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2025-07-31
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Alpha and Omega

Summary:

What begins as Ori only intending to share a bed roll with Fíli for warmth one night, eventually turns into the acquaintances becoming curious about each other after, then falling in love over the course of the quest despite others wishing they would just leave each other be.

Meanwhile, Thorin is doing his best to be a good example for his eldest sister-son and not act on the urge to let himself be wrapped around one specific Hobbit Omega's fingers. However, he fails spectacularly.

The rest, as some say, is history.

Notes:

Hi!

I've been holding onto a nearly finished draft of this chapter for months, trying not to post it. However, I've written a good bit of this fic, and it's not meant to be super long, so I figured posting it might give me a boost of energy to finish out what I haven't yet put on page.

Casual reminder that I personally write Fíli around the mental age of 25 alongside Ori, whereas I usually put Kíli around 21 in human years, unless otherwise stated. Everyone has their own head canons, etc. I just mention that simply because this fic is another E fic and felt it necessary.

That being said, with each chapter posted, I'll probably update the tags slightly each time. I did try to get the main stuff I remembered from future chapters, though, for now.

This is my first larger foray into Omegaverse, which would not have even seen the light of day without so many various individuals from the Acorns & Oak Leaves Bagginshield focused Discord cheering me on. It's because of them I even learned enough to justify attempting a multi-chap Omegaverse, honestly. So, thank you, to all of you! :) <3

This fic was again inspired by I Found by Amber Run. (The London Contemporary voices version on Youtube is amazing, and I HIGHLY recommend that version, as well.)

Happy reading!

Chapter Text

Dori had watch the first time it happened. Meanwhile, Nori was decidedly off with Dwalin, doing only Mahal knew what, Ori hoped.

The point was, he had no one to share warmth with, and it was sodding cold. No amount of nestling into his knitted garments or bed roll could stave off the chill that crept over him like moss covering a fallen tree.

Ori had shivered one too many times apparently, because soon he had garnered the attention of one of the Alphas of their lot; Fíli, of course. He realized this when he heard said Alpha behind him.

“Hey, Ori. If you're cold, you're welcome to share my bedroll,” Fíli whispered.

Ori tried his best to ignore Fíli. The last thing he needed was one of his brothers finding out that he had allowed himself to join an Alpha, but that Alpha in particular, even if only for a night and entirely justifiable reasons as well.

They would tell him it was too dangerous, especially given they only had so many blockers to spare between him and Nori. Truthfully, Ori wasn't scared of Fíli, even though he was who he was. The scribe simply didn't want to deal with Dori and Nori’s fussing.

Still, the idea was tempting. He was freezing, and everyone else was asleep or off tending to more carnal pleasures to keep them from having issues further into the journey. Ori wasn't in heat, and Fíli seemed calm, too.

Perhaps, it would be fine, just the one time?

That was his idea, anyways, when he finally relented.

Ori turned towards the brightest blue eyes he had ever seen watching where his backside had been a few moments before he had shifted around quietly. His breathing hitched slightly, and he could only hope that Fíli wouldn't notice. The two were acquaintances and nothing more; though Ori could admit he was grateful it was Fíli offering, versus another.

Quietly, Ori crept over and nestled into the warmth that was to be had after finding himself pressed against Fíli's body; his back was against Fíli's chest. Ori was more than happy to accept the blazing heat that soon surrounded him, while strong arms did too. A face was making itself at home against the right side of his neck, and he felt the sigh expelled against it as much as he heard it. It was so lovely, Ori found himself wishing he had given in sooner.

Neither said anything, but Ori found he relished in the warmth as much as the safety that being near Fíli entailed. Ori was capable enough on his own; neither Nori nor Dori would have entertained the idea of him joining the quest if he wasn't. However, Fíli was not only an Alpha, but a strong warrior. If something were to happen while they slept, Ori knew he would be safe.

Comforted by that fact, Ori drifted off properly into sleep, content knowing he would no longer be shivering his balls off.            


The first thing Fíli knew when he came to was that Ori was still firmly within his grasp. The smaller dwarf had turned at some point in the night, though, and buried his face into Fíli’s chest, clinging to him with both hands. That he didn't mind, at all.

The second thing Fíli knew though, was that there was a knife's hard edge pressing against his neck, which he did in fact mind.

There was no doubt as to who it was, though, given who Fíli was sharing a bed roll with. He had anticipated something of the sort happening, but had decided that in the face of letting Ori freeze or facing his siblings’ wrath, Fíli would rather take the latter. 

