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Chapter Text

“He has a face only his Amad could love. It’s really quite a shame.”

“He’s not nearly as hideous as his brother or his uncle, at least.”

“Perhaps not, but he’s really not much better. How are they supposed to create the next in line, when all of the royal family, except for Princess Dís, are so ghastly?”

“It’s a good thing the King and the younger prince married outside of our race. Only a hobbit and an elf could find any in the direct line of Durin attractive, after all.”

“I believe it’s time we consider that one of us must sacrifice for the good of the kingdom. What say you all?”

Ori snapped a quill, and ink covered his hands. 

He couldn’t see any of the dwarrow who had spoken so hideously, but he could hear them, and that was more than enough for him to decide it was time to take action. Oh, he was not going to take this sitting down. 

Ori never cared much for balls; too many people fawning over him, rather than paying attention to his important attributes, like his mind. He was a part of a family blessed by Mahal to be seen as pleasing to their fellow dwarf’s eyes. He wasn’t much for entertaining strangers though, anyways. 

However, what Ori had heard made him realize it was time for the youngest ‘Ri to finally go to a ball, in Erebor. He wouldn’t like it, but his entrance would be the talk of the night. If he wished to get away with what he planned, he’d have to get in and do as he needed, before it was too late.

Bilbo laid atop Thorin’s chest, while one of his husband’s hands was in his hair, stroking through his curls slowly. The former’s hands, meanwhile, were thoroughly wound through the thick, black tufts of hair below, as he rested atop the expansive body contentedly.

The two were staring at each other adoringly, after a particularly thorough round of love making. There were hours left until the ball, but the hobbit felt the need before it even began to remind his exquisite husband in detail of how much he admired his physical attributes, alongside the more intangible ones, as well. 

Erebor social functions were the bane of Bilbo’s existence for one particular reason, but he had found himself the Consort of the King Under the Mountain, so he weathered them as best he could at his husband’s side. That didn’t mean he particularly cared for the way that most of the kingdom spoke of Thorin, though. 

It still boggled Bilbo’s mind that anyone could look at Thorin and not see how utterly entrancing he was, or admire his steadfast courage and loyalty, either. He could write poems of the ways in which he was fascinated by a great many aspects of his dwarf in particular. Likewise, Bilbo found himself often looking towards the blue eyes he knew so well, wondering how he had gotten so lucky to call the “King of Carven Stone” his to hold for the remainder of their lives. 

It was just as well, though, because he’d rather not have to fend off half the kingdom for Thorin’s attention anyways. Let them believe what they wanted; Bilbo knew the true worth of Thorin Oakenshield, and he damn well would make sure to remind said dwarf of it, too. 

“Ghishavel, must we go to this ball tonight?”

Bilbo chuckled softly. 

“I believe given that we are the King and Consort, that yes, we must.”

Thorin scoffed.

“I have two heirs. One of them is married, and Fíli is responsible enough on his own at this point. Let him lead the opening ceremony, and hold court amongst our people tonight.”

Bilbo sighed. 

“Much as I believe in our nephews, I don’t think that’s something to drop on either of them last minute, darling.”

Thorin sighed, heavily. 

“I suppose you are right. I detest the idea of leaving you or this bed at present, though.”

Bilbo clucked his tongue.

“None of that. I’ll be there beside you, as I always am. Afterwards, you are welcome to join me here again.”

Thorin grinned.

“I have no doubt I’ll want to, if you wear anything near as distracting as you always do.”

Bilbo sniffed.

“I am nothing if not a clotheshorse, so expect it, love,” Bilbo said, patting his husband’s chest. 

Thorin’s eyes brightened, and soon they were kissing again. 

The door to their private bed chamber did open, though, and that brought them apart swiftly, then turning towards who had dared burst into their private time. Bilbo gathered up the blankets around himself as much as he could, before properly meeting Balin’s eyes, who looked quite vexed at the moment.

“Thorin, Bilbo, not again!” Balin all but shouted. 

“What are you doing here?” Thorin demanded.

Balin put a hand on his forehead, and rubbed at his temples with one hand, while a parchment hung loosely at his side in the other.

“You two were meant to be ready over an hour ago. There are last minute approvals that are needed, and Kíli is losing his mind over missing hair beads.”

“How is that our problem, Balin? He has Tauriel for that, you know,” Thorin said. 

Bilbo rolled away from Thorin though, making ready to hop out of bed the second Balin wasn’t in direct view. He may have lived among dwarrow for many years by that point, but he was not so comfortable with anyone seeing his naked form but Thorin, still, even so. 

Bilbo saw the unamused look on Balin’s face before their friend and advisor spoke again.

“She’s at her wits’ end, and you know how difficult it is for that to happen. One of you needs to deal with the approvals, and the other needs to help your scatterbrained nephew, or I will drink myself silly before the night’s end.”

Despite the moment, Bilbo chuckled at that thought. Balin did deserve a break though. He would make sure the elder dwarf got one soon, if it was the last thing he did.

“Alright, alright. We’ll be out soon,” Thorin grumbled.

“See that you are, Thorin, because Dori is indisposed tonight, and will not be available for any last minute clothing issues, either.”

“Is everything alright?” Bilbo asked, suddenly worried. 

Balin softened a bit and nodded, a small, gentle smile on his face.

“Everything is fine, Bilbo. It was a small family emergency, which both Dori and Nori have handled, I have been assured. That is all I can say, for now.”

