Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Before Ori was about to leave at the end of another work day, he happened to notice flaxen hair spilling onto a table, then snoring.

He called the Crown Prince's name, but to no avail. He tried tapping Fíli's shoulders, but still no response. Ori was running out of options, short of dumping a bucket of water upon Fíli's head, and he would not do that unless it was absolutely necessary.

However, when Fíli shifted and some of his hair did, too, Ori got an idea. It made him blush, but he would have to try. Ori did not wish to leave Fíli vulnerable on his own, after all. He hoped Fíli would accept an apology from him later.

So, Ori reached out and carefully stroked a hand through Fíli's beautiful blond tresses, trying to ignore the sudden gooseflesh he felt cropping up all over his arms.

Fíli began to move more, and then he was making a soft noise. Ori pulled his hand away, but then he heard, "Please, don't stop."

Ori cleared his throat, suddenly feeling a bit more awkward.

"Fíli, you know it's me."

The prince turned a bright blue eye towards him, looking mostly aware for someone who had moments ago been sleeping. When Fíli spoke, his voice was a bit scratchy, but still steady.

"I do. My request remains, unless you would rather not."

Ori shook his head.

"No, it's okay. I don't mind," Ori said, and he meant it.

So, in the quiet of the library, he carded his hand through Fíli's hair, while the prince made his appreciation known in soft sighs.

The sounds did nothing but make Ori's heart pound harder than it ever had.

Fíli sought Ori out, a warm cup of tea in hand, with some left over honey that Beorn had sent in a shipment of food rations for those who had reclaimed the Lonely Mountain. He found the scribe seated at his desk, bent over some book.

Fíli cleared his throat, then was met with a hesitant but warm smile shortly after.

"I thought you might like some tea."

Ori's eyebrows raised.

"How did you know?"

Fíli shrugged.

"You're still here, and I see you with some on occasion. It was just a guess, but I hoped I was right."

Ori nodded, then motioned Fíli over, who handed the cup to the scribe. Their fingers just barely brushed, which sent an odd thrill through him, that he tried to ignore as his hand retreated back to hang at his side.

Shortly, Fíli watched as Ori took a sip, then there was a look of contentment on his face, while the scribe swallowed his drink. When their gazes met again, Ori's eyes were glimmering a bit, while the latter smiled.

"Thank you. That was very thoughtful of you."

Fíli shrugged, though he found himself returning the smile.

"It's the least I could do, after you stayed late for me before."

Ori shook his head, after he set down the drink.

"You don't owe me anything, Fíli. You were obviously tired, and I had no problem doing that. Everyone needs somebody sometimes."

Fíli sighed.

He pointed to an empty chair, then asked, "Can I sit down?"

Ori considered him for a moment, then said, "Be my guest. Though I imagine you'll be bored soon enough. The most exciting it gets down here is finding books or scrolls only half damaged by time or the dragon."

Fíli shook his head, as he seated himself.

"If you don't mind, a bit of quiet or the noises of background busy work, even the tedious kind, would do me some good."

Ori raised an eyebrow, then shrugged.

"You're welcome to keep me company, then."

Days and weeks went on, much like the one where Fíli had brought Ori tea, of them both sitting near each other in the library while Ori worked, and Fíli either watched or slept as he went about his business. Until one day, the prince dropped down into his usual seat, and sighed heavily.

Fíli was only quiet for a few heartbeats, before he said, "Thorin's brooding, and Kíli, I can't even make him smile anymore. Bilbo's trying to console Thorin, and Amad's not even here yet. I have no one. No one notices or cares about me anymore."

Ori thought to keep silent, but seeing and hearing the blond look so forlorn, he couldn't. There was also the slightest bit of hurt he felt, given they had spent weeks together, just enjoying each other's company. At least, that's what he thought they had been doing.

However, that wasn't the point at the current moment.

"I notice you, Fíli," Ori said, softly.

Fíli's eyes met his, and there was an edge of realization in them not long after.

Fíli groaned, then dropped his head into his hands. After a few moments, he lifted his face again, a look of remorse visible there.

"I'm sorry. You're right. That was wrong of me to dismiss your presence so easily. You've become a comfort to me, and I -"

Ori shook his head. He had wanted that to be acknowledged, but suddenly faced with the apology, he wasn't sure he could justify why it had bothered him so much. Probably not for the reasons that Fíli was giving one, at the very least.

Ori glanced down at his hands, lacing them together, then said, "It's okay. Though I've enjoyed your company as of late, I know you would rather not be spending your time with me."

Fíli made a disapproving noise, which had Ori glancing up, after he had ceased speaking.

"I've really enjoyed your company, too, Ori," Fíli said, then sighed, glancing forward at the table in front of him. Something made Ori stand up, then walk closer towards Fíli, at his right. The prince spoke again, before Ori could. "I'm honestly not even sure why you're bothering to give me so much attention at all. I know you're busy and -"

Ori placed a tentative hand on Fíli's shoulder.

"I'm not too busy, for you. Ever."

Their eyes met again, and for some reason, Ori felt like he could barely breathe. That was strange, and simply would not do. Even so, he stood there waiting for Fíli to respond to what he had said, his hand feeling warmer where it was.

"Thank you," Fíli murmured.

Then, Ori's hand was lifted, and a kiss was placed on his palm. His mouth betrayed him, as a small whimper escaped.

Quickly, Ori ripped his hand away, and began stuttering an apology as he turned around, unable to look Fíli in the eyes anymore. He remained like that, turned away from the prince, even when he heard Fíli rising to his feet. He was likely leaving, given what had happened.

It was foolish, the way his body had reacted. Ori couldn't blame Fíli for wanting to be elsewhere, far from him. They had never been anything more than friends by happenstance, after all.

And yet, certain things Ori hadn't been able to put together before, suddenly made sense. He had gotten too comfortable with Fíli being around, he realized. The prince leaving was for the best, really.

Ori thought that was what had happened, until he felt a hand grasping his right torso lightly from behind, and warm air brushed against his left ear shortly after.

"Please, don't apologize."

Soon, Ori was bracing his hands against the book shelf in front of him. He enjoyed the way that instead of pulling apart, Fíli's forehead dropped to rest on his left shoulder. Meanwhile, their left hands tangled with the other, pressed against the spines of books, as Fíli's right arm wrapped around his mid section, and held him close. His back was pressed flush to Fíli's chest, and that was not at all terrible, either.

Ori could smell smoke and petrichor surrounding him, clinging to his nose as they stood there. Warmth enveloped him, as their bodies remained pressed together. He loved every moment of it, though something at the back of his mind was telling him to blur the lines that way, was not a good idea.

Ori ignored that thought, and allowed himself to be held; grateful for the tender touches. They were grounding, and felt nice, in comparison to the ways that not even his brothers had hugged him since they had all survived the Battle of the Five Armies. He had never been one to need much skin to skin contact, nor had he ever cared for the more tactile ways of some of their fellow dwarrow. However, faced with having no touches at all, Ori felt as if he were starved for them.

Eventually Ori heard, "I just need someone familiar right now. I feel like I'm lost in the trees, not a single way out of this damn maze in sight."

Pulse racing, he heard the question, without it being asked. Ori, as much as Fíli, was feeling somewhat similar, then. Knowing that, whatever was about to happen, he wanted it.

"Let me be your guide then. Just hold onto me," Ori murmured.

Ori felt the press of lips against the left side of his neck, and he leaned back to rest his head on Fíli's right shoulder, allowing for further access to where he was being kissed. A whimper escaped him the more that plush mouth moved slowly over his naked skin there, where his clothes could not cover.

The breath in his throat caught, as Ori felt teeth dragging leisurely against his shoulder.

"Fíli," Ori gasped, softly, as if he were paying reverence to a deity instead of speaking someone's name out loud.

"Should I stop?" Fíli asked, pulling his mouth away entirely.

Ori shook his head, then turned and pressed a soft kiss against Fíli's own neck, which brought forth a soft, appreciative noise from the prince that he had not been expecting, at all.

"No. Please, don't," Ori replied.

So, the mouth continued, drawing noises from him that no one else had before. Ori allowed it, because he wanted to, and nothing more.

Eventually, they were facing each other, and Fíli was surveying him entirely.

Ori cleared his throat, then a hand came to his face, stroking his left cheek.

"I feel like I'm about to drown," Ori murmured, tilting his head to the side slightly, as he gazed up at the impossibly blue eyes above him; ones that were akin to reflecting pools of water on a sunny day.

Fíli smiled, then said, "Not on my watch; I'll help you swim."

Then their lips came together gently, and Ori felt buoyed up by the happiness coursing through him; no sinking required.

"I don't like being alone at night," Fíli admitted.

Ori was in his arms atop his bed, after they had slept together in it, for the first time.

Following their snogging in the library, selfishly Fíli had been unable to let go of whatever was happening, because he knew if he held on, then he might not have to remain alone for another night. So, he had offered to continue what they were doing, in his bed. That led to all of their clothes being removed, and their bodies entangled with the other's. It had been a comfort, and a bright spot of warmth in his otherwise dreary life.

Ori was like that to him in recent days, really; a firefly that lit up the darkness surrounding him.

"Then I'll stay," Ori responded.

Internally, Fíli exhaled, grateful that he hadn't ruined anything yet.

Everything else about his life after surviving the Battle of the Five Armies alongside the Company, felt too heavy, too much. With Ori though, Fíli felt somewhat normal, and had someone to share his days with, who seemed genuinely happy to see him every time he showed up in the library.

Fíli could not have predicted he and Ori would be as close as they were right then. However, he did not regret it, at all.

"Thank you," Fíli whispered, then pressed a kiss to Ori's bare shoulder, pulling the slighter dwarf closer to him again.

In the darkness, they clutched each other, holding onto something familiar; something not quite home, but just a little to the left of it.

For Fíli, that was enough.

"I thought we might take a little trip tonight," Fíli said, when Ori arrived in his quarters one evening.

Fíli had given specific instructions to any who might guard his door, that Ori was to be given free access. So, he met with no resistance, each time he came and went over the last few weeks they had shared a bed. With so few in the mountain, gossip could only travel so far.

Nevermind that Nori was too busy dealing with his own drama between Bofur and Dwalin to care about what Ori was doing. Meanwhile, Dori was also working to establish a Weavers' guild as part of his contributions to the rebuilding efforts. Needless to say, neither were going to pay any mind to the fact their younger brother started sleeping elsewhere.

If they were going to, they would have already sought either him or Fíli out sooner. Knowing them, they probably assumed Ori was falling asleep in the library. What they weren't aware of wouldn't hurt them.

"Where to?" Ori asked, after divesting himself of his satchel, and his scarf.

"Outside, beneath the stars."

Ori smiled, a bit surprised, but no less willing still.

"Oh, okay."

Fíli held up a glass bottle, which sloshed around a pink liquid inside of it when he did.

"I managed to find us this bottle of wine, too, from the kitchens. It's fruity, and sweet."

Ori smiled.

"Just like you."

Fíli shrugged.

"Something like that, I suppose."

So, they went through the front gate, and Ori spread out the blanket Fíli had found for them to use. It was a gorgeous night, the moon hanging full above them, as they sipped on the alcohol the prince had procured.

Between sips, they traded kisses, and eventually Fíli was humming aloud, his mouth trailing elsewhere across Ori's skin. Though he did not try to remove clothes, or anything of that sort. It was a comfortable ease they shared between them, enjoying the wine and each other.

At one point, the bottle was placed aside, and Fíli's head was in Ori's lap, where he stroked through the blond strands fondly. The alcohol burned a bit in his belly, but it paled in comparison to the affection he felt for the prince. A small part of him worried what might happen, should something shatter this new equilibrium they had found together. He hoped nothing ever would.

Swathed in furs and the comfort of Ori's skin pressed against his, Fíli felt a happiness bubbling in him he hadn't in so long. Ori wasn't just a warm body to him; he was a friend and someone whose company Fíli enjoyed. Together was better than apart, he decided, surrounded by the scent of lavender and entangled in Ori's limbs like he was.

Ori was nuzzling into his chest, while Fíli's hand found itself tangling into the auburn hair he had only grasped more recently for pleasure. However, sliding his fingers through it then was a comfort that had nothing to do with orgasms or anything of the like.

"Feels nice, you being here," Fíli said, before he could stop himself.

"I like cuddling, with you," Ori replied, softly.

Fíli smiled.

"I've come to enjoy it with you, too."

Ori hummed, but didn't utter a response otherwise. So, Fíli held the smaller dwarf closer to him, grateful the scribe liked his company, too.

Ori was crying one day: sobbing really. Nori had left him and Dori with only a note, so he felt like he could barely stand.

That was how Fíli found him, bent over a spare space of his desk that wasn't covered in parchment or anything to do with work.

"Ori, what's wrong?" Fíli asked, quietly.

Ori couldn't look up to meet his eyes, while he whispered, "Please, just hold me."

"It's okay. I've got you," Fíli said, softly.

Soon, Ori was gathered up in strong arms. Afterwards, he was crying his heart out against Fíli's chest, uncaring that his face was covered in a river of tears and snot. The feeling of being held by Fíli eased the devastating ache inside of him, at least.

Ori was seated at Fíli's desk, a candle nearby illuminating his face as he wrote.