“Nori,” Fíli hissed.

“You better have a good explanation for this, princeling.”

Fíli grimaced, trying to ignore the blade just hairs shy away from doing actual damage to him, when he spoke.

“He was cold. You and Dori were both elsewhere, and no one else was awake to hear him shivering. I couldn't just let him freeze,” Fíli whispered, hoping not to wake Ori until it was necessary. 

“You could have taken the watch from Dori. Anything other than seducing my baby brother into your bedroll.”

“Nothing happened, Nori. I swear. He couldn't sleep for how cold he was, and it was keeping me awake. You can ask him when he wakes if you want.”

“Oh, don't worry. I plan to.”

Shortly after, the knife was removed from Fíli's neck. The relief was temporary though, because despite Fíli's best efforts to be mindful of the sleeping Omega in his arms, Nori jostled his younger brother awake roughly.

Ori's eyes met Fíli’s blearily, and the latter felt really bad for the other dwarf. No one deserved to be woken like that.

“I'm sorry,” Fíli whispered.

"S'okay. Not your fault," Ori murmured back, voice still thick with sleep.

Once Ori came to more, though, he turned in the hold Fíli still had around him, and shouted, “What in Mahal’s name do you think you're doing?”

Fíli figured the less he moved then the better, so he remained where he was, waiting to see how the impending argument would turn out. Over Ori's shoulder, he could see the hardened glare on Nori's face though, and that never meant anything good.

“It's funny, little brother, because I could ask you the same question.”

“In case it escaped your notice, Nori, I was sleeping. Quite well in fact, until you had to shove me awake.”

Fíli could feel Ori's body stiffening, denoting his hackles were further raised.

“You have no business -”

“Don't I?” Ori demanded.

“Can't leave you alone for one night without you finding yourself in his damn bed roll,” Nori snarled.

“Nothing happened, Nori. Leave Fíli alone.”

There was an undercurrent of a threat in the Omega's voice that sent a thrill straight up the length of Fíli's spine. He knew the scribe was more of a quiet sort, and not prone to confrontation. For whatever reason, though, Ori had deemed him worthy enough to protect from his wily and quite dangerous elder brother. 

“I think you should take your own advice, nadadith.”

Nori looked so angry he could spit fire if he put his mind to it. 

Belatedly, Fíli realized Ori was pressing back against him, bracing off of his larger frame. He remained plastered around Ori, letting whatever was occurring happen. Still, he found he didn’t mind the idea of Ori defending him, or doing as he was right then again, either. 

“I think you and Dori both need to let me make my own decisions, given that I am a grown dwarf. If Fíli was a bad sort I wouldn't have shared a bed roll with him. Nevermind that unlike you or Dori last night, he kept me safe and warm.”

Fíli winced.

However, he felt curls of pleasure hearing how an Omega, the specific one in his arms in fact, explained that he had felt safe with him. 

When Fíli met Nori’s eyes again, he saw the dangerous flash in them. That did not endear him to the situation any, but with how Ori had responded to him, he couldn't say he regretted it either.

Before Nori could say anything else, though, Dwalin walked up and put a hand on Nori’s shoulder.

“Nori, leave the lads alone. They're clearly fine, and old enough to sort themselves out.”

Nori glared at Dwalin, but soon he was stalking off, leaving only the burly Alpha warrior in their sights.

Dwalin sighed, then looked at both Ori and Fíli on the ground.

“If you both are finished causing such a ruckus, I think it best you disentangle for now. I can only keep him at bay for so long.”

Ori sighed. Meanwhile, Fíli could feel his body untensing again, as Dwalin walked off.

Rather than pulling away though, Ori turned to where he could face Fíli. There was an apologetic look on his face.

“I'm sorry for that. It's why I tried to ignore you at first last night. I knew he would be like this, and I just didn't want to deal with it.”

“It's okay. I knew what I was getting into when I offered.”

Fíli tried to appear as nonchalant as possible about it, but he couldn't help but feel like while he had gained the appreciation of one Omega, he had also earned the ire of another more terrifying one.

Ori shook his head resolutely.

“It's not okay, though. I may be the youngest, but I should be allowed to make my own choices. Furthermore, you were only trying to help. I knew I would be safe with you. He just needs to pull his head out of his arse.”

Ori sighed.

Despite the tension Fíli felt in his body, some of it decidedly unclenched, hearing again Ori's assertion that he was pleased with the way Fíli had offered him what help he had. 