Bilbo still wondered about that, given Balin had distinctly left Ori out of his assurance, but he supposed he would know eventually. As their chief advisor had said, they had much to be doing.  

Fíli was at the high table, draining his ale slowly down. 

No one had asked him to dance, outside of his Amad, of course. He had expected that, really. 

Fíli wished Ori could be there at least, because then he’d have pleasurable company, amidst the noise. Ori didn’t come to balls though; he wasn’t one for the insipid and shallow natures that were brought out by them, nor the large gaggle of their kinsmen everywhere. He was a quieter sort, and favored books to small talk. Still, Fíli wished just once his best friend could be there, if only to put him out of his misery. 

Thorin and Kíli at least had met their matches; they were married properly to their Ones, and happily so. Fíli was thrilled for them, really. However, he also felt like he was a pig left up at the high table for slaughter, when they both disappeared from his side to dance with their own partners. His Amad, though widowed, was thought of as quite a beauty with her longer beard and shorter height, so she was up on her feet more often throughout the night than Fíli ever would be.

He sighed, swallowing the last of his first mug of ale for the night. 

Before Fíli could get another, the room fell quiet; or at least as silent as a full ballroom could get, with so many inside. Whispers began to fill the air, and Fíli tried his best to see what on Arda was going on. Perhaps there was a threat; he could handle that, with a quick blade or two. Anything to break up the dreary monotony of not being chosen again, on a night like this. He was the Crown Prince. He knew he wasn’t much to look at, but it was downright embarrassing after all these years, really. 

Fíli finally stood up and watched as the crowds were parting for one single dwarf. 

The dwarf in question was none other than Ori, dressed in his very finest. 

Amethysts and what were probably small diamonds were encrusted in his hair alongside bright purple ribbons so delicately woven into the most intricate braids that Fíli had ever seen Ori wear. He had a full length plush, velvet purple cloak trailing behind him that might as well have been made of stardust. His tunic was the finest amethyst purple Fíli had ever seen, and his trousers were black as midnight. 

Fíli had never seen a dwarf so beautiful. 

Had Ori finally found a reason, or someone worthy enough of him, that he wished to attend the ball? 

Something about that last part made Fíli’s heart clench; not that he had any right to that feeling, he thought bitterly. Still, he watched as his friend continued through the throngs of guests, unsure where Ori was headed. 

Eventually, Ori met Fíli’s eyes, and his heart almost stopped. Rather than turn away from him, Ori was walking directly up to where Fíli stood, and all eyes it seemed were on his intended trajectory. 

Fierce whispers and murmurs rose up louder than before, but Fíli did his best to tune them out, as he only had eyes for Ori. Ori, who was looking quite determined, as he continued on forward. 

When Ori finally did stop, there was only the high table between them. Fíli was a good deal taller than him up on the raised dais, standing behind the table. Despite the intense scrutiny on them both, Fíli whispered, “Ori, what are you doing here?”

Ori looked up at him, and there was a moment of hesitation, before he cleared his throat. 

“I came to dance,” Ori started, he swallowed slowly, then added, “with you.”

That was not at all the answer Fíli had been expecting. 

“Me? Why me?”

Ori’s eyes were warm, and his mouth formed a small smile directed only at Fíli.

“You’re the only one I’d ever want to dance with Fíli, that’s why.”

Heart hammering in his chest, Fíli didn’t bother with walking around the table. Instead, he glanced beside where Ori stood and in a flash he was hopping over the table, and then found himself standing beside Ori to his left. 

Ori, who was gazing at him with surprise, and slightly pinking cheeks. 

Surely, Fíli was seeing things. He had to be, right?

Tentatively, Fíli held out his right hand, and Ori took it firmly. 

“Let’s dance, then,” Fíli said quietly. 

He was the Crown Prince; he could not look nervous. He held onto that thought as best he could, while leading Ori out onto the dance floor, which for some reason was blessedly clear except for Thorin and Bilbo, as well as Kíli and Tauriel. Fíli couldn’t meet their eyes though, or he just might let the mask he had on slip, and soon everyone would know, including Ori, how scared he was of ruining whatever was happening right then. 

It wasn’t just that someone had finally asked Fíli to dance that was the issue; it was more a matter of who and how Ori had done it, really. 

Ori was his best friend, and best friends just didn’t look at each other the way Ori was gazing upon him. Nor did they show up to balls looking as Ori had, simply to seek each other out for a public display when such a thing held weight given their stations. If Ori had any inclination to dance with him before, the scribe very well could have in the privacy of the Company wing of Erebor when any of Thorin’s company were playing their instruments or joining each other in song. Instead, Ori had quite publicly laid a claim to him, even one so temporary, all while making Fíli feel as if he were simultaneously dreaming and about to faint at the same time.

Instead of doing either though, he led Ori properly into his arms, and then began to dance with the Master Scribe. 

Fíli was grateful for the dance lessons his Amad had insisted on some time ago. He had chafed at the idea because he didn’t see much need for them when no one really cared to seek him out for a turn around the room, unless they had nefarious purposes in wanting his attention. Ori was his friend though; more than that, he was not the sort to treat anyone like that. Why then had Ori chosen this ball, and him specifically to dance with? 

Did Ori pity him? Was he hoping that by dancing with Fíli first, he might give others the idea that they should dance with the Crown Prince, too? Was Ori hoping to help him, or was there some other reason the scribe had sought him out alone for the evening? 