In the flickering light of the flame, Fíli saw Ori's features drawn into a concentrated expression. It was enough that he did not wish to break that sort of composure; there was an artful quality to it, not that he knew much about such things as Ori did. However, it also made his stomach flip a little, to see the way the scribe occupied his desk, working as if he belonged there.

Perhaps he did.

As if he felt the weighted look Fíli was giving him, Ori glanced up and met his eyes. The light cast a warm glow across the brown irises that glittered with a radiance of their own, and it nearly stole Fíli's breath away to see.

Whatever they were, he wasn't sure if Ori would be receptive to him thinking such thoughts. They spent time together, shared a bed to sleep and to touch each other, but were feelings allowed? He didn't know, but certainly did not wish to have the mystery dispelled, if for whatever reason, the scribe could not find it in himself to care for him in that sort of capacity.

It might break him a bit to learn that Ori couldn't, and he was already fractured.

Fíli cleared his throat, then stepped forward.

He placed his hands on Ori's shoulders, then bent down and kissed the top of his head.

"Hello, there."

Ori remained glancing forward, as he spoke.

"Hi, I was just finishing up here. I can move if-"

"It's alright. Take as much time as you need," Fíli said, cutting him off.

He squeezed Ori's shoulders, and did his best not to voice the more besotted thoughts that had begun to creep into his mind.

"If you're sure," Ori mumbled.

"I am," Fíli said, then pressed a kiss to Ori's right cheek.

Ori reached back, and grasped his right hand. That tethered Fíli in place, standing there gazing down at the former, who had turned and was watching him, too.

"How was your day?" Ori asked quietly, still holding his hand.

"Nothing of note. Though it's much better now, that I'm here with you."

Ori smiled softly, rubbing a thumb over his hand.

"I'm glad, then. I like it when you're around, too. It's nice, and much warmer."

Fíli chuckled.

"You look pretty cozy here, without me."

Ori shrugged.

"I prefer your company, though. Parchment and quills can only give me so much. I can create worlds with them, but you've crafted a soft place for me to land in your arms. I think that is equally lovely."

Fíli's heart stuttered.

He couldn't speak right then. So, instead, Fíli bent down and kissed the edge of Ori's jaw, reveling in the sound that escaped his lover when he did. Soon, he was trailing kisses over bare skin, and grasping it, hoping to give enough for them to both hold onto amidst the tumultuous sea of uncertainty they swam in.

Ori was laying in Fíli's bed one evening, alone.

It was not the first time this had happened more recently, but a string of nights put together, made him worry. He was prone to overworking himself at times, but not to the extent he had noticed Fíli doing so.

A part of Ori did not wish to bring it up at all, but if he couldn't voice his concern to Fíli, then could he really even be counted as the latter's friend? Nevermind that what they were doing was unscripted, but so wonderful he did not want it to go away. However, all of that aside, Ori cared about Fíli as his own dwarf, too. Not for what the prince could do to him or give him, but for himself. He felt it would be remiss of him not to at least ask after Fíli's wellbeing.

So, when Fíli trudged in much later, Ori was up trying to help him get ready for bed. The former allowed it in the barest of senses, waving him off once his first layers and more easily accessed weapons were shed, while in general just barely allowing Ori to touch him.

So, Ori tried a different tactic, as Fíli continued stripping.

"Have you eaten?"

Fíli nodded, after tossing his boots off into a corner, and began to divest himself of the layers he hadn't pulled off yet.

"A bit, yeah. Thorin and I took a meal earlier, while we did paperwork."

Ori bit the inside of his cheek, then asked, "Is everything alright?"

Fíli sighed, then flopped face first into the bed, his head burying into the pillows. Ori heard an elongated groan after that escape the former, while he idly noticed the tension in Fíli's bare shoulders.

Ori was still standing, leaning against a bed post with his arms crossed, wondering if he should just let it all go. Eventually, he found that he couldn't.

"Fíli?"

Fíli remained where he was for a moment, then sat up and looked at Ori.

"I'm fine, Ori. Just tired."

Ori bit his bottom lip, almost willing to take that assertion, but he knew he needed to continue.

"You've been working a lot lately. More so than you normally do, and I just wanted to make sure that you're okay. Overworking yourself isn't good for you alone, anymore than it is for the kingdom," Ori said.

Fíli heaved a sigh, then said a bit tersely, "I said, I'm fine. I don't need you worrying about me."

Ori grimaced, his gaze dropping. He refused to meet Fíli's eyes, as he said, "Right. You just like me warming your bed, and being around. Caring, apparently, is off limits."

Ori didn't bother to wait for a reply, before he went for the door. However, he heard his name, which made him stop. He didn't turn around yet, because his pulse was racing, and there would likely be evident hurt still on his face.

He remained there, waiting for whatever it was Fíli felt the need to say. Ori wasn't even sure he wanted an apology, but he also did not wish to be angry with Fíli either.

As much a comfort as the prince swore he was, Fíli in turn had become that to him. Feelings Ori knew should not have begun, had been sprouting in his heart. Though after what Fíli said, they had wilted a bit. Even so, Ori couldn't help feeling drawn to Fíli, and he really hoped that the blond wouldn't give him reason enough that they shouldn't continue as they had been anymore.

Ori heard the creak of the bed, and then footsteps on stone, but he didn't turn around. He was quite worried he might actually cry, and that was the last thing he wished to be doing right then.

Warm breath caressed the back of Ori's neck, and then he heard, "I'm sorry. That was rude of me. I'm just not used to anyone caring much right now, but I don't mind that you do. I'm glad you do, really, because I don't think of you as a bed warmer, Ori. Mahal, if I have ever made you think that, I am so sorry."

Ori turned to Fíli then, and met his eyes. There was clear regret in his face, as he waited for a response to what he had said.

Ori sighed.

"Even if we weren't doing what we are, I would still care, Fíli. However, being in such close quarters, it's easier to see when you're wearing yourself thin."

Fíli nodded.

Then, their foreheads were touching, and Fíli was wrapping his arms around Ori. Ori allowed it, and being drawn closer, too.

"You're allowed to care, Ori."

"Could have fooled me," Ori breathed out, though he still leaned into the embrace, grateful for the sudden familiar touch.

Fíli sighed.

"I might have been a bit more prickly, because you were right. You're the first one to notice, and as happy as I was about that, it hurt a bit, too."

"Why?" Ori asked, laying his head on Fíli's left shoulder, eyes trained across the way.

"Thorin sees me damn near everyday, but hasn't made so much as a comment. Even Bilbo, who I would like to think at one time would have, is so lost to his own fretting and pain, he doesn't see much else right now. Kíli, well, I don't blame him. He's not all there most days, so he likely wouldn't remember much." Fíli stopped, then sighed, before he spoke again.

"I'm just frustrated. That isn't your fault though, and I'm sorry I made you feel like I did. I promise though, I care about you, too, Ori. Before anything else, that is simply the truth."

A kiss was placed on the crown of Ori's head, so he nuzzled a bit closer.

They stood like that for a while, Ori trying to ground himself again, after the tumultuous rock tumble of emotions his heart had been taken along for. The scent of smoke and petrichor surrounded him, as much as Fíli's warmth did.

"It is rather late. I imagine if you're still here, you'll be staying the night," Fíli said.

Ori nodded, though not moving away from Fíli just yet. A hand was carding through his hair, and that alone was quite lovely, alongside everything else.

Fíli could be sweet, when he wanted to be. Oftentimes, he really was. It was what made even the thought of giving up what they had started, too much to bear.

Ori liked Fíli, as more than a friend, or someone to sleep with. He was glad to know that at least in some capacity, that feeling was returned.

"Would you like to sleep now?" Fíli murmured.

Ori exhaled a sigh of his own, then responded quietly.

"I would like to lay in bed, though it might be a while before I manage to fall asleep."

"I think I have an idea then, to help you pass the time, if you're amenable to it," Fíli whispered.

Ori nodded, more than okay with that suggestion. Perhaps it wasn't the correct thing to do, but given he had been worried whatever they were might have soon been lost to him not even an hour ago, he was glad to share touches with Fíli.

Soon, Ori was up in Fíli's arms, wrapping his legs around the bare waist below him. For a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, the former dipped his head down, and kissed Fíli softly, then rose up again.

Ori could feel the arms wrapped around his back tighten their hold on him, as they began a dance of tongue and teeth, that eventually led them to the bed at last.

Fíli had fucked up. He knew it, and despite the fact they had worked it all out, the guilt ate at him for days afterwards.

Ori cared, and he had been an arse, no better than Thorin when he was in a bad mood. The one dwarf who gave him the time of day with such consistency and tenderness, who Fíli cared for in return, had been made to feel like nothing more than a damn bedwarmer, because of him. That was enough for him to want to knock his head against a wall.

For months Fíli had wondered whether Ori cared at all, beyond what they had been doing, and of course, he found out in the worst possible way. His bloody mouth had done more than enough damage, but somehow he had managed to fix it all, after.

Even so, Ori deserved better.

Were he not so selfish, Fíli might suggest Ori go find that with someone else. However, the idea of Ori not being the one he often came home to, or spent the majority of his free time around, hurt like a freshly created stab wound directly in his heart. He could not, nor did he wish to, imagine that Ori might find someone else to be around, in the ways they had been.

However, Fíli knew he had to be better. That was going to start with him finding at least a semblance of balance between his duties and life outside of them, if that was possible.

"I think I'd like to learn more about plants," Fíli said, one day after he had bounded into the library, fuller of energy than Ori had seen him have in some time.

"Okay. I think we have a few texts I can pull for you. Any specific ones in mind?" Ori asked.

"Anything you have will do," Fíli said, then added, "But first, I'd like you to see what I found for you. Or your desk, really."

From behind his back, the prince then presented a small potted plant; the petals were green, but also imbued with purple, too.

Fíli held it out, as he said, "I thought it might add some colour, and it reminded me of you."

Ori smiled.

"Thank you, Fíli."

Ori took the gift from Fíli's hands, their fingers brushing, which made him nearly drop the whole plant for how it sent a lightning strike through his fingertips and onwards. Somehow, time had not dulled the way it felt to be caressed by such simple touches from Fíli, in particular.

Even so, Ori went off after setting it down, with Fíli trailing him, the prince talking as they walked.

"A caravan came in from the Blue Mountains, and there were seed packets, along with some plants. They were such a spot of colour amidst all of the destruction, and I couldn't help myself."

Ori grinned, before he said, "The gift, though surprising, is appreciated. Now, I'll just have another thing to remind me of you when you're not around."

Fíli stopped walking, then turned to Ori.

"Another thing?"

Ori gulped.

"Forget I said anything."

Ori was cursing internally, bemoaning the way sometimes thoughts flew out of his mouth, before logic could stop him.

"You know, I think of you when I'm not with you, too," Fíli said.

When Ori met his eyes again, Fíli smiled.

"I said the plant made me think of you, because it did. However, I didn't need to see a purple plant to remember you. Thoughts of you are increasingly harder to avoid, these days."

Ori's cheeks burned, but he walked past Fíli, and laced their fingers together. That was how they continued throughout the library, grasping the few scrolls and tomes regarding plants that were still legible.

"Kee?" Fíli said, as he walked into his brother's quarters.

He had been told it was a good day, and that trying to talk might do his younger brother some good.

Kíli's eyes met Fíli's as he walked in, and the former nodded.

"There you are."

"Here I am," Fíli said.

He sat down in a chair at a makeshift table that had been brought into the sparse area, so that should someone come to see Kíli, there were places to sit.

"How are you?" Kíli asked, lacing his fingers together over his stomach, firmly maintaining eye contact.

It was indeed a good day.

"I have been worse," Fíli said.

Kíli snorted, pulling a face.

"So have I."

Fíli winced.

"I'm sorry. That was a shit thing to say."

Kíli nodded.

"It was, but I'll forgive you. I know you didn't mean anything by it, Nadad."

Fíli pursed his lips, searching for words, where at one time with Kíli he never would have had to. Even so, he refused to let this good day for Kíli go to waste because he was a horrible conversation partner.

As of late, he and Ori talked a great deal. Fíli spoke to Ori about many things, really, and the conversation flowed easily between them. Absentmindedly, he found himself smiling, wishing Ori was there.

"What?" Kíli asked, which made Fíli realize he had lost his focus for a moment.

"Sorry. I was a bit distracted."

"Ya don't say," Kíli said. There was amusement, but also a searching look on his face, when their eyes met again.

Fíli sighed.

He hadn't talked to anyone about what he and Ori were up to. Fíli wasn't even sure if he was allowed. That seemed to be something he should discuss with Ori. However, they still continued on, and he did not want to upset what balance they had struck together.

"Stone for your thoughts, Fee?"

Fíli smiled.

It was a phrase they had made up as pebbles, using stones for money, because that was all they were allowed to carry being so young. Fíli was more prone to quiet than Kíli, so one day, his younger brother had held up a stone, and said, "Stone for your thoughts?"

From that day on, it was a code between them, that only they knew.

"I visited the library yesterday," Fíli began, with the truth.

Kíli crossed his arms, and raised an eyebrow.

"What for?"

