful."

Slipping her arms around his neck Fira allowed Kili to pick her up in his arms. Foreheads pressed together they moved towards the stairs.

"What was that?" Fira tensed. Kili paused and shook his head.

"I can't hear anything."

He took another step before freezing. As a howl rang from outside Fira gripped Kili hard. He locked eyes with her.

"Wargs."

He began running towards the stairs.

"Kili what are you doing?"

He looked at her as though she was stupid, "Making sure you'll be safe."

Rolling her eyes Fira shook her head, "Put me on that table under the window."

Kili gulped, "Fira are you insane! You'll be seen."

She ignored him, "Do it and give me your bow. I might not be able to fight but I'm pretty sure I can still fire an arrow."

"Fira…"

"Kili," she let loose a growl, "Last time you tried to keep me safe you drugged me. But I still fought anyway. Let's not have a repeat of that situation."

He nodded and hurried back across the room. As she was placed on the table Fira dragged herself to the window to get a good look. She was aware of Kili dumping his bow by her but she ignored him.

"Oh my…there's four of them. Two have riders!"

Kili swore, "Okay, stay there Fira. No matter what happens."

She nodded; holding the bow to her chest. Kili grabbed his sword and a knife.

"Try and work your magic on the wargs. I'll go for the orcs."

He moved towards the door and Fira cleared her throat.

"Be careful."

He nodded before running outside. Turning back to the window Fira fitted an arrow to her bow and took aim. None of their attackers had noticed her. Instead they were moving towards the lone figure of Kili. He swung his sword.

"You get once chance," he yelled, "Turn around and leave before it's too late!"

The orc closest laughed before turning to the other one.

"Bring his girl out here! I want to see his face as she dies!"

Fira could have been sick at these words. They had to have been watching the house. Waiting until Beorn left them alone before striking. Kili yelled several dwarven curses before slashing at the closest warg. Taking aim through the open window Fira bit her lip. The wargs were big enough targets yes, but Kili kept getting in her way. He was dancing around the wargs, avoiding their huge jaws. But by some force of bad luck he kept getting in the way of her targets. Fira bit her lip. If she called out she would draw attention to herself. If she stayed then she would just be useless. Rolling her eyes she whistled. The warg closest to Kili glanced up at the sound. The second it began running she fired the arrow. Watching it sink into the wargs head Fira grabbed another and took aim. Kili meanwhile had somehow jumped onto the back of a warg and was now grappling with the orc riding it. Fira knew she shouldn't watch but she couldn't help it. Kili dragged his knife across the orcs throat before jumping and stabbing the warg in the side. He turned and Fira blew him a kiss. However Kili's face had gone ashen.

"FIRA!"

Turning Fira had no time to scream as a warg burst through the open window. It slammed her to the floor, snapping at her neck. Wincing at the pain in her back Fira was horribly aware of the huge teeth that brushed against her cheek.

"No," letting her dragon eyes form she glared at the warg, "Move away from me."

It whined but did as she bid. As it backed away she forced herself to sit up; keeping eye contact with the warg.

And then she heard Kili screaming.

Before she could stop herself Fira turned to the window. There were more screams along with warg howls.

"KILI!"

Her screams for him were mixed up in other screams as the warg pounced. The back of her head hit the floor from the force. Reaching out for something to grab onto Fira kicked out as the warg began dragging her backwards. It's teeth sunk into her ankle but she tried to ignore the pain.

"Hey!"

Fira could have sobbed at that voice.

"Get away from my girl!"

The warg whined before howling and the pressure from her ankle vanished. Turning round Fira saw Kili dragging it's dead body from the house. Sitting up she turned to the window. No more howls or snarls. Only silence.

"Kili?"

He moved towards her; one hand holding his shoulder. Up close Fira realised it was stained with blood.

"Kili!"

"I'm fine," he grimaced, "Honestly it's just a scratch."

He then knelt down and examined her bleeding ankle, "What about you?"

Not saying anything Fira let him pull her to her feet and together they limped towards Beorns kitchen.

Fira said nothing as Kili cleaned and bandaged her ankle. Her back was aching and she just wanted to lie down. However Kili still had a bleeding shoulder that needed to be looked at. The second her ankle was bandaged Fira snapped her fingers.

"Shirt off."

He winked at her, "I didn't know you were so keen Fira."

Rolling her eyes Fira waited until he took it off. Forcing herself not to stare at his body she crawled forward to examine his wounds. In some ways Kili had been right. It was just a scratch. However it was a deep one running over his shoulder. And it hadn't stopped bleeding. Pressing a cold cloth to it Fira kissed the bare skin around it.

