Work Text:
Dinner was a rowdy affair. Tonight they dined not only with the Company, but with Dain and his warriors as well. The golden floor in Erebor’s main hall reflected the candles lit all around. Tables had been salvaged from Smaug’s wreckage and set in the middle of the room. Everybody sat on mismatched boxes, stools, and crates and more than a few Dwarves were using their shields as plates. It was no lavish banquet, but Dain’s men had brought enough provisions for a modest dinner.
The battle on their doorstep was still fresh in Fíli’s mind. He had seen battles, but never one as vast as this one had been. He had also never been involved in the cleanup after a battle. It was horrid. He was thankful for the distraction the dinner provided.
A kiss to his cheek made him look up from his food. Kíli, of course.
“You were miles away.”
“Just thinking.” Fíli explained.
“About your handsome partner?” Kíli teased.
“Of course. Especially because he bestows kisses upon me so freely.”
“It is my duty to distract the Crown Prince.”
“A duty which you take extremely seriously.”
Kíli smiled and stole a few grapes from Fíli’s plate.
They sat in silence for a while, listening to the shouts and laughter of their companions. Even Bilbo, their guest of honor for the evening, had joined in. He was the only non-Dwarf in attendance, but did not seem to care about such matters anymore. In fact, he and Thorin appeared to be disagreeing on something.
Kíli nudged him with his elbow. “When do you think they will announce their courtship?”
Fíli looked at his brother. “Whose courtship?”
“Thorin’s and Bilbo’s of course.”
“One embrace on top of the Carrock hardly counts as courting.” Fíli objected.
“I remember we did not even hug the first weeks of our courtship.” Kíli countered. “Thorin and Bilbo’s hug was more intimate than anything we did for at least six weeks.”
“You hardly dared to hold my hand.” Fíli laughed.
Fíli remembered it well. He had expected his One not to heed their promise of chastity, but Kíli had surprised him. His brother’s initial shyness had been endearing.
“Hold my hand?” Fíli had asked a few weeks after their courtship had started. It was during one of their many walks in the forest surrounding the Blue Mountains.
Kíli’s hand had been clammy, but it had hardly mattered. It had felt right. They were made for each other.
He grabbed Kíli’s hand, holding it just as he had all those years ago. The same feeling washed over him.
“I’m happy I have you.” Fíli declared, giving Kíli’s hand a small squeeze.
“You will always have me.” Kíli promised.