"I took an interest in plants. There was a recent caravan that had a load of plants, and the color drew me to them. I saw one with purple, and I thought of Ori, so I took it to him for his desk. Then he helped me find books about gardening. I think I'll start my own, as part of the rebuilding. Ori thinks it's viable, and the resources he found talk about all different planting seasons. If I start now," Fíli continued, and for a moment, everything felt almost normal.

"I think we're supposed to separate the egg parts now," Ori said.

"Are you sure?" Fíli asked him, eyebrows raised.

Ori sighed.

"No, not exactly."

"How many times have you made this on your own?" Fíli asked.

"Counting this one?" Ori said.

Fíli nodded.

Ori's eyes dropped.

"Once," Ori replied, then said more quietly, "Nori and I would make this together, but he's not here, so I thought I would try to do it without his input."

Fíli grimaced, then said, "I'm not much of a cook, to be honest. I knew a few things, back in the Blue Mountains. However, I've not had much reason to do so for myself here, really. I suppose I'm a bit out of practice."

Ori smiled, resigned to scrapping the venture entirely.

"You and me both. Though, I can make other dishes. I suppose I should have chosen one of those, but I was just craving the one I tried to make here. I'm sorry," Ori said, then began to tidy up.

He felt a hand grasp his left shoulder, so he glanced up at Fíli. They were the only two in the kitchen, as it was between meals, so Bombur was not around at present.

When Ori gazed over at Fíli, there was no judgement, and soon he was even afforded a smile.

"It's okay that this didn't work out. Sometimes, these things happen. We can figure out another way to eat. I appreciate you trying to show me, at least."

Ori nodded, the tension he had previously felt draining from him. Soon, they were cleaning up their botched cooking efforts, and he was grateful that at least in this, he had someone to share the messy bits of life with, as much as the nicer ones, too.

Ori looked nervous when Fíli came home one evening.

The reason was soon known to Fíli as a garment was held out to him.

"I know you run warm, but I thought you might like this jumper, to help you feel cosy when I'm not around. It feels like a warm hug wearing it, so you can know what it feels like to me, to be surrounded by you."

"Thank you, Ori," Fíli said, as he took it into his grasp. The yarn that had been spun was soft beneath his touch.

"You're welcome."

Fíli carefully placed the present aside, then lifted Ori up into his arms. Legs wrapped around his waist, as arms grasped for purchase around his neck shortly after that.

Once Ori was settled, Fíli murmured, "Now, how about I make you feel like a forest fire?"

When their lips met, it was with a swell of anticipation overshadowed by burning fondness that Fíli felt deep in his bones for Ori. They hadn't declared anything so long lasting, but he wanted it to be, so long as they could manage it.

Eventually, he placed Ori back on his feet, and slowly they divested each other of anything covering their bodies; clothes, weapons, and even jewelry. They were stripping each other completely bare, then limbs and lips caressed each other in the quiet surrounding them, that was only broken up by the sounds of them chasing pleasure.

At one point, Fíli hovered over Ori, kissing him and grasping his chest, squeezing the softness he found there. That produced plaintive moans expelled only for him to hear.

Bare thighs opening for him were inviting as he trailed his mouth downwards, encouraged on by the whimpers Ori expelled. He grasped Ori's thighs firmly, then glanced up, waiting to be told one way or the other if what he intended to do was allowed.

Ori nodded, then opened himself up further, so Fíli dove in. He consumed the slick waiting there in Ori's folds, trailing his tongue throughout them, stopping to pay particular reverence to the scribe's cock.

Above him, Ori was grasping his hair, and exhaling his name furtively. Fíli hoped he might brand himself inside the scribe's mind so thoroughly, that no other name felt right on Ori's lips.

Kíli was laying out on a cot, his head resting on a pillow, when Ori found him. There were days, he was told, where the younger Durin prince was allowed free range of the mountain. However, others, he needed privacy to rest and Óin nearby.

He had meant to come see him sooner, but time with Fíli had been occupying him more than it ever had, in his spare moments away from work. Ori had always been closer to Kíli, until the last year had happened.

"You just missed my brother, if that's who you're looking for."

Ori felt his cheeks warm.

"No. I came to see you."

Kíli gave him a look, which told Ori what he thought about that. At least he was himself, rather than lost to the wilds of his mind.

"I am sorry, about not visiting again sooner," Ori said, as he stepped closer to where Kíli laid.

"It's fine. I'm sure Fíli's more pleasant company than I am, anyways. I don't blame you, and it's not as if you would be the first, Ori."

Ori grimaced.

"You were my friend, first. I don't know what he's told you, but -"

Kíli laughed, a bit darkly.

"He didn't tell me anything. I may not be well, but I know my brother. Whatever has happened since I've been occupied more, it's clear it means something to him. I only hope it means something to you as well."

Ori met Kíli's hard, searching expression, then nodded.

"It does."

Kíli nodded firmly, then said, "Good. Now, if you've actually come to see me, then tell me something I don't know, or a story. I don't really care. I'm just bored out of my mind here."

"Can I sit next to you?"

Kíli patted a spot beside him, which Ori took up soon enough, and began to talk in earnest with his friend about everything that had nothing to do with a certain Crown Prince.

Ori was supposed to be back sooner than he was. Yet, he did not show around the library, or anywhere near Fíli's quarters, as he had been doing most nights for some time.

Fíli tried not to worry. Ori had said he might be running later, given he had gone to scout around the mountain, and sketch the day away. However, when Fíli heard tell of a rainstorm, that had him unable to remain calm anymore.

Taking his coat, Fíli went out the front gates, and did his best to scout the immediate area. The rain was pouring, so visibility was quite low.

Fíli knew he should have spoken with someone, rather than running out into the night by himself, without a plan at all. However, the thought of harm coming to Ori had him treading down darker paths than he would like to go, so he had to do something before he went out of his mind with concern.

Before Fíli could begin shouting, a limping Ori trudged into view. Immediately, Fíli ran forward, and did his best to brace him up.

"What happened?" Fíli asked, once his arms were firmly holding Ori's whole body up.

"I rolled my ankle," Ori replied, leaning into him even more after.

"Here, let me lift you, then. I'll take you to see Óin."

Soon, Ori's weight was in his arms.

Before Fíli began to walk, though, the scribe was tugging at his hair, and so he met Ori's eyes.

"What?" Fíli asked.

"I've never been kissed in the rain before," Ori said, his voice hesitant as he did.

Despite being anxious about who might be watching, or the fact that Ori's ankle needed to be looked at, Fíli found himself smiling, then saying, "Allow me to remedy that, then."

When their lips came together, the storm that had roiled through Fíli since he realized something was wrong , dissipated. Rain splattered their hair and bodies, but still, he held Ori amidst it all, thankful for finding a perpetual eye to his own personal storms.

Ori was on light duty for a few days following him returning home injured, which meant they had to find stationary activities to do together. The scribe was more than content to simply read and write, but Fíli was insistent on entertaining him when not going about duties of his own, or helping Ori with anything.

It amused Ori that the prince was going to such lengths, for something that really was his own fault. He should have come back home sooner. However, Ori had been intent on finishing his drawings, as he had found a rare bloom that had not been seen outside of the mountain for quite some time.

Rain had speckled his face, but still he had continued by shielding his work with a cloak, to his eventual detriment. Now, he had to take a bit of time away from his duties in the library, and found himself with a prince playing at being a bard.

Fíli was strumming his fiddle in a ridiculous manner, making up lyrics to well-known songs, and replacing the previous lines with far more silly ones. It made Ori laugh, which he knew was the former's aim. It was unnecessary, but fun, too.

He could have been forced to stay nearer to Óin, or home in the cold family apartment he and Dori technically shared. Though, Ori was hardly ever there. Dori didn't ask too many questions, so long as Ori appeared in good spirits and health. That was all he needed from his elder brother, really.

Dori had done so much for him when he was younger, and now that they had reclaimed the mountain, Ori was set up well enough on his own that he could financially and physically take care of himself. Except at the moment, where it was easier to allow Fíli to help him walk, or bring him food because his ankle hurt too much to tread on for long periods of time.

That led to the scene before him, and Ori could not be happier.

Fíli and Ori had done research together and apart, but it was finally time to put it all into practice.

There was an old terrace, attached to a disused ballroom, which had seen better days. Fíli had found it one time while he was bored and Ori was busy with work. The terrace itself had been confirmed by Bofur to be stable, so Fíli considered the ways in which it could be used, and found that to begin a garden was what he wished to do with it.

Everyone else was involved in important infrastructure or paperwork, much like he was, occasionally. However, Fíli wished to grow something that should they remain in the Lonely Mountain, he could nurture it for years to come. Perhaps, he and Ori could do so together. That was a thought best kept to himself, though.

Instead, once they were out on the terrace, he gestured to the planter box he had built with Bifur's advice. It was just one for the time being, but Fíli hoped some day that the terrace itself would be refurbished as well, and perhaps he'd have a flourishing garden, too.

Plants, though Fíli was firmly more in the envisioning stage, brought him a level of peace that few other things did. They gave him an outlet for his thoughts that was not others he wished he could help heal, or more romantic musings, about whether he should properly court a certain dwarf he had trouble keeping out of his mind.

That specific dwarf was watching him, waiting to be told when he was ready to do what they had ventured there for.

Fíli cleared his throat, while trying to center his mind, before he spoke up.

"I only built one planter box so far, since we're giving this a try. However, if it works, I can make others to put beside the first one. Bifur showed me some basics of woodworking, and I don't find it too difficult."

Ori nodded, then glanced down at his effort.

"It looks clean cut, and solid," Ori said, then placed down the sack of soil he had brought with them.

Fíli had the seeds.

"What now?" Ori asked, looking at him again, waiting for his cues.

Fíli would have come to do what they were alone, had Ori not cared for the idea, outside of research. However, he was glad that Ori was interested in this, as much as anything else that they had been doing.

While Fíli greatly enjoyed hearing the soft sounds Ori expelled due to his touch, he also liked spending time with the scribe doing other things, such as learning about his newest interest, to start with. What Fíli enjoyed about spending time with Ori was that the scribe was equally happy to be listening to him talk about plants, or reading with his legs thrown across his lap, while Fíli played his fiddle or sharpened a weapon. They were comfortable together, and it felt like no small thing, with each passing day.

"Now," Fíli began, removing the first pouch of seeds from the confines of his clothing, "we lay down the soil, and plant these seeds."

Ori nodded, his face set in a business-like manner, then began to pour out the soil. Soon, they were both on their knees, and leaning over the planter box that rested between them.

Fíli knew Ori was smart enough to do all of this on his own. However, the scribe also was being respectful of the fact that while he had been included, this was Fíli's project first.

Fíli carefully made the holes as he had read about, swirling his finger in the soil to allow enough room for them to be plopped in there, but not too deep that the seeds would drop with too little soil encasing them at the bottom. The former glanced up, and noticed Ori was watching what he had done, intently. Afterwards, the scribe mimicked him on the other side of the square box, making two holes in the soil, equidistant apart from the others, and the walls of it, as well.

Fíli held out his left hand, which held the seeds on his palm. From research, they both knew a few seeds per hole would do, because not every one would germinate. It gave more of a chance that some could survive at least. Carefully, Ori's slimmer fingers grasped for a few, and Fíli watched him drop some into each hole. After, the scribe watched him do the same.

Together, they then carefully covered the seeds with more soil.

Once that was finished, Fíli grabbed the pail he had filled with water earlier, and poured some into the iron watering can that he had left before, then began to pour some over the seeds he had covered himself. Fíli held out the can to Ori, and allowed him to do the same thing on the other side, with the ones he had planted.

"Now, we wait," Ori said, placing the can down.

Fíli smiled.

"And now we wait."

For a moment, they just stared at each other, even when Fíli walked over to Ori. Bright brown eyes beheld him, as he came to stand in front of the scribe.

Fíli smiled.

"It's a good thing I have someone quite wonderful to join me in that waiting, then."

The look that Ori flashed him after, was more blinding than the sun's light itself.

Ori was carrying a large stack of books, when he heard an unfamiliar voice say, "Here, let me help you."

He peered around the stack, finding green eyes he did not recognize in front of him. Ori needed to grab a few more things, so he said, "Alright, but be careful with them, okay?"

A little extra help in the library would not go unappreciated. Perhaps this dwarf was coming to ask about that. If that were the case, he could allow someone else to carry the load for a bit.

Soon, they were both hauling similar stacks in their arms, taking them back to his desk. Once the books were all laden there, he got a proper look at his companion.

The dwarf was indeed a stranger, and likely from one of the more recent caravans that had arrived from the Blue Mountains. There had been a steady stream of them, over the last year.

Strawberry blond hair, and pale skin, as well as the green eyes he had noticed before, greeted him. Whoever they were, their clothes spoke of money, which did nothing for Ori. If anything, it told him whoever he was faced with likely didn't know much about hard work, at all.

"Thank you for your help," Ori said, doing his best to be polite.

However, something about the way the other dwarf was standing too close to him already, did not endear him to the situation at all.

"The pleasure was all mine," the stranger said, grasping Ori's right hand in theirs, then lifting it up to kiss it before he could stop them.

It happened so fast, but it made him instantly uncomfortable, as he ripped his hand away.

