Chapter 54

I'm back. It's a chapter of mostly fluff before the boys set out to find Bilbo. Sorry for the hiatus. If you're not reading any of my other stuff, school kicked my ass. I don't have any time to write while I'm taking my classes. But, for all those still interested I want to finish this story.

The guys still have to rescue Bilbo. Plus Fili and Kili need to adjust to who they are now. Both have grown and changed in their months apart. It won't all be smooth sailing for the two.

Thanks for all who review. I appreciate your kindness and patience.

Fili awoke with a start. His body arched upright with the need to move. Blue eyes flashed around the room, wild eyed. He remembered a rush, a frightful speed to get to somewhere, to get to someone. His breath caught in his throat for a moment, as his hands grabbed out to steady his suddenly spinning head.

Sure hands caught him. Their warmth spread through his body. "Fee, its alright. You're safe."

Fili turned his head, even in the dim light the smile on Kili's face was unmistakable.

"Oh, Mahal, it was no dream." Fili's voice was dry, but the emotion behind his words was clear. "It is you. Really you."

Kili nodded, "This time I'm real. You're real. We're together. Not just in each other's heads." Kili's words rushed out in a whisper. Fili blinked as Kili leaned forward to place his head against his elder brother. Kili closed his eyes for a moment, savoring having his brother in his arms. Gently, he guided his brother back to a reclining position.

Fili reached out with a hand to grip Kili's arm. He did not want to lose the physical contact so soon. Kili was of like mindset. He took Fili's hand in his.

With his free hand, Fili waved at the room. Everything was still fuzzy, but the details didn't matter to Fili at this moment.

Kili saw his confusion mixed with Fili's joy at seeing Kili once more. "Yeah, I know. After all these months. But it's happened. And no one is splitting us up again against our will. Ever." Kili added firmly.

Fili nodded his head in agreement then stopped. In an instant everything came rushing back into his memory and every inch of his big brother instinct's kicked into high gear.

"You came after me." Fili's grip on Kili's hand became vice like.

Kili shrugged, "We should whisper. Bifur's asleep." He knew what path Fili was venturing on. His shifted his gaze momentarily at the dozing elder.

"Kili DURIN. What the HELL

"SShhhh. You'll wake the elf." Kili interrupted. He shot a glance toward Legolas. An evil thought crossed his mind that the elf prince was pretending to be resting.

Fili was not about to be deterred. "WHERE YOU THINKING?" Fili shot back up to a sitting position, his blue eyes burrowing into Kili's warm brown ones.

Kili dropped his fake concern of sleeping friends. "I swore it. When I saw you leave and I could not follow because of my stupid legs. There is no place you can venture that I will not follow." Kili's voice no longer held any of it's lighter tone.

"Following me into death! That is something I do not want! Kili, I would not have you end your life because of me!" Fili's grip tightened. "Mahal, Kee. You willed yourself dead to follow me. Swear to me, swear you will do no such thing again." Fili's voice took on a desparate edge. Fili knew twice now, he'd been spared. Each time, he had felt Kili's touch in his mind.

Kili gave Fili a small sad smile. "It's not your choice, but mine."

Their eyes met. Fili recognized the fire in his younger brother, the strong will he possessed. Nothing Fili could say would dissuay his brother. Fili was both touched and saddened at the same time.

Fili started to speak, but Kili continued on. "We've been together every day of our lives. Until Thorin banished you and my world fell apart. Being your little brother was the only real role in this world I've ever embraced. But I learned much in our time apart. I discovered I could function, even manage to behave like an adult. I grew up some." Kili's gaze dropped from his brother's face. "I found out what it was like to walk in your boots. All the responsibilities you've been faced with since you were born. I'm the spare and didn't face the scrutiny or the demands. Then suddenly, it was thrust on me." Kili looked back at Fili's face seeing his brother's concern still war with his anger at Kili's decision.

Kili sighed and reached out for one of Fili's braids. "The only way I could manage was try to act how I thought you would."

Fili interrupted, "Kee, but I

"Fili, I'm making a mess out of what I'm trying to say. I lost faith in Thorin. I had no faith in myself. The thought of you is what kept me moving forward. Of doing what I needed to keep the Kingdom running. I realized then that I stunk at it." Kili took a deep breath, then gave Fili a sad smile. "Don't worry tho, the place is still standing. Uncle's come to his senses. I was healed enough. I couldn't wait anymore, it was eating me up inside. So I left, just took off with Bifur here. He knew what I was going to do. Nothing was going to stop me from getting back to you. Death just seemed like one more obstacle. It wasn't what I was scared of."