Fíli was doing his best not to look too closely at Ori’s face, otherwise he might see something there he couldn’t properly deal with, while maintaining the illusion for himself and everyone else that he was more than a passable dancer when he set his mind to it. Eventually, the song ended, but Ori made no move to extricate himself from Fíli’s hold. 

The other dwarf’s breathing was a bit more shallow, but Ori seemed perfectly content to remain where he was. There was a moment where the instruments and the live band’s players were shuffling about. In that time, Fíli did allow himself to look properly at his friend. 

Ori, who was never prone to extended eye contact, was staring at him so openly beneath his gaze, a relieved smile on his face even when Fíli continued to look at him. 

Fíli’s heart shuddered. 

Perhaps, it wasn’t so impossible after all, what Fíli had wanted for some time. Chasing that thought, he began to speak.

“Ori -”

“Excuse me, might I cut in, scribe?”

Ori’s face changed then; he looked angry. It made quite the sight, given the adornments he sported. They were so at odds with the thunderous expression that had stormed its way onto Ori’s normally shy, or neutrally drawn face. Why Ori had reacted so swiftly in that manner as he had, Fíli couldn’t honestly have known. He watched as Ori stepped a bit closer into him, then glanced to his left. 

“No, you cannot.” The voice he had employed was cold like a frozen tundra; it was so unlike Ori, that Fíli knew even if he didn’t understand what was wrong, he should give credence to his friend’s reaction and heed it. 

The insipid voice was not deterred though, much to Fíli’s dismay.

“Excuse me, just who do you think -”

Fíli turned a disinterested look at the other dwarf, who was none too put off by it, though their lips did pinch a bit at the sight and blessedly managed to silence themself. 

They were a bit shorter than he and Ori. Meanwhile, their clothes spoke of money, but spent in a way that was obscene rather than endearing. Their skin was pale in a way that said they never took even a day’s walk or ride out of the mountain, unlike Ori, who did join Fíli on pony rides every so often as their jobs and time allowed. Their light brown hair was long, as well as voluptuous, and twisted in intricate knots. It was bedecked in a truly tasteless amount of large jewels at random, even by dwarrow standards, so they were nobility of some sort. Their blue eyes were none too friendly; flashing with irritation, even as Fíli met them properly. 

In short, Fíli was none too pleased with the stranger who had interrupted his time with Ori.

“Master Ori and I have already agreed to another dance, I’m afraid. Better luck next time.”

“He’s already had one,” the stranger said, their mouth twisting further in annoyance. 

“You’ve had all night to seek me out before he got here, and yet, it seems you only cared once Master Ori came to my side. I think I’d prefer his company rather than yours, thank you.”

The stranger glanced between them, then made an ugly noise of disbelief in the back of their throat.

“Suit yourself, Your Highness. You’ll live to regret it, I imagine.”

Ori scoffed. “I highly doubt that. More like you would regret it.”

The stranger’s eyes narrowed, zeroing in specifically on Ori. Fíli really didn’t like that. 

“Whatever do you mean, scribe?” 

There was acid in the tone, and soon Fíli understood there was more to this interaction than he could possibly realize. 

“You know exactly what I mean. Perhaps if you don’t want anyone to know of your hideous heart or plans, you shouldn’t all but advertise that knowledge for anyone to hear, in a library. I recognized your voice the second you spoke a few moments ago; nevermind that you and your compatriots had the gall to prance out in front of me earlier, not even noticing me as I did my work. It’s a good thing you lot weren’t very bright, otherwise, it might have been harder for me to place you so quickly.”

The venom Ori had was something Fíli had never heard, but he understood enough to realize Ori was protecting him. From what, he could guess vaguely by that point, but even so, a part of him dampened. Fíli was grateful to Ori for doing so, but he had hoped for a moment that Ori had come to the ball merely for him, as he had made it appear. 

“Were it not for your beauty, or your accolades, you would be unremarkable,” the stranger sneered at Ori. 

Before Ori could respond again, Fíli spoke in a commanding tone he did not often employ at random.

“That’s more than enough. I don’t know who you are, but you should be glad I’d rather spend time with Master Ori, than bring you and whoever else he spoke of up on charges. Now, make yourself scarce before I change my mind about that.”

The dwarf stamped, then walked off. 

Ori took a few deep breaths, then glanced back up at Fíli. His face was no longer pinched in anger, but rather a good deal more friendly than before. Fíli willed the butterflies in his stomach to disappear. He couldn’t allow them to flourish, because Ori was just there as a friend. He had misread the scribe’s intentions on an errant, long buried hope. 

“I don’t feel much like dancing anymore,” Fíli muttered. 

Ori visibly wilted a bit but nodded. 

“How about we get something to drink, and walk outside?”

“Okay,” Fíli agreed. 

Ori held out his right hand, which Fíli accepted. He could have that much, at least; the illusion of something he would never truly be allowed to call his own, for just a bit longer. Ori was too kind to leave him there on the dance floor after that, so he would undoubtedly do so outside. 

It was okay, really. 

Ori had done more than anyone and clearly saved him from becoming embroiled in some sort of plot for his attention, again. 

Fíli watched absentmindedly as Ori filled two glasses with a red liquid that was probably some type of punch. Fíli hoped it was spiked with alcohol, as he held his glass with his free hand after Ori had lightly pressed it into his grasp.

Fíli didn’t make eye contact with any specific guest as he allowed Ori to lead him towards wherever he wanted.  

Soon, they were out in the warm, humid night air. 

His hair would look atrocious later. That was a problem for after Ori left his side, though. 