A strange noise though, caught his attention and had him looking to his left. Rather than anyone at all standing there, Ori saw no one. For a moment, he wished it could have been Fíli. Although, given what the stranger had just done, it was probably for the best that it wasn't.

After, Ori returned his attention to the unknown dwarf before him, and said, "I'm not sure who you are, but please do not do that again."

"Are you spoken for, then?" came the stranger's swift reply.

Ori grimaced.

"It wouldn't matter if I was. I don't know you, and I do not appreciate being touched at random. If you're not here to aid me in restoring the library, you may go. I have no time for whatever it is you might be after. Good day."

Ori turned away, hoping the stranger would pay his entreaty heed. Otherwise, he would have to teach them exactly who not to mess with, beneath the mountain he had a hand in reclaiming.

Fíli had only meant to visit the library to give Ori some flowers and see him for a little while. However, once there, he had seen another dwarf who had come with a recent caravan lifting books alongside Ori.

That hadn't bothered Fíli, until the moment he saw that same dwarf grab Ori's hand, and kiss it.

Fíli hadn't waited for Ori's response. He couldn't bear it.

What if it had been favorable to the advance?

It wasn't as if he'd given Ori a courting bead, or anything to signify actual intent to stay together, though he really wanted to. He'd thought about it more than once, but he decided that until Ori brought it up, he wouldn't. He wanted Ori to know he didn't have to remain around, if there were better options. Options that didn't involve someone who would one day be king, or who couldn't even make his brother get better.

Seeing someone else touching Ori though, made every bit of his blood burn, and he hated it. Fíli knew he had no right to the jealousy. Ori was not an object, nor expressly his partner. They had been fooling around, and enjoying each other's company. However, he had no right to stand in Ori's way of real happiness, if he could have it.

Fíli wanted that happiness to be with him, and Ori had voiced enjoying being around him, but what if the scribe couldn't love him? What if this was just their soft place to land, until life finally caught up to them?

The day he and Ori no longer sought each other out, he knew right then, would break him. However, Fíli wouldn't ask that Ori not go.

Hours went by, and Fíli could barely focus on what he was meant to be doing. Eventually, he broke and went back to his quarters, choosing to have two meals sent there, in case Ori did join him. The scribe always did these days, so perhaps, he could look forward to that, at least?

More time went by, and the food was eventually cold. He wasn't even hungry, despite the fact he hadn't eaten since midday. Instead, he paced in front of his bed for a while, then eventually decided to sleep.

When he woke up, Fíli heard the sound of his door, and went out to find Ori there.

Ori looked hesitant; apologetic even, as he stepped in, then shut the door firmly.

"I didn't want to disturb you, I just needed to -"

"Grab your things, because you found something better?" Fíli finished, a bit angrier than he meant to.

Ori stopped, his face filled with confusion, so Fíli continued on.

"That's why you weren't here last night, and why you let that dwarf kiss your hand."

Fíli stopped, then looked away. He swore he wouldn't say anything. He wanted not to be jealous or bitter that the one he cared for most romantically, might be moving on. However, it still hurt, and he had never been perfect.

Fíli heard Ori walking closer, but he still couldn't meet Ori's eyes. It was only when a hand came to his chin, that he said, "If you want to go, just go. Please, don't make this harder than it has to be."

A finger was rubbing through his beard, which Fíli hated that he enjoyed the touch, knowing it was likely to be the last one he'd ever remember Ori giving him. He didn't pull away though, knowing that.

Eventually, Fíli heard his name, and against his better judgement, he looked at Ori.

Ori's face was full of bewilderment and fondness, in equal measure.

"I wasn't here last night, because Dori was home when I went to our family apartment. I haven't shared a bed with anyone else, nor do I want to."

Ori cleared his throat, as the pounding in Fíli's chest became more pronounced.

"That dwarf you saw kiss my hand yesterday, I ran them off. I didn't like it anymore than you did. Which you would have known, if you hadn't disappeared before I told them to leave."

"Oh," Fíli said, realizing his error.

Ori smiled up at him, while Fíli felt like a massive fucking -

"Fíli, I'm yours, and only yours. For as long as you want me, and however that looks for us."

Emotionally, Fíli was wrung out, so he couldn't even manage a proper response. However, he did allow himself to be pulled into Ori's arms, and they just held each other.

Ori had spilled some ale all over himself by accident, once in Fíli's quarters one evening while attempting to surprise the prince with dinner, so he couldn't just leave as he was. He knew where Fíli had extra tunics, and rather than leaving when there were likely to be others around who were not the guards, he decided to trade out his wet clothes for some of Fíli's.

It was after he had chosen an older white tunic he figured the prince wouldn't miss, but while his trousers were still down, that Fíli found him.

"Saw your things and -" Fíli stopped, as Ori turned to look at him.

"I tried to bring you dinner, but I slipped and spilt your ale all down my front, so I borrowed some of your clothes. Is that okay?" Ori asked, noticing the stupefied look on Fíli's face.

Fíli cleared his throat.

"It's more than okay. I was only surprised. Are you staying tonight?"

"I can," Ori replied.

"Good. Because as lovely as my tunic looks on you, it'll look better on the floor."

Ori was left stunned, as Fíli turned and walked out of the room. He heard a scraping of a chair, so he knew the latter was sitting down to eat.

Ori decided to leave off his trousers, in favor of only wearing his small clothes, alongside Fíli's tunic. He joined the prince and ate with him in companionable silence, then pulled out his sketchbook to begin drawing Fíli.

Ori wanted to capture the way the light of the fire caught Fíli's hair, and the sparkle of his eyes. Perhaps, one day, it would be a lovely reminder of the dwarf he had once come to care for, before surely life had other plans; ones that did not involve him, and a certain future king being able to stay together long term, regardless of his or perhaps even Fíli's own wishes.

Fíli noticed Ori staring and smiled, once he saw the sketchbook.

"Catch me in the best light, will you?" he said, tossing his blond hair about around him.

Ori snorted.

"That will be easy, when you look quite well no matter where you are."

Fíli grinned a bit cheekily.

"Oh, aye?"

Ori realized his mistake, but still he said, "You know you do. I don't need to repeat myself."

Fíli quieted, so Ori dropped his eyes back down to sketching.

"If you don't want to stroke my ego, how about something else?"

Ori heard the suggestive tone, and sighed.

He wouldn't be getting anything done, given that there was no food to occupy Fíli anymore. Not that he minded, necessarily. He understood what he was seeing in the prince's eyes now, and what had been there earlier; hunger, of a different sort.

"I need to redo my braids tonight, so whatever plan you have got in your mind for us needs to include that before we sleep."

Fíli was quiet, then he asked, "May I help you with your hair?"

Of all the intimacy they had shared, this was a line that had not been crossed. They were not courting, nor engaged, but Ori wanted what Fíli was asking for. He was the only one who Ori wanted touching him there, aside from family members.

Ori swallowed, his heartbeat erratic.

"Yes. You may."

Fíli smiled brilliantly, before speaking.

"I'll ask for a bath tub to be brought here, then."

Ori hid in the bedchamber, and waited for someone to bring what Fíli spoke of.

"They're gone, Ori," Fíli called eventually, so Ori returned.

Fíli was standing beside the tub bare, which made Ori drop his small clothes. However, before he could do anything else, the former was behind him. Fíli grasped his right hip, and cupped his left breast, at the same time. Ori whined, feeling the hardening length against his bare ass and the warm breath against his neck.

A hand soon began stroking his cock, so Ori closed his eyes, then leaned back against his lover.

"You should wear my clothes more often. I like seeing you in them."

"Really? I couldn't tell," Ori joked, though his breathing was becoming more labored, the faster his cock was moved.

"As amusing as your attempt at humor is, I think I'd like you a different way; bent over the edge of this tub, taking me from behind and screaming my name. Is that agreeable, Ibinê?"

Ori moaned, hearing the endearment Fíli had taken to using in private.

"Yes, please."

Ori began to tug the tunic off of him, until he heard, "Leave it on. I want to see you in it while I fuck you."

"Okay," Ori murmured, shivers running down his spine.

An oiled finger was soon probing his rim, and then pressing inside, making him exhale and whimper. By the time he was stretched thoroughly, the edge of his orgasm was in sight. He whined his lover's name, but then he heard, "Patience, Ori. You'll have me, I promise. You know I never break my promises to you."

So, Ori endured. He eventually was rewarded for the waiting, when he was being pounded into, held tightly in Fíli's arms, as they tumbled over the edge; shouting each other's names simultaneously.

When they stood up and parted physically, Fíli kissed his cheek, then said, "Borrow my garments anytime, please."

Ori chuckled, but soon, he was naked, and sinking into the hot water. His body was thankful for it all, really.

Even more so, when Fíli stood before him then behind him, and washed him so tenderly. Kisses were placed, as hands and a sponge were moving across his bare skin.

A finger caressed his cock, and Ori whined. He heard a chuckle from behind, then a finger began to move it back and forth, enough to tease a second, quite forceful orgasm out of him as they stood there.

Eventually, they were both washed up, then on the bed, braiding each other's hair. It was so domestic, but quite welcome in Ori's opinion, too.

"You're beautiful, you know," Fíli murmured one day, as he had Ori in his arms, the scribe's head resting atop his own while they were seated in a chair together deep in the library's stacks.

Ori was sitting on his right thigh, arms around his neck, as he enjoyed often enough. The scribe pulled his head away, then said, "Hm. I don't care much for it, I'll have you know."

"Why?" Fíli asked, glancing away from the book on plants they had been looking through together.

Ori sighed.

"It's all other dwarrow ever notice, when they first lay eyes on me."

"I didn't mean your outer appearance, Ori," Fíli said softly, against Ori's left ear.

"What did you mean, then?"

"Your heart. You're kind, and I think that is what makes you beautiful."

Seeing the molten look on Ori's face, Fíli placed the book aside on the ground below them.

Lips were on his soon, while he clutched Ori tighter against him. Fíli found no reason why he needed to read anymore about soil or growth, at present. Not when a burgeoning warmth was blooming inside of Fíli, all but certain to germinate further a seed that had been planted nearly two years ago inside his heart for one specific scribe.

Ori was laying on Fíli's chest, a book properly open, reading while they remained as they were.

"Would you read it to me?" Fíli asked, startling Ori enough he nearly dropped the whole book.

Once he recovered it, Ori glanced up.

"Are you sure?"

Fíli nodded.

"I know beyond plants and for matters of diplomacy, I do not read much else. However, I think if you were the voice I heard the story in, I might like it more."

Ori smiled, his heart pounding.

He had to glance away, otherwise other emotions he had tried to bury, knowing whatever they were doing was not sanctioned, should not exist. One day, Fíli would marry someone who was not him. Once Thorin recovered properly, it was only a matter of time.

He could not give himself false hope.

And yet, Ori knew he cared deeply for Fíli. It was hard not to, when the prince was a steady, warm, and kind presence in his life. Fíli took an interest in him, cared about him, even seeking him out when possible. They had so many small, but significant moments together, and Ori didn't want it to stop. He knew that was selfish of him; he was not future King Consort material. He could not -

"Ori?"

Ori took a deep breath.

"Yes, I'll read to you."

So, Ori cleared his throat, then started from the beginning of the story, hoping that whatever end theirs met, it was not tragic like other narratives similar to their own that he could imagine being written just so.

They had just returned from a hunting trip, so both of them were armed to the teeth. Each of them had downed some game, which gave Bilbo more than enough to cook with Bombur that night. After dropping it all off, Fíli and Ori went back to the prince's quarters, as they were prone to do at the end of most days.

Together, they had gotten a routine down. It was nice, and comfortable.

Fíli knew it had been some time since Ori had begun all but living with him. However, the days bled together in a lovely, familiar way, so that he had become used to Ori's presence.

Fíli enjoyed the scribe's attention and his company, perhaps more than he should. Though he knew he did not have a monopoly on Ori's time, Fíli was glad that he was still given so much of it, even years after their first kiss in the library.

Fíli had already divested himself of his coat, and was reaching for his first weapon to remove, when Ori said, "Allow me?"

Fíli glanced up and raised an eyebrow.

"Think you can figure out where they all are?"

Ori nodded, then grinned.

"I don't just think, I know."

Fíli smiled.

"Well alright, then. Let's see. You do mine, and I'll do yours."

Ori smirked.

"How about we go one for one?"

Fíli shrugged, then said, "Why not? You can even go first."

He was willing to humor Ori, if only to see the surprised look on the scribe's face when he was unable to find weapons that no one else even knew about but him, or a select few family members for obvious reasons.

Ori gave him a look, then said, "Alright, if you're prepared to lose so easily."

Fíli raised another eyebrow, surprised by how certain Ori was. He quickly became aware as to why.

Nimble fingers dove into his trousers, and soon there was an unclasping of the knife that normally remained on the back of his thigh. Still, he refused to admit defeat quite so soon. It was a lucky guess, really.

"That was too easy. You've seen me naked loads of times."

Ori shrugged, then dropped the strap down onto the table behind the sofa.

Afterwards, Ori turned back to Fíli, then said, "Your turn."

Fíli stepped forward, and instead of going for the obvious, slid his hands down Ori's thighs, then lifted up his trouser leg, where a small, short blade was on his left calf. Slipping it off, he held it up, letting Ori see he had it.