“I'm glad I could be of help, then. If you'd like, you're more than welcome to join me again, another night.”

Ori gazed up at him; it was a curious sort of expression, as if he were trying to read Fíli like one of his books. Fíli wasn't bothered by it, though he did wonder what Ori saw when the scribe looked at him.

Given Ori's Omega status, his brothers had made sure to keep him close in their pockets, for the majority of their lives thus far. The quest aside, Fíli had never really had much alone time with Ori. Though, he realized right in that moment he hoped to change that in the future. If Nori didn't murder him first. 


“What was that all about?” Thorin asked, after Dwalin lumbered over to where he sat on a log nearby the river he was soon to make use of.

“Nori found his younger brother in Fíli's bedroll.”

Thorin's eyebrows rose, then he sighed heavily.

Thorin could admit he struggled with eyesight regarding things farther away from him. Furthermore, after a cursory glance over the camp when he had woken earlier that morning, he hadn't seen Ori amidst Fíli's bulk, since his sister-son's back had been facing him. However, by the point that most of the Company had been up for the day, already trying to wash off the grime on their bodies in the river, he had distinctly heard what sounded like Nori and Ori shouting at each other at one point.

“Did it look like anything happened?”

Dwalin crossed his arms, then shook his head.

“No. Which both of them readily admitted to Nori, but you know how he is about Ori.”

Oh, did Thorin ever.

Nori had threatened even him when he had learned that the youngest unbonded ‘Ri would be joining their quest. Nori need not have worried though. Thorin wasn't so much a predator that he would go after someone so young in comparison to him, nor was he inclined to glance casually in the direction of someone the same age group of his own sister-sons. 

No, Thorin's tastes ran decidedly more Hobbit-ish, even, apparently. 

Thorin groaned then said, “Good. The last thing I need is the ‘Ri siblings trying to castrate Fíli.”

Dwalin grimaced.

“What?” Thorin asked, seeing the unspoken nearly written across his oldest friend's face.

“We could try to keep them separate, but I fear the damage is already done; they're clearly curious about each other at the very least.”

Internally, Thorin groaned.

He had promised Dís that he would keep the boys safe from harm of all kinds; Fíli taking up with the youngest 'Ri was courting danger at least. Personally, Ori seemed like a fine sort, and probably would have made a decent partner for Fíli. However, Thorin had enough to worry about, without needing to mind a budding romance or the vicious ways Nori or Dori would retaliate if anything between his primary heir and their youngest sibling went wrong.

“Curious is fine, so long as that's all it is for now. After we reclaim our mountain home, then we shall see, I suppose.”

Dwalin snorted.

“You might be fine with your self-imposed chastity and remaining unbound, but that doesn't mean Fíli will be. He's a headstrong lad, and an Alpha still. From what I just heard, Ori is more than receptive to him. If you think there will be nothing more in the future, then you really must be less keen of sight these days.”

Thorin growled.

Soon they were playfully shoving each other, and it did Thorin’s heart good, to blow off some steam that way. Dwalin was right; he was one of few Alphas who chose to not bed anyone, even during a rut. He had no time to consider who might be a safe enough bed partner or to worry about what might happen after. He had too much resting on his shoulders to dally so casually. So, he found other ways to get physical affection that were not untoward and helped the ache inside of him.

Though, Thorin could admit the moment he met Bilbo Baggins, he would have gladly changed his position on the matter entirely. The Hobbit's scent was unmasked, and a good deal enticing. Most of the Alphas in their Company were bonded, and the rest simply indifferent to the Hobbit, thankfully. 

Except, where Thorin was concerned. It was decidedly a new feeling, and one he had never been prepared for.

Still, he was their leader and so he had stood in the doorway, whilst doing his best not to act on the basal urges he was feeling in full force for the first time in his longer life. He had to not only lead, but set an example for Fíli. 

It seemed he had more to worry about than just the way he wished to know the Hobbit better.

Chapter 2

Notes:

Hi!

My goal is to update this fic once a week until completion.

That being said; while this is a quest rewrite, it is only that in the barest of the senses, as I mean this to be more of a look at the interpersonal. I've done or am drafting other Quest rewrites and simply am not interested in going too in depth with that part here, except for major plot points or character development. So that is one reason this fic won't end up being too terribly long. It is still meant to hit a lot of emotional beats though, so it could end up being 40-50K, still.