Ori went to all the trouble to look as he did, the smaller dwarf should have a good time still, after they talked. Fíli imagined once that happened, he would ask Thorin for permission to go back to his quarters. Kíli could find him later if he wished. He really didn’t want to see anyone though, after whatever was about to happen. Nor did Fíli wish to remain behind, once Ori left his side to find someone more appropriate or interesting to dance with than his oldest friend.

Soon, it was only the two of them, sitting on a bench set on a moonlit terrace that jutted out the side of the mountain. 

Fíli took a sip of the drink and found it was decidedly not spiked, which was just his luck. After swallowing the first gulp, he sighed. 

“I’m sorry you had to see that,” Ori said, quietly. 

Curiosity got the better of him, so he asked, “What was that about, anyways?”

Ori was really quiet for a moment, then looked over at him from where he had been staring down into his own drink, and said, “I overheard them and a group of other dwarrow talking about you, and your family earlier. They were disparaging you all, and lamenting that no one had managed to grin and bear it for your hand or the line of succession’s sake, essentially.”

Ori sounded so angry, Fíli thought he might actually manage to snap the cup in his hand. Ori did have the strength for it if he put his mind to it, after all. 

“It’s nothing I haven’t heard before, Ori, as you well know.”

“It’s not right,” Ori said. 

“Maybe not, but it is the way of our world. Just as you are regarded as the height of beauty, I am forever allotted the privilege of being seen as an ugly prince, with only gold and glory to speak well of me.”

“NO,” Ori said so loudly directly after. His drink nearly splashed all over him as he shook from the force of the sudden declaration. 

Fíli himself was startled into silence as he watched Ori look over his clothes, noticing that thankfully nothing had actually spilled on them. 

Ori winced afterwards. “Sorry about that.”

Carefully, Ori took his cup and set it on the ground. He reached for Fíli’s, which in his shock, Fíli let him have it, wondering why that was so important. 

Eventually, Ori flicked his gaze up to Fíli, and said, “I only meant that they’re wrong, and so are you.”

Fíli raised an eyebrow at the scribe, who turned away from him to look at the ground to his left, as he did his best to control his breathing. When he was finished, Ori gazed at him again, and there was so much uncertainty and hope clear on his face, Fíli wasn’t quite sure what to make of it just yet. 

“You’re far more than whatever gold you have to your name, or what you’ve done in battles,” Ori said resolutely, as if there was no doubt in his mind about that. 

“Ori -”

Ori waved a hand in front of him, and Fíli stopped speaking. It was not often that Ori did something like that, so clearly whatever made him do it, was important.

Ori inhaled a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. When his eyes met Fíli’s again, they were imploring. 

“Please, let me finish. Otherwise, I might not have the courage to do so.”

Fíli’s heart began beating much quicker then, at the implication that sort of statement had. His heart had taken so many twists and turns that evening already. He could only hope that perhaps what Ori wished to say was more in the vein of what he had always hoped, rather than something a friend would utter to console him for being afforded his ugliness.

Ori took another deep breath, then said, “You are the kindest, bravest, most loyal, and beautiful dwarf I have ever seen, Fíli. I could have stabbed them all when I heard what they said. Lucky for them, I managed to snap one of my favorite quills, then ended up with my hand covered in ink for my trouble.”

Fíli’s mind became a whirlwind of chaos, as he tried to hold onto all that Ori had just said. It was more than he could have ever hoped, and never would he have thought it something Ori in particular would say to him. This wasn’t just a friend’s insistent reassurance, that he could be sure of, though.

He noticed Ori’s worried expression a few moments later, so Fíli did his best to say something; anything, at that moment.

“You snapped your quill, because of me?”

Ori’s eyebrows furrowed, his mouth quirked into an amused grin.

“I just confessed I love you, and that’s what you’re focused on?”

Would Ori never stop giving him heart palpitations? One dwarf could only take so much. Still, Fíli focused on saying the obvious, if only to let the idea wash over him completely, and perhaps get clarification while he did his best to calm his racing chest

“I didn’t hear you say that. In fact, there was a distinct lack of that phrase in any of what you said, actually.”

“Fíli,” Ori said softly, gazing over at him, his brown eyes so bright it was breathtaking. 

Belatedly, Fíli realized he had forgotten to breathe a bit, which was just as well because Ori clearly had more to say.  

“Do you think I would ever come to a ball like this, and subject myself to what I did, for someone I merely liked? Do you think I would consider revenge for someone I just happen to have a passing fancy for? Do you think I would ever allow myself to be overcome with so much rage that I would snap one of my favorite quills for just anyone ?”

Fíli’s heart stuttered, realizing the truth in what Ori said. Ori was too smart, too logical, to do things on a whim. That his emotions had verged into such passionate territory over Fíli, was something the dwarf himself was still coming to terms with, though.

Eventually, Fíli managed to quietly say, “You never said that before, that you love me.”

Ori gave him an incredulous stare.

“Of course not, because you’re you. You’re my best friend. What if I was alone in my feelings, and then I just ruined everything between us? I would rather be your friend, than lose you from my life entirely over unrequited emotions.”

Oh.

It was Fíli’s turn to put Ori’s mind at ease, he decided. Ori had gone to such trouble for him, it was the least he could do, at that moment.  

“You couldn’t have done that, Ori.”

Ori grimaced.

“I beg to differ, Fee, but now you know. I understand if you don’t feel the same way, but I couldn’t let that ingrate anywhere near you, and I thought at least this way I could dance with you once before you end up finding someone who sees you as I do.”