"Are you hurt anywhere else?"

Kili shook his head and took her free hand.

"I'm sorry Fira. I should have realised we were being watched."

"It's not your fault."

"If any of them had laid a finger on you I…"

Kissing his cheek Fira removed the cloth, "It'll need stiches."

Kili gulped and Fira poked his chest.

"Now then, I thought you were a strong and brave prince."

"I am!" Kili kissed her nose, "A strong and brave prince who doesn't like needles."

Kili was just putting his tunic back on when the door opened. Fira wasn't surprised to see Beorn. However the man beside him was a different matter.

"Gandalf!"

The wizard gave a small bow whilst Beorn glanced at her nervously.

"Why are their warg bodies outside?"

"We had some visitors," Kili explained, "But they won't be troubling us again."

Beorn mumbled under his breath. However Fira was more interested in Gandalf. Reaching over she grabbed her crutches. However the wizard was quicker. In several small strides he reached the pair. Hugging him Fira smiled.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm not called the 'wandering wizard' for nothing my dear," Gandalf chuckled, "I wanted to see how you were both doing."

Smiling Fira was aware of Gandalf shooting Kili odd looks every few seconds. Something nagged at her that this visit was far from spontaneous.

"Kili," Gandalf cleared his throat, "Could I have a word with you outside please?"

Nodding Kili kissed Fira before following the wizard towards the door. Watching them go Fira then turned to see Beorn smiling at her.

"What?"

He chuckled, "Two broken legs and you can still take down a warg."

Blushing Fira glanced up to see the door shutting behind Kili. Even though she had no reason to feel uneasy; she suspected that whatever Gandalf wanted to say would change the peaceful life she'd enjoyed these past couple of months.

Resting against the wall of Beorn's house Kili watched as Gandalf took out his pipe and lit it. The wizard took several puffs before glancing down at him.

"How are you doing Kili? How is Fira?"

"Fine. She's almost fully recovered," Kili knew what Gandalf would want to talk about. However he was going to put it off as long as possible.

"Have you heard from the others?"

"Fili writes to us a lot. And Fira keeps in touch with some of the others. Why?"

"Thorin?"

Sighing Kili ran a hand through his hair.

"I've had a couple of letters from him. Why?"

"Kili you can't stay here forever."

Even though he knew the wizard was right Kili couldn't help but tense at this.

"Why not?"

"You are a prince under the Mountain. You have responsibilities."

"I do," Kili nodded, "And my number one responsibility is and always will be Fira."

"Kili…"

"No," folding his arms Kili stared defiantly at the wizard.

"Fili is Thorin's heir not me. I do plan on going back but it's not like I'm actually needed. They can live without me for a bit."

Gandalf raised an eyebrow, "Do you honestly think that? Kili I've been back to Erebor. You are needed."

Kili couldn't help but scoff at this. Like he would believe that! He was just Fili's younger brother. Had Fira not joined the quest he would have just been the tag along. However Gandalf was nodding seriously.

"You don't know how important you were to the others. Especially your brother."

"He has Mithiel now," Kili said. Gandalf nodded.

"Yes. But you were the one who made him believe he was strong enough to lead people. I watched you as you travelled Kili. You were the one to push away Fili's doubts. You were the one who always believed in him. In all of them. Kili I know you always believed your role was that of a joker; but by being cheerful you also kept the others hopeful. Right now, without you, they're losing that hope."

Kili shook his head slowly; he wasn't…he wasn't that important. Was he?

Gandalf sighed and knelt down before him.

"Thorin needs you Kili. What he did to you and Fira is tearing him apart. He thinks you've left for good. That you won't be coming back. I know what he did is hard to forgive. But you need to allow him a chance. You need to make him realise that you still love him."

Kili nodded, "I'm still angry. But not as much as I was before. I understand the gold was affecting him but…"

Gandalf smiled, "Tell me Kili. Are you staying here because you're afraid?"

Blushing Kili wondered if he should deny such a thing. However before he could do so he realised he was nodding.

"I am. But not of Thorin."

"I know."

Kili licked his lips, "I'm just…I'm scared that I won't be able to be the heir he wants. I know it shouldn't matter too much. After all I won't ever be king. But he'll still expect things of me and I don't know if I'll be able to deliver."

Glancing up at Gandalf Kili saw the wizard nodding.

"We all fear we won't be good enough," the wizard whispered, "But I've watched you and your brother on the quest Kili. You both grew into tough, capable warriors and leaders. I've no doubt that you'll be a perfect heir to Thorin and your brother."