Either way, a special thank you to DrakeShadeDShadowheart for helping me fix come continuity issues, and letting me work out how I thought of and see certain aspects in my worldbuilding for this specific Omegaverse fic. Everyone does them slightly differently, and I am grateful for him looking over the previous chapter, so I could get it all just how I needed it to be. Thank you so much, Lem! :)

Also, another round of appreciation for youbetyourbuttons and Cupcake_Princess who read early versions of chapters in this fic, gave opinions on them, and continue to cheerlead me while I write! Y'all are the best, always!

So, without further ado, happy reading!

Chapter Text

If Fíli knew what was good for him, he wouldn't be glancing at all towards the Omega he had held some nights ago in his bedroll. They were all washing in a stream, save the Hobbit, of course. Try as he might, though, he couldn't help it. Following what had happened, Fíli felt drawn to Ori in a way he never had to anyone else; Omega, Alpha, or Beta alike. 

He did his best at least not to look long. He didn't want to leer or look like a stalkerish Alpha; he refused to be that sort, really. There were choices all Alphas had, even if some would pretend they didn't to get away with more than they should in any other circumstance. No; he could not and would not ever be that way. However, Ori still intrigued him, and it had nothing to do with the fact that he was an Omega. 

At one point, as he was washing his chest, Fíli noticed Ori looking towards him too. If he wished to live to see one hundred, he would have turned away. However, because it seemed his sense of self preservation disappeared when that particular pair of brown eyes was trained on him, he smiled instead. 

He saw Ori blush directly after, and felt a bit of pride swell in him at that. It seemed he was not the only curious one of the pair. 

In the wake of that feeling though, Fíli glanced away and noticed Dwalin watching him. When their eyes met, Dwalin just shook his head and then went on about his own bathing as if he were none the wiser about what antics Fíli was up to right then.

Seeing that though, did dampen Fíli a bit. He really did have to be careful; Thorin had already said as much to him later after the drama that Nori had caused. It was just as well, he supposed; Nori didn't gain his reputation by sneering at people alone, after all. 


Ori was seated by himself on a boulder, quietly knitting, when Fíli flopped down beside him. He normally wouldn't take his eyes off his fibre work so quickly, but he was surprised, while also pleased the Alpha was seeking him out in broad daylight.

However, given what had happened only a few days before, Ori was also nervous. Not because he thought worse of Fíli, even after he had caught the Alpha blatantly looking towards him while bathing in the stream, because that would have been hypocritical of him. It was more that they knew so little about each other, and he wasn't often keen to make small talk with those he barely knew.

Even so, Ori wanted to try.

He thought well enough of Fíli, and chafed a bit at the fact that given he was an Omega, the few of his age group on the quest he barely even knew. In a different life, he'd like to imagine he would have had more friends, before his brothers could scare them away completely. Fíli, at least, had proven he wasn't so easily shaken by Nori, which was something else in his favor.

Though mischievous, both Fíli and Kíli seemed like fun sorts regardless, truth be told. They were a bit of a shock to the system in comparison to his quieter nature, but opposites attract, sometimes. Were Kíli an only child, Ori could imagine that both Nori and Dori wouldn't have minded him being around so much. However, where one Durin prince went, the other often followed, so it hadn't even been a consideration he imagined.

Ori was tired of doing what his elder brothers deemed acceptable, though. He'd passed his majority long enough ago that what they thought shouldn't matter anyways. So, why not have a bit of fun, or at the very least make friends? Not that friends exactly reacted to each other the way he had to Fíli, but that was beside the point.

Ori finished off a row of the scarf he was working on, then glanced to his left, where Fíli sat. Their eyes met for a moment, and Ori could feel his pulse picking up slightly.

In an attempt to ignore that, he said, "What brings you over here?"

Ori raised an eyebrow at the prince, who shrugged.

"I needed a moment of peace; Thorin's doing Kíli's hair right now, and you'd think he was a bleating goat for how loud he's being."

Ori chuckled quietly, then smiled.

Seeing that reaction seemed to bring a smile to Fíli's own face. The two were once again just staring at each other.

That was, until Fíli cleared his throat, and asked, "What are you knitting there?"

"A scarf. It's something easily tucked away when we have to be on the move quickly."

Fíli nodded, as if he understood enough of knitting to agree with Ori's prior assessement.

"Does it take long, to do something like that?"

Ori could hear the earnestness in Fíli's voice, so he shook his head.

"Not normally. I started this one a week ago. Were we back in the Blue Mountains, I would have already finished it."

Fíli's eyebrows rose.