Ori really didn’t know then. They had both left each other in the dark, as it were.

Fíli was a leader, and a most candid dwarf on a number of occasions, but his feelings for Ori were something that he struggled to speak of, even having known of them for some time. It was a juxtaposition of his character he supposed, but he, as much as Ori, had never wanted to lose his best friend from unrequited feelings before either.

Fíli sighed.

“There’s really no chance of that.”

Ever obstinate, Ori continued, as if Fíli weren’t trying to tell the Master Scribe something that would ease his worries.

“You don’t know. We’re not nearly Thorin’s age or your Amad’s yet. Thorin found Bilbo at nearly 200 and -”

Fíli cut him off before his own nerves got the best of him. “What I mean is, after tonight, no one else will have the chance.”

That, finally, caught Ori’s attention, bless Mahal. 

“Why?” Ori asked so quietly, Fíli had to strain to hear. 

Once he knew he had Ori’s attention, Fíli said, “Because, I don’t want someone else who sees me as you do, Ori. I only want you.”

Ori’s eyes widened. 

“You want me ?”

He said it as if the statement was somehow incomprehensible with his understanding of the world.

Fíli nodded.

“Of course I do. Why wouldn’t I?”

Ori momentarily glanced away, staring at the ground, as he said, “Because you’re my friend, and you’ve never -”

Fíli smiled, and soon Ori was looking at him again, after he had trailed off.

“To borrow a line from you; of course I didn’t, because you’re you. How could I think that the smartest, most handsome and incredible dwarf I’ve ever met, would bother looking at me like that? I’m ugliness and mundane royal responsibilities, to hear most tell it, unless they’re after me for my station or the gold. Why would I ever think someone like you would feel the same?”

Ori grimaced, his teeth practically grinding against each other when he spoke next. 

“I don’t give a damn what anyone else says about you. They don’t know you like I do; they don’t know your mind or your heart.”

Ori sounded so angry on his behalf, Fíli might have actually laughed at the absurdity of it all. Except he couldn’t, because Ori was serious. Ori loved him, and sounded about ready to go to battle for his honor, and wasn’t that the most lovely thought. Ori was a lionheart in a scribe’s body; a body that was made for holding, Fíli decided. 

“Ori,” Fíli said softly. 

Brown eyes met his again. 

Disbelief was replaced with hesitance. “You’re serious.”

Fíli nodded. 

He reached out and grasped one of Ori’s more delicate hands in his, and his heart swelled as their fingers laced together. 

“Thank you, for what you did earlier. Before you showed up, I had been wishing that you would attend a ball for once in your life simply so I could talk to you, and then there you were, walking directly to me. I almost fainted at the sight of you, looking like you do right now. I couldn’t possibly have known it was because of me. I am glad it was, though.”

Tentatively, he lifted Ori’s hand up to his mouth, and pressed a kiss against the top of it. That made Ori’s eyelashes flutter, and another bright dusting of pink danced across the parts of his unbearded skin. 

Ori smiled softly, then asked, “Do you remember what I said, when you asked me why?”

Fíli thought back, and when he remembered, he wanted to kick himself. Ori had been trying to tell him since the moment he arrived in that blasted ballroom. He had forgotten though, in his surprise, and anxiety about what might happen after.

“You really meant that?”

Ori nodded.

“I did. Even if I hadn’t felt the need to come save you, it would be true, Fee,” Ori whispered. 

His brown eyes were sparkling with happiness, and that made Fíli’s heart nearly stop, right then and there. 

“I love you.”

Ori smiled so widely.

“That’s a good thing, because I love you, too.”

Ori scooted closer then, their hands still tethered together, and then he was laying his head on Fíli’s left shoulder. 

Fíli let go of Ori’s hand, in favor of an arm wrapping around the smaller dwarf, pulling him even closer. With his free hand, he laced that one with Ori’s.

The night’s warmer air felt like a balm to the soul, as much as holding Ori was. 

“What was it that you wanted to talk about earlier?”

Fíli sighed. 

“Whatever you might have wanted, because I was bored to tears, and committed to drinking myself under the table before you showed up.”

Ori made a noise of disapproval. 

“You don’t even smell of ale yet, and you’re not slurring your words, so I suppose I got there just in time.”

Fíli bent down and tentatively placed a kiss on top of Ori’s head. 

Afterwards, he murmured, “Aye, you did. You saved me in more ways than one, tonight.”

Ori pressed a bit more against him, scooting even closer into his space, as he did. 

  Then, Ori turned and was looking up at him serenely, as if Fíli’s body was a comfort, rather than just a place to rest for a brief time. 

One of Ori’s hands was shaking, as he lifted it up, and placed it softly against Fíli’s right cheek. Almost immediately after, Fíli’s eyes closed, and he exhaled beneath that touch. His heart was hammering then, as if urged on by Mahal’s hammer itself. 

This was decidedly new territory, and though a more adventurous sort, Fíli would be lying if he said he wasn’t terrified to explore it, for fear of ruining the currently untread ground in some way. 

“Perhaps it’s just Bilbo’s influence, but,” Ori began, which made Fíli open his eyes again. He didn’t want to miss a single moment of whatever happened for the rest of the night, if he could help it. He saw Ori looking over towards the hair beneath his hand, then continued, a sharp look on his face, “I’m not content simply to take what they tried to do lying down.” 

There was a dangerous undercurrent to Ori’s tone that Fíli would normally ascribe to Bilbo or Nori even, when one of them felt wronged. 