Smiling Kili saw Gandalf's eyes had a small twinkle.

"So then…can I assume you'll be returning to Erebor?"

Running a hand through his hair Kili nodded, "In a couple of weeks Fira should be well enough to travel. We'll go then."

Gandalf got to his feet, "I'm pleased to hear it. Now then, shall we go inside?"

Following the wizard Kili saw Beorn and Fira sitting by the fire. She was laughing at something the giant had told her. However as her gaze landed on him Kili saw her eyes light up. Not for the first time he wondered why he had ever been jealous of Beorn.

When she woke up the next morning Fira could hear someone moving about in the room. Rubbing her eyes she glanced up to see Kili tiptoeing towards the door.

"Kili?"

He froze before turning around, "Sorry. Did I wake you?"

"No," sitting up Fira rubbed her aching legs, "Where are you going?"

"We need some more wood," Kili explained, "I said I'd get some yesterday but forgot."

Nodding Fira searched Kili's face. He hadn't said anything about his conversation with Gandalf and yet she knew something was bugging him. Deciding to let it slip for now she sat back and smiled.

"See you in a bit."

Nodding Kili left the room whilst Fira stretched out her arms. Pushing back the blankets she reached down and picked up the dress she wore yesterday. She had kept a couple here in case and she remembered Kili's face when she first wore one. Tunics and trousers were more practical certainly but Fira loved having a long dress that twirled around her feet. This one was a dark orange with a dark leather belt sitting on her hips. Slipping it over her head and doing the belt up Fira licked her lips. Her crutches leant against the wall and she sighed. Her legs had been getting stronger each day. Maybe…if she just tried a couple of steps..?

Sitting on the edge of the bed Fira nodded.

"One, two, three!"

She had expected the wobble. However she didn't crash to the floor. Her legs ached but seemed to hold her weight. Taking a deep breath she took a step forward.

Nothing.

No pain. Not even a dull ache. Brushing her skirt down Fira took one more step. Then another. And another one.

"BEORN!"

It was only a few seconds before the door burst open. Beorn took a deep breath.

"Little fawn?"

At the worry in his eyes Fira felt slightly guilty for yelling. However as Beorn realised what was happening his smile grew.

"You…your legs..?"

"I know!" Fira clapped her hands, "Can you go and find Kili and bring him here. Don't tell him just bring him here."

Nodding Beorn left. Turning Fira couldn't help her tears. She had never doubted that she would walk but Oin had told her that the chance had been there. Wiping her eyes she gingerly made her way towards the stairs. Determined that Kili would get the surprise of his life.

Wiping the sweat from his face Kili glanced down at the pile of wood by his feet. Taking a small axe he had gone outside to chop up some bigger chunks of wood. After several minutes the hot weather had been too much and he'd shed his tunic – leaving him bare chested. He wondered what Fira would have done if she had seen. The images were enough to make him blush.

"Kili!"

At Beorn's voice Kili narrowed his eyes. He could see the giant running from the house.

"Kili hurry!"

Placing the axe on the ground Kili didn't even bother getting his shirt. Beorn would only ever have one reason to summon him like that. Ignoring the wood Kili ran towards the house.

Pushing the door open Kili glanced around the room. Beorn hadn't told him anything; just that he had to hurry. Biting his lip Kili looked around again. He knew he shouldn't but he couldn't help but imagine seeing Fira's unconscious body sprawled out before him. But all he found was an empty room.

"Fira? Fira where are you?"

"Over here."

At her voice Kili turned towards the stairs. There he saw something that he knew would come; yet still took his breath away.

Fira walking. By herself without her crutches.

Smiling through his tears Kili watched as she took the stairs one at a time. She clutched the bannister with one hand and her dress with the other. Inching forward he was aware he was wearing only boots and trousers. Fira blushed for a second before smiling as she reached him. Kili took her hands.

"You….oh Fira!"

Picking her up he swung her round. Fira clung to him; pressing kisses to his chest. Kissing her forehead Kili beamed at her.

"You're brilliant."

He set her down on her feet; unable to stop himself from holding onto her. Fira smiled.

"I think this calls for a celebration."

Sweeping her into his arms Kili nodded.

"Indeed it does."

Smiling Fira cuddled against his chest as he carried her upstairs. Only when he knew Beorn wouldn't be watching did Kili cover her mouth with his. They didn't stop; even when they reached the bedroom.

So apologies for the time jump but I didn't really have anything that would fit in-between. Secondly Fira is healed! Just about….sort of. Also it was nice to see Gandalf again. To me he always seemed like the one who saw how much the company changed the most over the story. Let me know what you think xxx