"Here I thought you always had your nose in a book."

Ori considered Fíli's countenance, noticing that it wasn't crinkled in a teasing or mean expression, but more of a neutral one.

So, he shook his head, then raised an eyebrow as he asked, "Do you only play with your weapons all of the time?"

Fíli smiled softly.

"You got me there."

Ori nodded, then returned to his knitting for lack of something better to do. It was strange, having Fíli's attention all to himself; not that he minded that, really. He just wasn't sure what to do with it.

Nevermind, though no one else had made themselves readily apparent, on a quest such as the one they were on, there was nearly always someone around either listening or watching. Without having eyesight on Nori in particular, it made him a bit antsy to say the least, even if the conversation they were having was nothing untoward. Still, feeling like someone was always watching, was unsettling, to say the least.

"I like crafting instruments, as a sort of side hobby," Fíli said, which drew Ori's attention back to him.

"You play the fiddle, right?"

Fíli nodded.

"Kí and I both do. Sometimes, we'll play taverns just for fun, whether we're out on the road or back beneath the Blue Mountains. Though, we must play decently enough, because we manage to rake in a fair amount of coin afterwards in tips."

Ori hummed in thought for a moment, then said, "I wouldn't mind hearing you play sometime."

Fíli grinned broadly, then raised an eyebrow. His eyes were sparkling a bit as he said, "Just me, hm?"

Warmth rose to Ori's cheeks, and he had to glance away, being faced with that expression, knowing he had accidentally given himself up. He could admit a new particular affinity for one Durin prince over the other. Though, he wouldn't mind knowing Kíli better, too, just in an entirely platonic capacity, instead.

Fíli and what they might be to one another, well, that was still to be determined. Even so, Ori liked the companionable conversation, and wasn't ready for it to end just yet, either.

"Is it only books and knitting you like, then?" Fíli asked, which had Ori cutting a glance towards him again.

There was an open expression on the Alpha's face still, so Ori said, "I play the flute. Sometimes, I'll write lyrics to tunes I hear in my head. I took to musical studies early on, which makes it easier to transcibe it all down if I have the supplies to."

"I haven't tried my hand at that, really. Usually, we rely on songs we've heard, and give our own little riffs to them where we can. Admittedly, the tavern go-ers who listen are normally too drunk to really care, but we have fun with it; dancing about as we play."

Ori smiled.

"It sounds like fun. I don't really go out to taverns myself, though."

Fíli raised both of his eyebrows.

"Have you ever been to one?"

The list of things he hadn't done was quite long, in comparison to Fíli or Kíli, he could imagine. For a moment, Ori felt the slightest bit of shame, realizing he had just let his brothers' opinions sway him, for far too long.

Ori appreciated Nori and Dori for all they had done over the years, even when they did not have to. It was that respect which had made him listen, really. However, his life was not theirs, and they weren't perfect either. Yes, they wanted the best for him, but sometimes, clutching too tightly was a detriment of its own that had lasting impact.

It's not that Ori cared to get drunk, because that had never really appealed to him, and still didn't. However, going out and having others to simply to spend time with or listen to some music around, didn't sound so bad.

"No, I haven't, but I'd like to, one day. I don't care much for being drunk, but perhaps if you both are playing, I'll come watch," Ori said.

Fíli smiled encouragingly.

"If you do come, I'll have you sit up front, away from the drunken antics likely to happen in the darker corners. They do have other things besides ale, too."

Ori smiled.

"I'll keep that in mind."


Thorin had just finished Kíli's hair, and sent him off to go find his brother, because there was a look of consternation on Dwalin's face, as Nori remained near his Alpha, sharpening a knife by the fire most of the Company was settled around. Whether the blade was the one Thorin learned the middle 'Ri brother had held to Fíli's neck or a different one, it was clear Nori was displeased by the fact that not far from them, Fíli and Ori were seated a little bit further off talking to each other in quieter tones.

When Thorin stood, he could see the outline of his youngest sister-son bounding towards his brother, shaking his head around a bit. Knowing Kíli's braids were likely not to remain so well-tended for long, he had made certain to do them more intricately, so that they might at least make it more than a few days. If the younger dwarf continued on as he was, that was unlikely, though.

He sighed, then glanced at Dwalin.

"I'll be taking a walk. Call me, should you need anything."

Dwalin nodded.

Thorin then turned, and walked away from the general hum of camp further out, to where the trees parted to reveal an open grassy knoll. Of course, beneath the light of the moon, he couldn't have found himself alone.