“What did you have in mind?”

If his best friend was going to get into some sort of mischief or trouble over him, the least he could do was join in. 

“Let me love you, out loud.”

Fíli frowned.

“What?”

Ori sighed.

“I’m going to make them regret ever thinking less of you, and what you have to offer. Then, I’ll keep you all to myself, for as long as you’ll have me, because you aren’t a consolation prize or something to be obtained, Fíli. You are the best dwarf I’ve ever met, and I am going to make others see that to their detriment, because so long as you’ll let me, I’ll love you. Let our happiness be their own jealousy and sorrow.”

It really did something to Fíli to hear anyone, but especially Ori, speak of him in such a way. How long had Ori felt like that? 

“Whatever you’re thinking, I’m in.”

Ori smiled so sweetly, then, it made him ache a bit. 

“First, I think we might need to kiss on it. After all, this is only going to work if you’re comfortable touching me.”

Fíli stilled. 

That wasn’t what he had been expecting, at all, though he supposed he really should have. To say he wanted to kiss Ori was an understatement, but not something he had anticipated doing right at that moment. Where Ori would lead, though, Fíli would always follow.

Kissing Fíli wasn’t at all how Ori had imagined it being, but he wasn’t perturbed by that. 

Fíli was clearly feeling awkward and unsure. Ori could relate, as he felt that often enough in other areas of life outside of his work. However, one of them had to be the more confident party, so he elected it to be him. He had basically ambushed Fíli with his emotions, after all. It was the least he could do.

Still, Ori was patient, as they figured out where noses went while they tried their hand at snogging each other. It went well enough, after a time, but Fíli was being odd. Odd, in the sense that it felt like he was withholding doing what he actually wanted, in favor of what didn’t normally come quite naturally to him in other areas of his life - hesitance.

Part of the problem, Ori decided eventually, was that Fíli was being careful; too careful, really. At first Ori just thought it might be inexperience which was more than okay and no reason for him to be annoyed or upset at all. However, Ori realized soon after, it wasn’t. 

Fíli’s hands repeatedly would begin to reach for him in a way that was more than agreeable to Ori, only to fall away, and return to a more chaste hold than he had previously seemed to wish for. Ori was not a fragile vase to be displayed, nor a flower incapable of standing in the sun’s light. He would let Fíli know it, too.

In frustration, Ori pulled away, and looked down at his hands for a minute, which were on Fíli’s chest. 

“I’m sorry, I haven’t done this very often, and so I’m probably not very good at it.”

Fíli sighed, though his hands remained on Ori’s waist as they had mostly been since Ori had come to stand in front of him, and grasped his face between his hands, intent on kissing the other dwarf. 

“It’s not that, Fee,” Ori said softly. 

“Then what is it?”

Ori glanced back up, and met Fíli’s eyes, pointedly.

“I’m not made of glass. You can be a little less careful with me, I promise.”

Fíli’s eyebrows raised. “You want that?”

His voice sounded so unsure, it would be completely endearing, if Ori weren’t so currently frustrated with the state of their chaste lip locking. Or lack thereof, since they had stopped to talk. 

“Yes.”

“But your braids, and your -”

“My hair can be fixed, and if you say my clothes, I promise I’ll accuse you of sounding like my elder brother.”

Fíli’s face became one of mute horror. 

Still, Fíli tried valiantly to muster up words moments later, “The kingdom, what everyone-”

Ori softly placed the fingertips of his left hand across Fíli’s mouth. That received a furrowed brow, but Fíli didn’t move in a way that said the action bothered him. So, Ori continued on, trying to reassure his friend, his only love, that it was okay. 

“You just let me worry about everyone else, okay? Meanwhile, you can simply concern yourself with being happy,” Ori pulled his hand away then, and asked, “This makes you happy, right?”

Fíli responded almost immediately in a more confident tone than he’d had all night. 

“Mahal, yes.”

Ori smiled again. His heart was erratic, and his cheeks were undoubtedly flushed, but he soldiered on.  

“Good. Then, I know, and you know, that you are normally very vocal about what you want. I understand what I told you earlier might have shocked you, but if this right now is what you want, then please let me know, because I would sooner pull you by your braids and sit on your lap if you’d allow it.”

Fíli’s mouth fell open for a moment, and Ori worried he had gone too far. That was, until Ori was being picked up then placed directly on Fíli’s lap. 

Ori, though surprised, was also quite pleased at that turn of events as he wrapped his hands around Fíli’s neck, and adjusted himself in a way that would let him stay upright securely where he was then perched. 

Soon they were kissing again, and this time, it wasn’t so chaste or unsure. It wasn’t perfect, but it was perfect to Ori, because of who he was kissing. One of his hands tangled in Fíli’s hair eventually, which produced a small groan that became louder, when he tugged on some of the blond tresses.  

They came apart for air, and Ori smiled again, before tucking himself under Fíli’s chin, to give the latter some time to adjust to what had just happened. The night was young; they had time. He wasn’t going to rush Fíli about this, ever. 

Fíli buried his face into Ori’s shoulder, and both of them just breathed together, enjoying the closeness of the other. 

“Do you think,” Ori asked softly, “you’d be willing to dance with me again, now that we’ve had time to talk?”

Fíli exhaled heavily, then asked, “Why?” 

“I want everyone to see that you make me happy, Fee. I want them to ever regret doubting you. Let me show them they were wrong about you. Then, if you want, we can go elsewhere, and be alone. But first, I want to make good on what I said earlier. You’re the Crown Prince. It’s only right that you have a suitor worthy of your hand, willing to show you off like the gem you are.”