Fíli dropped it, then Ori trailed a hand down his chest, and reached below to his boots, removing the axes in them.

"Those only count as one."

Ori rolled his eyes, but waited for Fíli to go next.

So they continued on, and Ori had gotten nearly every single one, when Fíli was aware that the scribe should have no more.

"Care to give up?" Fíli asked, once he had removed what he thought was Ori's last remaining weapon; a small set of throwing stars, dulled in little sheaths to where they could be hidden in his chest binder.

"Why would I do that, when you have one more?" Ori said, his head cocking to the side, as if waiting for Fíli to tell him he was wrong, though they both knew he was not.

Breath caught in his throat, Fíli watched Ori come closer, and slip his hands up his tunic.

There was a medallion his Amad had given him, with a tiny knife strapped to the back side of it. It was so small, that it barely even quantified as a blade, but in a pinch it could gouge someone's eyes out. It was hidden in plain sight, though only Fíli was meant to know about it, alongside his mother. Ori, though Fíli had never told him, knew.

Ori held up the little pin blade for him to see.

Fíli nodded, his heart pounding decisively in his chest, beneath that gaze.

Afterwards, rather than putting it on the table as he had with the others, Ori placed it back where it was meant to go, then replaced the necklace back over Fíli's neck, above his bare chest.

"I win," Ori said, radiating confidence about him, as he grinned at Fíli.

That, in truth, confused him.

"How do you figure? We both found all of each other's weapons."

Ori shook his head.

"You didn't find all of mine."

"What are you talking about?" Fíli asked, more bewildered than before.

They were both starkers, and from what Fíli could see, there was nowhere Ori could have anything else.

Except, Fíli was wonderfully, beautifully proven wrong, when Ori reached a hand back. He slid his fingers into his hair, removing something small from it all, which had Ori's auburn hair cascading down his bare shoulders, falling over parts of his chest. Soon, held before him, Fíli saw tiny hair pins that were razor sharp; sharp enough to stab and harm, perhaps even kill someone, if put in the correct places.

Fíli lost, but had he really? When Ori was grinning at him, after placing those dangerous hair baubles aside, both of them naked and likely wanton, too? He himself certainly was, after Ori had removed all of his weapons so deftly, and then managed to have one more even than he carried.

That, Fíli felt, deserved a reward.

"I stand corrected. You win."

Ori smiled, his face softening a bit, as he stepped closer to Fíli once more.

"I already did, by having you in my life."

All thoughts of lust left Fíli's mind briefly, after hearing that. Emotions he'd been choking back threatened to flood his thoughts, and he was just about to say something in response, when Ori grabbed his left hand then led him to the bed.

"Mind following my lead?" Ori asked, softly.

Rather than speak, Fíli shook his head, then allowed himself to be maneuvered where his head rested on the pillows. Afterwards, Ori flipped himself where the part of his legs was above Fíli's face, and slowly descending before it covered his mouth.

Fíli's dripping, nearly fully-masted cock was soon in Ori's mouth, then together they began a different sort of give and take; one without words, or weapons.

Ori woke with a start, when he felt hands clutching him. The feeling had infiltrated his dreams, telling him something was not right. When he finally gained full consciousness, he realized Fíli was whimpering in his sleep.

This happened on occasion. Ori knew not to wake him, but it was always so hard to watch Fíli be so scared, even in his sleep. Often, the prince called out for Kíli, his Amad, or even Víli. Every once in a while, it was Thorin, too.

"Ori," Fíli mumbled, surprising him entirely.

Soon, Fíli's body demonstrably relaxed. Though Ori wasn't asleep, the prince was curling around the scribe, calming more as he did. Ori did his best not to move, so that perhaps they could both have more restful sleep until the morning.

Fíli was knee deep in soil, planting seasonal growths, when Bilbo found him.

"You certainly have taken an interest in gardening lately."

Fíli returned his eyes to what he was doing, while he said, "It helps to pass the time, and gives me something to think about other than duties or sadness."

It was candid, and more than he might have admitted to Thorin, but that did not make it any less important that Fíli say it. Ori and Kíli both knew of why he was tending to plants now. He wanted someone else to know, as well.

"I see."

Bilbo sighed, then sat down upon a nearby rock, and pulled out his pipe.

"Any reason you are here, and not elsewhere? I can't imagine I'm your first choice for company," Fíli said, after standing up to his full height, and brushing his hands together.

Bilbo puffed out a few smoke rings, then said, "While I do enjoy your company, in truth, I needed air."

"From Thorin?"

Bilbo was quiet, then said, "From this blasted mountain, really."

"Why's that?" Fíli asked, though he could hazard a few guesses at the reasons.

Still, he knew sometimes, others simply needed a listening ear. So he asked, then waited for a proper answer.

Bilbo grimaced, after exhaling a few smoke rings.

"I do not think it is in your best interest to hear what's on my mind, lad. I should speak with Óin, or someone else."

Fíli grimaced, then crossed his arms.

"If that would be helpful, then you should, yes."

Bilbo nodded, then puffed a few more smoke rings.

Following that, the hobbit asked, "How are you, Fíli? I've not spoken with you much, as of late."

That was an understatement, but Fíli nodded, rather than snarking about it.

"I've been as well as can be. Probably better, truth be told."

Bilbo tapped his pipe, some ash falling to the ground.

"That's good. I'm glad to hear that. I know none of this is easy for any of us. However, you, well, with Thorin and your brother the way they are, I'm aware it has been harder for you. Given unlike any of us, you're without a partner."

Was he though, really? Perhaps in the public eye, and even to his family, yes. However, Fíli did have someone; someone to come home to, who listened to him, and ate with him when everyone else seemed too consumed with work or their own pain. Though they had not labelled it, Ori was as much his partner as Tauriel was to his brother, or Bilbo was to Thorin, in truth.

The question was, did Ori want that, or had they fallen into familiarity, without ever willingly choosing it together themselves?

He hoped that if given the choice in public or in private, Ori would choose him. Because Fíli would certainly choose Ori, regardless of what the council asked of him, or even the expectations of the citizens of their slowly reforming kingdom under the mountain.

Ori meant to go see Kíli. He had at least managed to do so more regularly, after what happened some time ago, when he realized his lack of attentiveness to their friendship had brought Kíli even more pain than necessary.

However, on his way to see his friend, he noticed Fíli standing in an otherwise empty corridor near someone he only vaguely remembered. Recent caravans brought more dwarrow, alongside supplies, and problems. Ori was about to leave him be, when Fíli met his eyes, and there was a distinctly uncomfortable expression on his face.

So, Ori instead decided he might have to visit Kíli another time, depending on whatever he had unwittingly stumbled upon.

Given their bond was private, Ori did not make a reference to it, but he did come closer and stand at Fíli's right. He stood as close as he could manage, without giving the impression that they were more than friends. Though it hurt, he did not have permission from Fíli to do anything more.

The dwarf in front of him met his eyes, and did a once over, then said, "Excuse me, but we're busy."

"If Fíli wanted me gone, he would say so," Ori said.

Already, he could see why Fíli had been unnerved.

The stranger raised their brunet eyebrows up at him, while their blue eyes were cold, unlike Fíli's cerulean ones.

"Who are you, anyway?"

"Ori, son of Rori," Ori replied, though he refused to bow.

The stranger was clearly of noble stock, and their voice a bit nasally, too. Ori did not like them, at all.

"Oh, you're that scribe from the King's Company. Shouldn't you be in the library?"

"Kevar, we're finished here," Fíli said, from Ori's left.

Kevar sneered at Ori, before giving Fíli his attention again.

"Perhaps when you're not forced to entertain such dull company, you'll come find me."

"Unlikely, as I already told you," Fíli grit out.

"Your loss, Your Highness," Kevar said, then sauntered off.

In the wake of the dreadful dwarf he had unfortunately once cared for, Fíli found Ori looking at him, intently.

Fíli grimaced, then said, "I'm sorry about him. We were once together, but anyone who would talk to you like that, is not someone I wish to know anymore."

"I don't want to share you with anyone," Ori said quietly, while averting his eyes.

Fíli's heart clenched; he would rather not share Ori either, but could find no way to stake a claim without it seeming like an overstep, unless Ori did so first. To hear his lover say that though, someone he had come to care a great deal for, made him realize to Ori at least, he should say something.

"You won't have to. I'm yours," Fíli murmured, then dipped closer to Ori, and said, "Only yours."

It was an echo of an assurance Ori had once given him, now being returned.

They kissed in the corridor after, like they had all the time in the world.

"You alone know my soft spots, now," Ori murmured, into the still of a night.

Fíli's breath ghosted over a bare part of his neck, his mouth hovering so close, as he said, "I do, so let me make you tremble."

"Please," Ori whispered.

Hands grasped the soft part of his bare stomach, as he felt Fíli’s face press into the crook of his neck like he so loved to do. Soon, Ori felt tongue and teeth begin to slowly move there in a way that had him panting.

The hands that cradled his stomach slid slowly over his skin, everywhere they could touch. He whimpered, knowing what they could do, if they were so inclined. It really seemed like Fíli was right then, too.

Alone together, they began to dance to a song that only they and their bodies could follow.

When he felt a bruise being sucked into his skin, Ori moaned.

"That's it. Just let me unravel you," Fíli murmured.

"Only you can," Ori whispered.

Then he turned and kissed Fíli, wrapping his arms around the prince's neck, and pulling him closer. Ori needed the other dwarf closer; needed the intimacy of being known. Mahal, what he really needed was Fíli.

Arms circled him, while their tongues and lips continued the choreography that other parts of their bodies had begun.

At some point, Ori was grasping Fíli's hair, and he said quietly, "I need you."

"How? How do you need me, Ibinê?" Fíli asked, his eyes warm, but dark, too.

"All over me," Ori responded, not looking away.

Fíli smiled, then said, "That I can do,"

Ori was soon under Fíli, stripped bare, much as the prince was, and he clutched his legs around the blond's waist, steadying him there. He was being held, as they swayed, twirling about the bed, grasping each other closer.

"Fill me, Mahal. Umral, please," Ori begged.

"For you, only you," Fíli said, firmly.

It was a steady reminder, of what was being promised. Over and over, Ori loved hearing it.

He needed to know this meant as much to Fíli, as it did to him. He had tried not to have feelings; to just give and take comfort in their continued interactions, and time spent together. However, he had messed up; Ori had fallen wholly in love. For him, there was no turning back, because he was a single love per lifetime sort of dwarf.

Fíli was hovering over him, while Ori spread his legs, waiting to be held down and thoroughly wrecked once more. He didn't mind being on top anymore than the reverse. However, right then, he just wanted to be covered, feeling wholly consumed and protected, simultaneously.

Above Ori, Fíli was watching him, as he lowered himself down and began pressing into him. The former shivered while whining, as Fíli decisively moved alongside him, both of them thrusting together to get him fully seated inside.

Once Fíli was balls deep, he began peppering kisses over Ori's bare skin, caressing him too, as they slowly moved. Sometimes it was quick, while others it was like this; slow and tender. Ori liked it all, as long as it was Fíli's body he was allowed to touch, and be touched by in return.

At the apex of his pleasure, Ori said, "I love you."

Fíli's noises stalled for a moment, but then he was letting loose his own again, louder than before.

While they were panting, in post coital bliss, Ori heard, "I love you, and only you."

Ori accepted the arms wrapping around his body after they had cleaned up, trying not to drift right off to sleep, but unfortunately failed quite spectacularly.

"There is talk of you marrying," Thorin said to Fíli one day, while they shared breakfast.

"Then make it stop," Fíli replied.

He would not hear of himself being pawned off for a political reason. Not when he had Ori, who loved him, and who he loved in return. Fíli refused to accept another anymore.

"Is this simply you stating disinterest, or is there something you wish to tell me, Irak'dashat?" Thorin asked.

Fíli swallowed.

"I have no interest in marrying for political gain, Thorin."

Thorin sighed.

"I will not demand you marry, but given that Bilbo and I are," Thorin paused, "what we are, I think it's best you consider the idea at least."

"My life must be dictated by your bad choices, then?" Fíli demanded.

Anger thrummed in his veins, as he glared at the King Under the Mountain.

"What would you know of them?" Thorin questioned, his voice more tense than before.

"I was there!" Fíli shouted, unable to withhold his anger anymore.

Rather than allow his uncle to get a word in, Fíli continued.

"I was there, when you nearly killed your One. I was there, when Kíli and I nearly died, for your poorly thought out battle strategy. I was there, when we buried the dead, while you were nursing your mind back to health. I was there, when Kíli couldn't even smile. You caused that Thorin, not anyone else."

Fíli stopped, and took a fortifying breath, before he said anything else.

Years of holding onto pain that he should not have had to bear, spilled out of him after.

"Balin told me as he told you; we did not need to reclaim this wretched mountain that feels more like a coffin than a proper home. Yet you had to come, and seek that damned birthright you were so fond of talking about. Kíli would have followed you anywhere, so I came, too. Because I could not stand my younger brother dying for you, or this damned mountain and its still living ghosts."

Fíli was up on his feet, before Thorin could respond; storming away from his Uncle, before he said anything else.

Ori hadn't seen Fíli yet, and something about that worried him.

Fíli was always in his quarters by the time Ori returned from his own work in the library, more often than not.