Fili shook his tangled mane, "Oh, little brother," he grabbed Kili into his arms. Tears began to flow, "I don't deserve such loyalty or devotion. You are more precious to me than anyone or anything. I want to see you happy, not returned to stone with me."

Kili just returned the hug tighter, "I would never be happy again if you were gone."

Their hug was interrupted by a gruff and sleepy voice, "Mahal's Hammer. You dwarflings need to sleep. Never apart, bad thought. All know you brothers always together. Just rest. Tomorrow we need to find the hobbit." Bifur stood over the two.

Kili and Fili parted. Fili got a good look at Bifur. The elder dwarrow then reached over and tugged the golden one into his arms. He held the boy for a long minute, hugging him and rocking gently.

"Next time, do not fight a tree. They are harder headed than us," Bifur muttered.

They both laughed softly, as Bifur finally relinquished his hold. "This one did right well as king. Ruled well from the heart. Did you proud."

Fili cocked his head as he watched Kili blush from the compliments. "Of that I have no doubt. I'm certain he ruled Erebor wisely. After all, his heart has always been in the right place. No one could ask for a more loyal and caring Durin."

Kili's cheeks were now scarlet, "He exaggerated and you put too much confidence in me."

"Do you dwarves ever take a compliment? No wonder we prefer insults." Legolas gentle voice wafted in the darkness to the trio.

Kili laughed as Fili raised an eyebrow as the elf's droll humor.

"Legolas? You're here as well?"

"Obviously, I was concerned you'd get lost again, so I remained in your room in case you needed a guide." Legolas replied.

Kili grinned brightly, "We've got a sleep over, like the old days with Gimli."

Fili moaned. "I appreciate all your attention, but I'm fine."

Kili dropped his light tone, "You weren't earlier. We would not risk you a second time. Legolas offered to watch over you should a healer be needed instantly. I am extremely grateful for the Prince's hospitality and concern."

Fili gave everyone a fond glance, "I appreciate it, I really do, but I'm fine now. Everyone can stop worrying about me and think about Bilbo."

"And we will. In the morning. You are still recovering," Kili told his brother firmly.

Fili snorted, "When did you get put in charge?"

Kili gave Fili a smug smile, "Of you? When you lost your fight with a tree and a river. You get to rest."

Fili rolled his blue eyes, "Is that an order from my prince?"

Legolas crossed his arms and stared down at his friends, "From two. I agree with Kili. Sleep is the best for you. I have my friends already preparing for our journey to rescue your friend. There is nothing more for you, or Kili, for that matter, to do this eve."

Fili held up his arms in surrender as Bifur nodded his agreement vigorously, "Fine. I can take a hint."

"More like a bludgeoning," Kili muttered.

Fili gave Kili a dark glare, "Not helping." His shoulders dropped with his exhaustion but he continued, "Just, I, well, thanks to all of you. I really appreciate you saving my hide."

Bifur came forward, "Good, all welcome. Go to BED." He began to lower Fili down as Kili adjusted the covers.

Legolas spoke, "Rest tonight my friend. I will go and make sure the preparations are proceeding while you sleep."

"Thanks," Fili replied as Kili was tucking in the blankets. Bifur touched the blonde's arm gently before leaving the two. He blew out the lone candle as he walked by.

Fili stared at the ceiling as his eyes tried to focus in the dark. He felt Kili moving beside him, still attempting to make Fili more comfortable.

"I'm fine, Kee."

"Oh, I just wanted to be sure."

Fili felt Kili settle into his own side of the bed. A thousand questions tumbled in his brain. How was Kili really? How did he survive Thorin's madness, how did Thorin get cured? What was Erebor like? Most of all, if Kili had really had been in his head when he faced death, then that meant Kili had died too. Fili gasped in realization and his arm shot out for his little brother.

Kili's voice was low as it broke the silence of the last few minutes. "I'm here. Don't dwell on it. Just don't."

Fili didn't know if Kili was reading his mind or talking about Bilbo.

"Whatever is out there, we'll face it together. Just like we were meant too." Kili took Fili's hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

"I know, Kee. I wouldn't have it any other way." Fili finally replied his voice heavy with emotion.

"Night Fee."

"Night."