Fíli made a disgusted sort of noise in his throat.

“I don’t care what they think, but this really seems to matter to you, so okay.”

Ori frowned.

“It should matter to you as well. You’ll be King one day.”

“Thorin rules with his head, not his likability, and he’s just fine.”

Ori chuckled softly and maneuvered himself so that he could look at Fíli’s face before he spoke again. 

“Yes, we all know that, but it is Bilbo who sweetens the deal, really. Do you think diplomatic endeavors would go half as well if your other uncle wasn’t there, reminding others of how honey catches more flies than vinegar? He’s acidic only when he needs to be.”

Fíli had a thoughtful look on his face, before he spoke again.

“If we do this, Ori, then there’s no turning back. What you’re saying sounds a lot like you believe you’re going to be my Consort, and I’m still coming around to the idea that my best friend loves me as I’ve loved him.”

Ori hazarded another glance at Fíli. “I would marry you, if it’s what you want. I’ve loved you too, as I’ve said, but you’re a prince. I couldn’t just tell you that and expect it to have the same weight if we were just lads in Ered Luin; a musician and a scribe. What we do here matters. But I would stand at your side until we go to Mahal’s halls, if that’s what you want, because there will never be another for me but you.”

Fíli’s eyes widened a bit, then he exhaled a stuttered breath.

“I would marry you, too. I just never thought it was something you wanted.”

Ori lifted a hand and pressed it lightly against Fíli’s chest, before he spoke again. He could feel the quickened heartbeat beneath his fingertips, as he gazed back up at the bright blue eyes in front of him. 

“You’re what I want, Fíli, however that looks to you. I only want to make you happy, and I know being treated like you have been did not make you happy. It took me hearing what those bastards said about you to realize if I wanted what I did, I had to at least tell you that I was an option you could have.”

Fíli inhaled and exhaled another shuddering breath, then said, “I’m glad you did.”

He pressed a kiss against Ori’s shoulder, then pulled away only to maneuver the dwarf in his arms so that he could bury his face into Ori’s chest. 

Ori’s hands came down and stroked his hair. 

“Me, too, and not just for the fact that it meant someone else couldn’t have you, either. I waited for years, wondering if each ball would be the night where you fell madly in love with some other dwarf, and would come tell me after that you’d be married soon.”

Fíli shook his head vehemently, then he pulled away to look up at Ori again.

“Even if our situations were reversed, or we were back in Ered Luin for the remainder of our days, I’d still want you,” Fíli said quietly.

“ Fíli ,” Ori breathed out. 

Apparently, it was his turn to be shocked that night.

“You speak so well of me, but you don’t seem to see what I do of you. If you did, there would be no need for such a tone of surprise at the thought I could feel what I do for you, too.”

For the first time that night, Ori was the one stunned speechless. 

Fíli took that time to breathe, then softly said near Ori’s right ear, “I think you are the bravest dwarf I’ve ever met. Time and again, you prove that to be true, including tonight.”

He took another steadying breath. 

“I think you are incredibly smart, and anyone with a lick of sense wouldn’t get on your bad side. Not that I want to anyways, but I imagine that if you put your mind to it and were irritated enough with me, you could make mine and Kee’s pranks look like child’s play.”

Ori chuckled softly, wriggling closer to him, afterwards. He laid his own head down on Fíli’s right shoulder again, only to glance up, while he listened intently to the blond speak.

“I think you’re funny, even when you’re not trying to be. I also quite enjoy the way you read to me out loud when I’m too anxious to think properly. I prefer your company to almost anyone, because I don’t have to be anything but myself around you.”

Fíli inhaled, then exhaled again.

“More than that, you are kind. Unlike almost everyone outside of the Company, you accepted my Uncle Bilbo and Tauriel at Kíli’s side, as if it were no small thing. You helped make them feel welcome, and dared anyone to say they weren’t the proper sort to be welcomed into my family. Knowing that, I’d wager that if you’re set against someone, then there’s a damn good reason.”

Fíli pulled away from where his head had been resting, and looked at Ori then, who had unshed tears in his eyes as he shifted to look at the former. He smiled though, most likely to reassure Fíli everything was okay. 

Fíli grasped one of his hands again, and rubbed calming ministrations against it, then began again. 

“I think you’re talented; you’re a Master Scribe, and even then, you manage to find time to create the most beautiful art I’ve ever seen with your hands. Hands that for some reason, would rather be holding mine than someone else’s.”

The tears did fall then, and Ori tried to wipe some of them away, but Fíli got there first. He carefully removed any he could, then smiled. 

He pressed a kiss against Ori’s right cheek, then nuzzled into his neck for a moment before pulling away.

“You may not be a wordsmith, Fee, but that was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.”

Fíli couldn’t imagine that to be true but love did make even logical individuals say such nonsense sometimes. Ori’s heart was in the right place though, so he wouldn’t call him on that lie, as it wasn’t one of malicious intent.

“Beautiful, or not, it’s true. To me, at least.”

Ori’s smile was so radiant after, it warmed Fíli from the tips of his toes, to the top of his head. 

Furthermore, it did his heart good, seeing the impact his words had on Ori. Ori was the scribe of the two, but somehow, for once, Fíli had managed to speak halfway decently and make Ori really hear him.