Had something happened?

Hours went by, but eventually Fíli stumbled in his bedchamber. His eyes were red and he wasn't walking quite right. When Ori came closer, he could smell the strong stench of alcohol wafting off of Fíli.

"You're sloshed, aren't you?" Ori asked.

"I'm so glad you're here," Fíli slurred.

"Well, that answers that," Ori mumbled.

"What was that, gorgeous?" Fíli asked.

Ori sighed.

"Let's get you to bed."

"Okay, 'bine," Fíli trilled, his voice wobbling over even those two words.

Ori helped Fíli to the bed they had been sharing for some time, then decided perhaps it was best he didn't stay that evening. Fíli would likely sleep off the alcohol now that he was beneath his covers and furs.

However, a hand reached out and clasped his, before Ori could walk away.

"Please, don't leave me, Ori," Fíli whispered.

It was the most coherent thing Fíli had said since he arrived, bumbling about as he had.

Ori considered Fíli, then nudged off his boots, and removed a few layers before climbing into bed. Fíli never arrived to bed drunk, if Ori was meant to be around. That alone was enough to have Ori want to stay.

Fíli pulled him closer, and Ori wrinkled his nose at the alcohol stink, but endured it, because clearly something was wrong.

Fíli's face was in the side of his neck, and soon, Ori heard crying.

Fíli never cried. Ori had before with him, but he himself had never heard the prince cry.

Ori shifted, to allow for his arms to pull Fíli's face against his chest. There, Fíli nestled his face, and sobbed even harder after.

Eventually, Fíli was hiccupping, and pulling away enough that Ori could see his face. The latter reached out and wiped his tears away.

"What happened?" Ori asked.

"Thorin," Fíli mumbled.

"What did he do, Fee?" Ori whispered.

Ori began stroking Fíli's hair, while he waited for a response. However, he eventually heard snoring, and determined that the conversation could be had in the morning, instead.

When Ori came to, he felt Fíli shifting, and soon he had his favorite pair of blue eyes looking at him.

"Good morning, Amrâlimê," Ori said.

Fíli smiled, though it was a wan one.

"Good morning, Ibinê."

"What happened, Fee?" Ori asked.

Fíli frowned, then said, "Thorin said there's been talk of my marrying. Only, I can't marry for political reasons. I only want you. You're the only damned one I care about outside of my family in this whole cursed mountain, and I refuse to let him have me give you up. After all he put our family through, I will not lose you to make his life easier. I love you, Ori. Please, just please don't leave me," Fíli pleaded, his blue eyes so fearful, Ori wanted to cry himself.

Ori was quiet for a moment, but he knew he couldn't be for too long, given the state Fíli was in.

"I won't leave you," Ori said.

"Do you promise?" Fíli asked, his voice barely even a whisper.

"If you wish to marry, I will bind myself to you before the kingdom, Fíli. I love you, ardently so, and I cannot imagine being with anyone but you. Only, I thought perhaps given you have not asked to court, that you were waiting for a proper consort -"

"No," Fíli said, probably a bit more loudly than he had initially intended, because he winced after he had uttered the word.

"I'm so sorry you ever thought that," Fíli breathed, once a bit of silence had passed between them, following his near shouting.

"Why did you not ask to court me before now, at least?" Ori asked.

Fíli grimaced, then set him with a soft, fond look.

"I wanted to preserve this thing that we've had. No one else knew or they pretended they didn't, so therefore we were able to decide what it was, without interference. If I had publicly courted you, there would have been rules and regulations."

Fíli sighed, as he reached out to stroke Ori's cheeks.

"I just wanted you, however we both saw fit to be, as you once said. Your brothers as much as my Uncle likely would not have allowed us such freedom, if they had known the true extent of what has been happening these last few years, at least until we declared an intention to marry. I did not wish to box you into such a thing unless you really wanted that."

Ori's eyes widened, then he glanced away and whispered, "I thought you might have worried whether I was Consort material."

Fíli was soon maneuvering him closer, into a bear hug.

"If anyone is worthy of being my consort, Ori, it is you. You have held me up while I've been aching. You're knowledgeable and compassionate. I have no doubt you would make a fine King's consort, but that is not why I want to be with you." Fíli paused, then nuzzled him in the crook of his neck, before he added, "You are the best damn thing that has ever happened to me, and if I didn't have to share you with the kingdom then I bloody wouldn't. However, to marry me, means you are binding yourself to a future king. I have no choice, if we do wed, to share you then."

Ori smiled in the embrace he was wrapped in, then said, "I will marry you, Fíli. It may not be easy, but you are worth it all."

A hand was carding through his hair, and though the lingering scent of alcohol bothered him, Ori appreciated the tenderness he was receiving. As much as he was glad to finally know what Fíli actually thought about marriage.

"I am so glad you think so," Fíli said, softly.

Ori allowed himself to be pulled closer, then they entangled together, as they were prone to doing while lying next to one another.

"How could I not, Ukrad? It's you, and only you. Everything else we'll figure out, together," Ori said, nestling against Fíli's chest.

"So long as that's true, I think we'll manage."

"Kee?" Fíli said.

Kíli didn't immediately respond, but when he did, his eyes were less alert than they otherwise were some days.

Fíli took that as a cautionary sign, at least.

"I'm getting married."

Kíli's eyes watched him, but then a slow smile spread across his face.

"Who's the unlucky sod?" Kíli asked, mirth filling his voice.

Tamping down the sadness at the realization Kíli didn't remember their prior discussions about Ori, Fíli said, "Ori, believe it or not."

Kíli grinned a bit more at that.

"I do believe it, Fee. You two, that was always meant to happen."

Fíli smiled then.

"You think so?"

Kíli nodded.

"I can't explain it right now, but I am happy for you, big brother."

Fíli clasped Kíli's right shoulder.

He brought their foreheads together, then said, "Thank you." Fíli paused, adding after, "If you can be there that day, then I would love you to be. I'm sure Ori would, too."

Kíli grimaced.

"I'll try, Nadad. No promises, though."

"That you want to try is enough for me, nadadith."

Ori and Dori sat for tea, and it was then that the former delivered the news.

"I'm getting married."

Dori nearly dropped his tea cup, but then said, "You shouldn't joke about such things, Ori."

Ori grimaced, before responding.

"I'm not. Fíli and I will be marrying. I thought you might want to help plan the ceremony."

Dori met his eyes, his tea cup hovering over the saucer, before he set them both down, and said, "Well, I suppose that's fine. He's good to you, then?"

Ori nodded, surprised Dori was taking such a pragmatic approach, regarding this at least. Nori definitely wouldn't.

"He's the reason I didn't drown, after Nori left us."

Dori sighed.

"I'm sorry, for not being around more."

Ori shrugged.

"It's okay. I know you miss Nori, too," he said plainly.

Dori's face took on a pained expression, before he replied, "I always knew something like this might happen."

"What?" Ori asked, unsurprised that Dori would rather pivot the conversation than address his own pain.

That was quite expected, really.

Dori nodded, smiling a bit.

"You were always around both of the princes; it was only a matter of time before you fell for one of them. They are both good dwarrow. I am simply glad that your feelings are returned."

"It was certainly a surprise to me," Ori said.

Dori raised an eyebrow.

"Don't sell yourself short, Ori. Though newer to nobility, you have always been a diamond in the rough," Dori uttered, reprovingly.

Ori smiled.

"Thank you, Dori."

It's not that Ori had ever thought ill of himself. However, had he not joined the quest, he would not be nobility.

Furthermore, it was by happenstance he and the princes had even been friends since they were pebbles. Proximity and lower birth rates meant they were all but assured to know each other in some capacity.

Ori thought well of himself, knowing his own assets, as well as his vices. He had just never imagined someone like Fíli falling in love with him, too.

"Anytime you need reminding of that, come find me. Nori might have left, but I'm still here for you, nadadith."

Tears pricked in the corners of Ori's eyes, as he nodded, grateful not to have truly lost both of his siblings.

"Your Amad should be here any day now," Thorin informed, over a mountain of paperwork.

"Good," Fíli said stiffly, not meeting Thorin's eyes while speaking, as his eyes remained below him.

Thorin sighed.

"I am sorry, for what I've put you and your brother through. You are right; I played with fire coming here, and bringing you both. I cannot change what happened to him, or you, but please understand I am not perfect, and I thought I was doing what was right."

"That doesn't fix what happened to my brother," Fíli said, anger seeping into his tone.

"You are right," Thorin said.

Fíli pursed his lips, then hissed, "Of course I am. Have you even visited him?"

Thorin nodded.

"I have yes, though it doesn't do much good. He's not too happy to see me most days."

Fíli snorted, glancing away again, directly after.

"I can't blame him."

"Nor can I," Thorin said.

Fíli met his uncle's eyes, and in them saw the sorrow he felt Thorin didn't have any right to. However, he also could accept that perhaps as imperfect as Thorin was, he would always be their Irak'adad, and one of the dwarrow who had raised them.

Fíli swallowed, deciding to extend a bridge of sorts.

"I want to marry Ori. If I must wed, he is the only one I'll accept being by my side. Take that or leave it, otherwise you can find yourself a new heir to the throne."

Thorin's eyes widened, but then a rare smile broke out onto his face.

"You wish to marry Ori?"

Fíli nodded.

"Yes. He is important to me, and has agreed to it."

Thorin continued smiling, saying afterwards, "That's wonderful news, then."

"You think so?" Fíli asked, slightly incredulous Thorin wasn't trying to force him to choose someone else.

"Of course. You must care for him, and he for you if this has happened, right?"

Fíli nodded.

"Yes. I love him, and he loves me."

Thorin stood up, and so did Fíli in response. They moved away from the table they had been sharing, then Thorin clasped both of his shoulders, and said, "Listen. I understand you are hurt, and angry with me, but I only want you to be happy. I suggested a marriage because I worried for how lonely you seemed. Yes, it might have sounded self serving, but I promise; your choice will be listened to, and not a damn soul but you has final say in who you wed."

Thorin sighed, his eyes dropping for a moment, before returning his gaze to Fíli's.

"I've already taken so much from you with my choices, and for that I am sorry. However, I do wish for you to be with someone of your choosing, who is good to you and for you. If that is Ori, then by all means marry him, please, Irak'dashat."

Tears began to fall quickly from Fíli's eyes.

"Thank you, Irak'adad."

The two shared a long, tight hug for the first time since reclaiming the mountain.

Ori was holding Fíli's hand, the day the prince's mother arrived at the front gate.

She led a whole caravan to where they all stood to greet her there.

The Princess Under the Mountain and the King Under the Mountain exchanged formalities, then he watched as she reached out and grabbed the front of Thorin's tunic, bringing their faces closer together.

"You and I are going to have a long talk, Thorin Oakenshield," Princess Dís snarled, before releasing her hold on Thorin's garments.

Afterwards, she walked to wrap her arms around Fíli. Ori moved aside a bit so he was not in the way, but still he remained.

When Fíli's mother's eyes set on him, they were kind, unlike they had been when she looked upon her brother.

"Hello, Ori. It's good to see you again. I hear you're the reason my eldest son looks so well as he does right now."

"Hello, Princess Dís," Ori said, unsure how to respond otherwise.

"Ori, you're family now. It's Dís to you, okay? Anyone who can love one of my sons so well, deserves my respect. Especially when others fall short."

That last bit Ori knew was not directed at him, but even so, he could not help but feel intimidated.

Still, Ori accepted the hug Dís gave him, knowing she would probably have rather been embracing her youngest son instead.

"Heard you were getting married, to that princeling," Nori said, his arms crossed over his chest.

Ori nodded, trying not to be upset that directly after his elder brother had returned again, that was the first thing he had chosen to address properly. He was seated in the receiving room of the quarters he and Fíli continued sharing, while Nori stood in front of him.

"I am."

"Why, Ori?" Nori asked, clearly disliking the whole idea of it.

Ori grimaced, picking at a part of his grey jumper, rather than meeting Nori's gaze for a moment. When he did, he said quite candidly, "I don't really think you have a right to question any of my choices."

Nori shook his head.

"You have your whole life ahead of you. Come with me; we can go see the world, and -"

Ori cut his brother off, once he realized where Nori wanted the conversation to go.

"Nori, if you were so worried about me, then perhaps you should have asked me about doing that sooner. Before you left me behind."

Nori frowned, then said, "I was hurting, Ori."

"So was I, and so was Dori. You still left us, with nothing more than a damn note." Ori paused, and exhaled slowly, then said, "I didn't even get to say goodbye."

Tears sprung to Ori's eyes, soon dribbling down his face. He did his best to wipe them away, though. He had spilt more than enough tears for his brother leaving, in Nori's absence. Best not to do it in front of him, too.

Nori's gaze was unrelenting, before he opened his mouth again.

"So what, this marriage is some sort of rebellion, because I wasn't around to make sure the first prick who took an interest in you didn't persuade you to marry him?"

Ori frowned, and glared at Nori.

"No, Nori. I'm marrying Fíli because I love him."

Nori rolled his eyes.

"What can you know of love, when you have hardly seen the world?"

"I don't need to see it, to know how Fíli makes me feel. Or that with him, I don't have to worry about him leaving."

Nori hissed in a sharp breath, and in the way his face was, Ori knew they were to be drawing words like knives across skin, spilling metaphorical blood. Whatever his elder brother was about to say, was not something he would like, he was willing to wager.

"He will be King, one day, if he manages not to croak from stupidity, and sticks around long enough for that."

"How dare you say that!" Ori shouted.

Before Nori could reply, Ori heard footsteps exiting their bedchamber, and then Fíli was beside him. Tears slid down his cheeks, as he was drawn into Fíli's arms. Ori buried his face in Fíli's chest, as the arms he had come to know so well, held him firmly. He wasn't weak, but Nori knew how to cut to the quick and make him bleed. Even he needed not to be strong, sometimes.

From where his face was pressed, Ori heard his betrothed say, "You should leave."

"Piss off, princeling," Nori spat behind him.

Fíli's chest rumbled against his face, as he spoke.

"You made him cry, Nori. It seems that's all you're good at these days, anyhow. Until you can refrain from doing that, I'll ask that you keep away from him, unless Ori says he wishes otherwise. "

Ori might have been upset at his partner issuing such an ultimatum without prior discussion. However, he appreciated Fíli protecting him, even if he never should have needed it from his own brother.

Fíli was unsurprised when he came home much later than normal, to find Ori already there. For years they had shared the space, but now it was officially theirs, following the formalizing of their engagement.

At least, unless they decided to move one day. At present, that was not necessary.

However, what did give Fíli pause was the fact that Ori was wearing one of his favorite tunics; the sapphire blue one, which was hand-dyed. It had been a vanity purchase, really, but it also gave more money to the one who had crafted it, down in the rebuilding market of Dale.

Fíli wore it on occasion, and when he did, Ori really seemed to like it. However, there Ori was in his favorite tunic, standing in front of the table behind the sofa in the now tidied up receiving room they had.

"Ori, is everything alright?"

Ori nodded.

"It is. Are you busy tonight?"

"I would say so, yes."

Ori wilted a bit, then Fíli smiled, and walked closer.

He pulled his partner into a hug, grasping his torso, then bending down and kissing the scribe solidly.

When they pulled apart, Fíli brushed back some of Ori's hair that was getting into his face, then said, "I meant, given how I found you, that I will indeed be quite busy with you tonight, Amrâlimê."

Ori blushed.

"Oh, right."

Fíli raised an eyebrow.

"Was there something specific you had in mind?"

Ori nodded.

Then, he pulled away slightly more, and cleared his throat. Fíli's eyes were still on his partner, until he noticed Ori glancing at the table behind him, where there were cupcakes with blue icing atop them, on a plate.

Fíli looked back at Ori, who was clearly waiting for him to react.

"What's the occasion? I can't help but think this was done on purpose."

"Your 85th birthday. It's tomorrow."

Oh, right.

"I hadn't planned on celebrating it. I haven't really with the others," Fíli said.

Ori nodded, though his eyes were brimming with anticipation, as they continued staring.

"I know. We sort of ignored it and did our own thing before, but I wanted this year to be different." Ori paused, then straightened up a bit. "Which is why, we are celebrating tonight, and the rest of my surprise, you shall have tomorrow."

Fíli grinned.

"There's something better than seeing you in my favorite tunic, and cupcakes?"

Ori nodded.

"There is, but you will just have to wait until tomorrow to find out what it is."

Fíli shrugged, then placed both hands on either side of Ori's face.

"That's alright. It seems we've got plenty to occupy ourselves with tonight."

Ori smiled.

Fíli slid his hands down beneath the blue tunic and grasped bare skin, pulling Ori carefully closer by his torso. They began kissing languidly, and soon he had his hands rubbing down the latter's bare back, which made soft moans escape his intended.

Fíli's hands were tangling in Ori's hair, but soon, he found himself being lifted up into the scribe's arms. For a moment, he was a bit shocked. When he met Ori's eyes, his partner laughed.

"What; did you forget I inherited my Amad's strength?"

Fíli took a moment to settle, by wrapping his legs properly around Ori's slighter waist, then nodded.

"Do you mind if I'm holding you?" Ori asked, clearly worried about the reception to his sudden movement.

"No, carry on, please," Fíli said, adamantly.

He would be lying if he said he wasn't just the least bit turned on. Fíli knew he was able to lift Ori easily, and toss him about. However, it was another matter for him to realize that the scribe could do much the same to him.

"Good. Care for a cupcake?" Ori asked.

Fíli felt his eyebrows raising.

"What, now?"

Ori nodded.

Fíli shrugged, then said, "Sure. Why not?"

He leaned down, and Ori dipped him enough that he could reach a single cupcake. Then, he was lifted up. Afterwards, he took a bite, and it tasted quite wonderful.

Once he had chewed and swallowed it properly, Fíli said, "These are excellent. How did you get them?"

Ori smiled up at him.

"I made them earlier, with Bombur's assistance."

"I didn't know you could bake," Fíli said, for lack of something better to, still surprised at the lengths Ori had gone to for him. Especially when since retaking the mountain, he had not yet bothered to celebrate a birthday.

"I do it on occasion with Bilbo, especially when he's stressed."

Fíli snorted.

"I believe that might be more than occasionally if that's when he does so."

Ori shrugged.

Before either could say anymore, Fíli swiped a bit of the blue icing, then bopped Ori's nose with it. After, while Ori was going slightly cross-eyed trying to look at what he had done, Fíli said, "Thank you, for doing this. I hadn't expected it, but if I was to celebrate with anyone, other than perhaps with my family, I would want it to be you."

Ori grinned up at him.

"I'm glad that you enjoy it all. That was the point."

"Have you had a taste of the cupcakes, Amrâl?"

Ori shook his head.

"Would you like to now?" Fíli asked.

"I would not mind."

So, Fíli broke off a part of the cupcake, and placed the spongey treat into Ori's mouth. Briefly, the latter's eyes closed, and he moaned.

After chewing and swallowing, Ori's eyes opened again.

"Thank you."

"How about the icing?" Fíli asked.

"I could try it."

Fíli swiped some of it off of the top, then held out his finger. Ori's mouth opened, and his tongue swiped a bit. The lick might have tickled any other time, but right then, it only served to make the former groan a little.

Ori's eyes widened, but then, his mouth was opening again, and he took in Fíli's finger. Brown eyes met his, as the scribe sucked his finger clean of the icing. Bobbing up and down, much like he did elsewhere, Ori continued. His tongue trailed a bit, and that had Fíli's eyes closing, then he moaned.

"Ori."

Soon, Ori pulled off, but still he held his gaze.

"Can I take you to bed now?"

"Absolutely," Fíli replied, enthusiastically.

Ori smiled.

"Before we do that, though; I have one request."

"What's that?"

"You let me take care of you, tonight. You're more than generous with me any other time. Allow me to spoil you."

Fíli raised an eyebrow.

"This is all for my birthday?"

Ori shook his head.

"No. It's merely an excuse for me to make sure you'll let me have my way with you, before you can find another way to worry more about my pleasure first over your own needs."

Fíli would argue, but he knew Ori was right. So, he did the only thing he could then.

"Alright, do your worst, Ori. Devastate me, if you wish."

Ori grinned, his eyes glimmering with love and lust in equal measure.

Fíli knew then Ori would make good on that request.

When they woke, tangled together, Ori smiled up at Fíli.

"Happy birthday, Ukrad."

"You certainly made sure it started out well," Fíli said, voice groggy, as he did his best to stretch, despite Ori still being wrapped around him.

Ori grinned.

"I'm glad you liked it, but I think you'll enjoy what I have planned for today even more so."

Fíli pressed a kiss to his forehead, then said, "If it's from you, I have no doubt that I will."

Ori nuzzled against his chest for a moment, then said, "Before that, we both need to wash. Also, do you mind wearing a blindfold?"

"A blindfold? Whatever for?"

"It's for a good reason, I promise."

Fíli gazed at Ori, then shrugged.

"If you say so, Ori. I trust you."

So, after thoroughly washing up, Ori grabbed the strip of cloth he meant to tie around Fíli's eyes, then did just that. Soon, they were walking towards where Ori intended them to go, their entwined hands guiding Fíli where he needed to go.

Fíli was quiet for the majority of the walk, likely plotting out in his head where they were going. He was smart, and could probably figure out vaguely where Ori was bringing him. However, if all went right, he wouldn't figure out his surprise until the cloth dropped.

Of course, the prince never could stay quiet forever.

As they stepped through the threshold of an area that was cordoned off for Company use, where Ori had made sure a table and chairs were set up, Fíli asked, "Is this some sort of new bedchamber game you neglected to mention you wished to try?"

Ori's eyes widened, as he groaned.

However, before he could respond, Kíli said, "I certainly hope not. If it is, I would rather not be involved. Thank you very much."

Before Kíli had even finished talking, Fíli had ripped his blindfold off completely.

"Kee?" Fíli said, astonishment clear in his tone.

"Happy Birthday, Nadad," Kíli said, then stood up and gave Fíli a firm hug.

The two held each other there, as Ori watched, smiling.

Eventually, when they broke apart, Kíli was grinning, while Fíli was turning to Ori, beaming.

Before long, Ori was swept up in an embrace of his own, Fíli laughing as he spun the former around.

Once Ori was firmly back on the ground, Fíli kissed him soundly, then said, "I cannot thank you enough. You are wonderful."

"As are you," Ori said, grasping Fíli's face in his hands, and rubbing his thumbs across his partner's cheeks.

Fíli pressed a kiss to Ori's forehead, then pulled away, and turned around.

"Oh, remembered I'm here now, have you?" Kíli asked.

Ori glanced at his friend, noticing that rather than irritation, though, Kíli was smiling fondly at them both.

That said enough that it was meant to be a really good day, indeed.

"Are you ready for the rest of your surprise, Fee?" Kíli asked.

Fíli looked between them both.

"There's even more?"

"Just a bit," Ori said, grabbing the blindfold from where it had fallen to the floor, then held it up. "Please wear this for just a little longer?"

Fíli nodded, then allowed it to be put on him again, after he was seated.

It was once he was settled that Ori nodded to Kíli, who opened the door and went out to find the others who were just waiting for their signal.

In Kíli's absence, Ori came to wrap his arms around Fíli from behind.

Afterwards, he dipped down next to Fíli's right ear and whispered, "Happy birthday, Fee. I hope this day is everything you could want and more."

Fíli squeezed his left forearm, then said, "It is because of you. Thank you."

Ori pressed a kiss to the top of Fíli's head, then said, "I love you."

"I love you, too."

The door behind them opened. Ori held Fíli close, so he wouldn't be tempted to spoil his surprise as everyone filed in. Which, his partner didn't seem to mind, as he sat caressing Ori's forearm, his knees bouncing a bit below the table.

Once everyone either sat, or was standing around the table, Ori said, "Okay, I'm removing your blindfold now."

Ori did just that, and once he did, everyone who had congregated there said in near unison, "Happy birthday!"

Ori watched as Fíli glanced around, noticing Bilbo and Thorin stood off to the left, with Tauriel and Kíli in front of the table, alongside their Amad off to his nadadith's left.

Ori removed himself from where he had been wrapped around Fíli, while Dís stepped forward first. Fíli stood up and hugged her tightly, as the former went to stand by Bilbo, who was hovering at Thorin's right.

Briefly, he and the hobbit exchanged smiles, before Ori turned back to watch Dís hold Fíli's face in her hands and give him a watery eyed grin.

"Happy birthday, dashat," Dís said.

"Thank you, Amad," Fíli replied.

"I know these last few years have not been easy for you, but I hope you are aware that you are surrounded by love, even now."

Fíli nodded, then grasped her tightly one more time before she stepped away. Following that, Thorin came to stand in front of Fíli in her wake.

"I know we have had our differences as of late, but I am so happy to see you have another birthday come to pass, where we can celebrate alongside you."

Fíli nodded, then allowed their foreheads to touch, before Thorin stepped away.

Bilbo came forward after, and received a hug similar to the one Dís had, before the hobbit stepped back and said, "Happy birthday, lad. I am pleased to know such a wonderful soul as you."

"Thank you, Uncle Bilbo," Fíli said, smiling.

The hobbit sputtered a bit, tears coming to his eyes, which had him removing a handkerchief from his person as he stepped back to stand near Thorin's right again. The two were leaning into each other, so Ori took that as a sign it was a really good day.

Tauriel came forward last, but still she did, and then she said, "Happy Birthday, Fíli. I hope that your next year is better than the last."

Fíli turned to Ori then and smiled, after he accepted a chaste hug from his taller sister-in-law.

"I have no doubt that it will be."

Chapter Text

"You know, the fact that it takes not one, but two dwarves to make Nori properly happy, really should not surprise me," Fíli said.

Ori snorted.

"I thought Dori might have a proper fit when we were first told about them, but I think he was just happy Nori finally worked out more than one reason to stay for the long term. As much as I missed Nori each time he would leave for a while, Dori did, too."

"It only took them twenty years to sort themselves out," Fíli murmured from Ori's left.

"Twenty years, alongside a mountain of headaches and miscommunication later," Ori replied, bouncing Líri on his knees.

She had been fussy, for what felt like nearly the whole wedding ceremony. The movement at least kept her quiet right then, as they watched the opening dance between the three grooms.