Ori ducked his head down again and rested it beneath Fíli’s chin. He was smaller in comparison but holding him felt right. If Ori could protect him, then Fíli certainly could protect Ori, so long as the scribe would allow it. He knew Ori’s size was a point of consternation, when others refused to see him outside of the roles he was defined by in his life; jaw droppingly gorgeous, and a simple scribe. 

Nothing about Ori was simple though. Except, perhaps the way he loved Fíli so openly, after he knew he was allowed. 

Fíli found one of his hands going to Ori’s back and began rubbing calming circles into it. Ori nestled even closer and grasped his right bicep, then softly sighed beneath the touch. 

It was nice, just sitting there, holding Ori. It was such a calm and fantastic feeling, that Fíli almost didn’t want to go inside, as Ori had suggested earlier. However, Ori had been quite insistent, and once he fully understood why Ori wanted to, he found he didn’t mind the idea so much. 

Nevermind, even if someone else wanted either of them, it was clear Fíli was Ori’s only choice, so the idea of jealousy wouldn’t even occur to him. He could share the devastating sight of Ori as he was right then with Erebor just a bit longer, he supposed.

This new level of their bond was different, but it wasn’t anything that wasn’t based on their lifelong friendship, nor did it feel wrong, either. It felt so right, Fíli couldn’t imagine that their lives together wouldn’t have eventually led there the longer he thought about it. 

That in mind, he said Ori’s name. The scribe sat up, a slightly dazed look on his face, which made Fíli smile at him. 

“If you wish to dance again, then we can now, if you’d like.”

“Really?”

Ori looked so hopeful, it made Fíli’s chest ache. It was such a small thing for Fíli to agree to dance again, but it clearly made Ori thrilled. He never thought that would be the case, but then again, nothing that had happened he could have predicted. Fíli would have saved all of his dances for Ori, if only Ori would have looked at him so openly like that before. 

“Really. I’ll follow your lead. You are the star of this show, after all.”

“I don’t know about that,” Ori sighed, but he nodded and began to stand up. 

When Ori was properly steadied on his own two feet again, Fíli still held onto one of his hands, and kissed it softly.

“I may not have mentioned your beauty much before, but that does not mean I’m unaware or unaffected by how utterly breathtaking you are. It’s simply not the most important factor to me, as I hope you’ve realized by now.”

Ori’s eyes widened, and soon he was grasping for purchase around Fíli’s neck, then pulling him into another kiss. It was languid, and lovely, hands tugging on Fíli’s hair insistently, as their tongues danced together in the privacy of their conjoined mouths. 

When they pulled apart, Ori’s face was awash in joy. 

“I love you,” Ori said. 

Fíli imagined he looked equally happy, or perhaps besotted, even when he spoke next.

“I love you, too. Now, let’s do as you suggested, and make the rest of the guests eat their damn hearts out, why don’t we?”

Soon, they were hand in hand, walking back inside.

Dís was seated at the high table, sipping on some water, when the ballroom became almost completely quiet for the second time that night. She, alongside the rest of the royal family, had finally tired of dancing, and they had all returned at various points to eat their fill of food and talk amongst themselves. From her vantage point, she could see the top of her eldest son’s head through the crowd by virtue of his flaxen hair, until he came closer to the edge of the dance floor, and she realized he was being led by Ori out to the center of it. 

Fíli, who had never been given so much attention during a ball, looked absolutely sure in his movements around the Master Scribe as they took each other into their respective arms. More than that, he was smiling, and only seemed to have eyes for young Ori. From where Dís sat, the Master Scribe only had eyes for the Crown Prince. 

She watched as the two young dwarrow moved together easily, talking and laughing as they might, were they seated before a fire, in the company wing of Erebor, or anywhere else they kept each other company. Their movements spoke of familiarity, and more than that, adoration of the other. 

Ori, she knew, never attended functions unless necessary for history’s sake, or by edict from Thorin. There were junior scribes he had personally trained beneath him who he had taken to sending to record things he would otherwise rather not be present for. No one would think that, the way he was dancing with Fíli there before the majority of Erebor’s upper crust and many commoners, too. This night would be the talk of the whole kingdom though, more than it would have been had the two not joined one another as they were right then.

The two made a lovely picture together; Fíli in his formal best, and Ori undoubtedly in his. Durin blue melded with Ori’s signature amethyst purple as they spun around more quickly, to a jauntier tune that was playing at the moment, and Dís found herself smiling. She might have looked at her brother or Bilbo, but she was so transfixed on the utter romantic joy she saw her son experiencing for the first time in his life, Dís couldn’t turn away just yet. 

Eventually, the song ended, and the band changed pace, then beginning a much slower song. 

Hardly anyone was on the dance floor, as they openly gawked at the Crown Prince and the youngest ‘Ri, who had sought him out so dramatically earlier. Dís had to hand it to Ori - he was nothing if not calculated. She couldn’t properly guess yet at what his aim had been in doing so this way, now, after all this time, though. Privately, she, Dwalin and Thorin had been placing bets together for years, as to when this might actually happen. However, at a ball was the last place any of them had expected given Ori’s more reclusive tendencies. 

Instead of leaving the dance floor as she thought they might, Dís watched as her son pulled Ori closer, and Ori returned the gesture. There was no doubt in her mind what she was seeing then; Fíli was choosing his Consort before the eyes of Erebor. Whether he knew that or not, she would have to determine later. She watched with a relief she hadn’t known she could feel about it all, as Ori and Fíli continued to dance together, proving how well they moved with one another, before the collective judgement of the entire kingdom. 

A summer wedding, she decided then, would do nicely.

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