"At least they look happy now," Fíli said.

Ori nodded.

"Yes. I am thrilled, I promise. Only, if they could have figured it out sooner, that would have saved Dori and I many late nights, is all."

"You're a good brother," Fíli said, pressing a kiss to Ori's left temple.

It was then that Líri decided it was time to have a good cry; her shrill noises pierced the otherwise filled ballroom, drawing attention to where they both sat moreso than any other time.

Ori sighed, then glanced towards his husband.

"I think it's your turn, Ukrad."

Fíli smiled, then held out his hands expectantly for her.

"Here, let me see our little princess."

Ori smiled, watching his husband take their daughter into his arms, then cradling her there properly. Her dark auburn waves contrasted with the formal attire the King had donned, for the evening.

Soon, Fíli was rocking Líri side to side, humming along with the song the live band was playing as Nori, Bofur, and Dwalin continued a choreographed dance together.

A rush of small feet caught Ori's ears, and soon there were pudgy hands clutching his right leg.

"Adad, Irak'adad Kíli said he took my nose. It's still there, right?"

Ori shared a look with Fíli, who smirked, then the King said, "I don't know, Zori. I think he might have finally done it."

Ori glanced back at Zori, while their eldest child's blue eyes widened, as she reached up and covered her face. The little brunette stubble of her newly arriving beard was still visible though, even with both of her hands plastered over most of her face, grasping where her nose was.

Eventually, Zori pulled her hands away then huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

Fíli laughed, then said, "Zori, you know not to believe everything your uncle says."

Zori sniffed, then asked, "Is Líri okay?"

Ori turned and saw his husband smiling, before Fíli nodded.

"Yes, your sister is just fine. As she was the last time you asked not half an hour ago."

Ori glanced back at Zori, and noticed the almost reproving look she was sending her Adad, which made him snort.

"It's my job to protect her, Adad. Of course I asked."

Ori glanced back at Fíli, who sent a considering look Zori's way, then said, "Would you like to have confirmation then? She's a bit fussy, but perhaps seeing your face will help."

Ori watched as Zori went closer to Líri, their eldest daughter holding out her hand, which brushed through the baby's soft ginger curls. Líri giggled and gurgled at her elder sister.

Zori's face lit up with a genuine smile.

"Perhaps we should take them out to the garden for a moment," Ori said.

The reception itself had just begun, but they had a fussy pebble, who was not even a year old. A few minutes away, even during his elder brother's wedding, was unlikely to be cause for worry or annoyance owing to that.

Fíli met his eyes, then smiled.

"I think that's a wonderful idea. What about you, Zori?" the King asked.

Ori noticed Zori was already bouncing around, vaguely repeating the word 'garden', which told him that his suggestion was a good, timely one. Zori was a hyper child, as much as Fíli and Kíli had been, and still were at times. A break from the festivities was well in order for all of them, so that they could enjoy the rest of the evening, surrounded by others.

So, the family of four moved away from the thrones, Ori holding Zori's little hand in his left, while Fíli held his right, and Líri in his right arm. Together they went out the double doors attached to the ballroom, and were soon out amongst the garden that he and Fíli had begun planting together many years before.

Immediately, Zori began running around; darting between different plants she knew well, checking on them as intensely as she had her younger sister. Meanwhile, Líri was taking in everything, babbling quietly, but quite a bit more content than she had been indoors.

Fíli met Ori's eyes, and the two shared a warm look, as the latter leaned against his husband for a moment. Away from everyone else, they weren't King and Consort, but a married couple, with two wonderful children alongside a love between them that had only grown stronger over time. Fíli's left arm wrapped around Ori's back, then he felt a kiss being placed on his head, before the former stood up again.

Together, they remained that way, watching Zori get out some of the built up energy she couldn't have earlier.

Ori was beyond happy with the day, even if formal wear could be itchy and scratchy at times. Nori, and the celebration of his love though, was worth it. Later, he would enjoy removing his garments, in favor of something softer, and more comfortable.

Gazing around them, seeing vines and all sorts of greenery, alongside various blooms that had been nurtured by Fíli in his spare time, Ori couldn't help but liken it to the love they had shared for over two decades together. While it had begun with something so small and seemingly insignificant, their bond had blossomed into a love for the ages, if the bards or poets were to be believed. The kingdom certainly had received their marriage well, in comparison to what Thorin and Bilbo had been doing before the former king abdicated.

Eventually, Zori was back at their sides, her clothes a bit dirtier.

Ori sighed, then pulled away from Fíli's hold to brush her off, as she was once again checking on her younger sister. Were they to be going back to their private quarters, the dirt wouldn't have bothered him so much. However, Dori, who had painstakingly made so many of the Company's outfits for the nuptials, would mind.

"Thank you, Ada," Zori said.

"Don't thank me yet. If your Irak'adad Dori saw what you had done to the clothing he hand-sewed, he would never let me or you forget it."

Zori grimaced.

"I think it's about time we go back in," Fíli said.

Ori nodded, then they did just that, and re-settled. No one seemed to mind that they had been gone, as he had thought.

"Zori, do you mind if I take your Ada to the floor for a turn about the ballroom?" Fíli asked, some minutes later.

"Does this mean I can hold Líri?" Zori asked, her excitement visible on her face.

Ori and Fíli shared a look, then Ori said, "If you can sit here really still, and hold her carefully, then yes, you can."

"I promise, I will hold her with the utmost care, Ada," Zori said, her voice serious.

"Alright. Let me stand up, and you can have my seat," Fíli said.

While they traded places, Ori met Kíli's eyes, where he was standing over with Tauriel. She was directly behind him, arms wrapped around his shoulders, and head on top of his. They were swaying to the music.

Kíli had gotten better over the years; enough that he could properly attend social functions with less difficulty. Some days were still harder, but over time, he healed more and more.

Kíli met Ori's eyes. Ori nodded casually towards both Zori and Líri. Soon, he saw Kíli speak to Tauriel, and they were both walking over towards where he and Fíli were beside the children.

"What are my two favorite brother-daughters up to now, this fine evening?" Kíli said, coming to stand at their left. Meanwhile, Tauriel came to stand on the other side of Fíli's throne, smiling down at the sisters.

"Auntie Tauriel!" Zori exclaimed, exuberantly.

"Hello there, little one," Tauriel replied, a kind smile on her face.

"I'm holding Líri, while Adad takes Ada dancing," Zori informed, her voice serious.

Tauriel nodded.

"I see that. You're doing well."

"Thank you."

"Alright, you two; off you go," Kíli said, a smile directed towards them, as he made a shooing motion with his hands.

Ori glanced at Fíli, who held out his left, which the former slipped his right into. To the floor they went, and Ori was gazing up at his husband, smiling as he did.

"You look gorgeous tonight," Fíli said, after he had spun Ori out away from him, then drew him closer once more.

"Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself."

"That may be the case, but I'm not the one everyone else is staring at."

Ori shrugged.

"Let them; I only care for your eyes on me."

Fíli smiled, then pulled Ori closer, leading the latter to wrapping his hands around his husband's neck.

"For that, I can only be glad," Fíli murmured, against Ori's right ear.

"You, and only you, remember?" Ori replied.

Fíli grinned, the echo of a promise that had solidified their bond decades before, spoken by him directly after that.

"You, and only you, Ori. Now and always."

Fíli dipped down then, and kissed Ori in the middle of the dance floor, hardly caring whether there were others around. Though it was probably a bit rude to the rest of the dancers, Ori returned the kiss, reveling in the tenderness and open affection that he received. Years and years had passed, but he loved Fíli still.

Eventually, someone bumped into Ori, causing them to pull apart.

"Some of us are trying to dance here. If you cannot keep your hands off of each other even now, go find an unoccupied corridor, like the rest of us have to any other time," Nori said, as he was led past Ori by Bofur, directly behind where he was.

Ori rolled his eyes, then said, "As if you have any room to talk, Nori."

Nori smirked.

"It's my wedding, if you remember. I can do what I want."

"At least, until your husbands say otherwise."

Bofur laughed, then spun Nori away from him, much like Fíli had done to Ori earlier.

"None of that now, either of you. If you want to quarrel, do it tomorrow. Tonight, we are going to enjoy each other."

Bofur and Nori danced away, leaving Ori shaking his head, as he gazed back up at Fíli.

The two had maintained a slight sway, after Nori had interrupted them, which at least allowed them to move amidst the dancers a bit easier, rather than being at a stand still.

The music changed, and it was a slower song than before.

"Care for one more, Amrâlimê?" Fíli asked.

Ori nodded. Then, he was pulled closer again.

The scent of sandalwood surrounded Ori, as he laid his head against Fíli's left shoulder. Familiar well-muscled arms wrapped around his back, while Fíli's head came to rest on Ori's left shoulder, and the consort melted into the touch as he always did. Fíli's long blond hair tickled his face, as they swayed together slowly.

Eventually, the song ended, and they pulled apart a bit. Ori slid his right hand into Fíli's left, then led him towards the punch bowl, where they each grabbed some.

Bilbo, who had a plate in his hand, covered in various meats and cheeses, smiled at Ori when their eyes met. The hobbit's hair was no longer so copper, but held the beginnings of aging within it, much as Thorin's continued to.

The pair were visiting from the Shire, where they had gone to live together a few years before, after Fíli had taken the throne. Time away had allowed them to heal more than when they had stayed, and so, the two had finally married.

"Having a good time, lad?" Bilbo asked, after Ori had taken his first sip of his drink.

"I am, indeed. How about you?"

Bilbo nodded.

"The food is excellent, as is the company. So yes, I am."

"Have you seen Líri and Zori yet, this evening?" Fíli asked.

Bilbo smiled.

"I did, yes. Thorin's been over there while you two were out on the floor, tossing Zori up on his shoulders."

Ori glanced over to where their daughters had been seated on Fíli's throne, and saw that Kíli was holding Líri in his arms. Meanwhile, Zori was indeed atop the former king's shoulders, using the top of Thorin's head like a drum. It was a good thing dwarf skulls were hard, especially that one's in particular.

"Should we go rescue them?" Ori asked.

"I think you'll be fine just a bit longer. He's missed everyone, while we've been away," Bilbo said.

Ori felt a kiss being placed on his cheek, then heard Fíli murmur against his left ear, "I'll be going that way."

Ori watched as his husband went to join those of their family congregating across the ballroom, and smiled. Even Dís and Tauriel were standing near each other, talking and watching the chaos of everything. Thorin might have missed them, but Fíli certainly had missed having his uncle around, too.

It had taken some time, but their bond had finally been repaired in full nearly a decade after the battle that almost took all of their lives. Between them, many ravens were sent each week, and Fíli often lamented that they did not live closer; no time more so than when he felt at a loss with what to do in their rule, or when the children became just a bit much for them both some days.

"Enjoying the spread, Bilbo?" Dori asked, coming to stand at Ori's left. Balin was shortly beside the eldest 'Ri sibling, clasping his arms around Dori's left, as they both halted near the other end of the refreshments.

"That I am," Bilbo said, as he came to stand in front of Ori, rather than at his right.

The four of them formed a little circle, and then Ori said, "You two did a fantastic job, with this whole wedding."

"Thank you, laddie," Balin said, smiling at him.

Nori was holding Dwalin's right hand, when he walked up to stand nearby them all.

Dwalin looked odd, wearing such formal attire, but Ori knew he had only done so for both of his new husbands. Were it his choice, he probably would have worn his axes throughout the event. Even Nori at least had his weapons all tucked away. Ori was under no delusion that his elder brother did not have at least a knife or two, strapped somewhere on his person. However, at Dori's behest, the grizzly warrior had left his axes behind, for the day.

"Congratulations," Balin said.

"Thank you, brother," Dwalin replied, then bonked their foreheads together.

"One of these days, I fear you'll need to see Óin about that; that cannot be healthy," Bilbo said.

"We are dwarrow," Dwalin said with an eyeroll, while Ori's eyes absentmindedly found the aging healer, dancing with Bifur out on the floor amidst other guests outside the Company.

A squeal of delight from Zori drew Ori's attention behind him, and he saw his daughter being helped down from Thorin's shoulders by his husband. Immediately, Zori ran over to Ori, and said, "Ada, would you like to dance?"

Ori smiled.

"Of course, pebble."

Soon, Ori was being pulled along by smaller hands than his own, then led to the dance floor. Unlike when the first dance was happening, there was a jauntier tune playing, and so he alongside Zori danced in quite a silly manner, hopping about while shaking around.

It was something Ori had to learn, after she was born. Zori, though serious at times, also had a sillier streak than he ever had, much like Fíli and Kíli. Still, Ori as much as his husband, would hang the stars for their children when and where that was possible. Learning to let loose a bit more was easier to come to terms with, especially after he had so much practice before either of their daughters were born, spending time with Fíli and Kíli.

In more ways than one, even as the years had gone on, knowing Fíli had been good for him. They complimented each other, as much as they were opposites, too. Their relationship, though not perfect, was still a soft place to land, and a comfort he was grateful for.

Ori hoped now that Nori finally had the two dwarrow he loved, that his brother would have that as much as he had for nearly twenty four years. It was a once in a lifetime sort of love, and a series of moments that he could only be grateful to Mahal for, that they had happened, at all.