No, the only hobbit on their journey just had to be there, right in the spot he had meant to sit by himself with his thoughts. For a moment, Thorin considered turning away, and treading off to find another quiet spot.

That was, at least, until Bilbo met his eyes and smiled hesitantly at him.

They had gotten off on the wrong foot, and it had only been a few weeks into the trip. The hobbit was fussy, and clearly missed the comforts of his own home. However, what was also apparent to Thorin was that Bilbo was trying as much as any of the rest in the Company to weather the journey. Knowing that, he found it in himself to forgive someone so seemingly soft as Bilbo Baggins.

It had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that before Balin had related to the hobbit he was better off taking his scent blockers, for the time being, that Thorin was nearly intoxicated by Bilbo's scent alone. Apparently, that just wasn't really done in the Shire, so Bilbo hadn't realized it would be a problem.

Given they had an ample amount with them for Kíli, Thorin had agreed to give Balin enough for Bilbo to have some for a while; for the hobbit's own safety, alongside Thorin's own sanity. His advisor had been confused, but had done so at Thorin's behest. It had been but sheer luck that the remaining unbonded Alpha members of their Company had not been so affected by Bilbo's scent, really. To Thorin, it was overpowering.

Thorin knew he should walk away, even now that the blockers had kicked in to full effect. It was for the best, really. He and the Hobbit were unlikely to get along in any capacity long term; they were two entirely different sorts. However, something inexplicable felt like it was tugging him towards Bilbo, so he went and came to stand beside the latter.

"It's a pleasant evening, tonight."

Thorin nodded.

"That it is."

The two lapsed into silence only for a moment, before Bilbo asked, "Would you care to share a pipe with me? I imagine you need it, after the excitement of the last few days."

There was a hint of amusement across the hobbit's face, which Thorin returned easily enough, then a wry chuckle escaped him after.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt," Thorin found himself saying.

Truly, what was the harm in sitting beneath the light of the moon, and expelling smoke rings? It was nothing outside of propriety standards; he needed to maintain a good working relationship at least between all of his Company members for cohesiveness. He had been a bit rude in the hobbit's home, and yet Bilbo Baggins was willing to share a pipe with him.

He was not so trusting, but they were not far from the others.

It was just a pipe, after all.

What was so wrong with that?


“Would it be alright if I joined you?” Ori asked, standing in front of his bedroll.

Fíli knew he should say no despite his previous assertion that Ori was welcome beside him. However, there was a vulnerability to the way Ori asked, and he worried if he said no right then, he might not be so trusted in the future. 

Fíli nodded, then opened himself up so Ori could rest against him again. This time his heart was pounding wildly in his chest, and he found himself relishing in the weight against him more than he had the first time. He leaned his face down against Ori's shoulder, and exhaled. 

The scent of lavender wafted into his nose; it wasn't overpowering, but more so like a thin tendril of vine climbing up a wall slowly.

Ori's right hand twined with his left, and then the scribe was expelling a relieved breath of his own. 

When Fíli did look up again, he saw Nori laying with Dwalin a few stride lengths in front of them, leering absolute daggers at him. Though scared, Fíli refused to be cowed. Ori had sought him out and chosen him this time. He wasn't going to be bullied into feeling bad about that nor was he going to turn Ori away either. 

He grasped Ori just a bit tighter and returned the glare, before burrowing his face in Ori's neck again. Ori shifted against him, and nestled even closer to his own body after that.

At least there was one saving grace about Nori being so close; Fili’s cock wouldn’t consider being anything else but flaccid in his proximity. 

Chapter 3

Notes:

Usual people; you are wonderful, and I thank you, still. :)

Happy reading!

Chapter Text

The sun was setting on their Company the next day, when Ori settled in to draw some of what they had seen on their trek earlier while travelling. The Company had covered much ground on horseback, which had his legs and bum aching, as they were still unused to that level of activity. So, while he waited for Bilbo and Bombur to come up with the evening meal, Ori rested where he was, happy to be left to his own devices at the present.

Except, he wasn't alone for terribly long; someone dropped down at his right, which made him glance up. Ori's eyes met Fíli's, and noticed there was something being held out towards him.

"What's that?" Ori asked, surveying the offering.

It appeared to be some sort of nuts, and smelled decent enough to be edible.

"A snack. Bilbo roasted some hazelnuts he foraged earlier, and they're not too bad, so I thought I'd bring you some."

Ori smiled.

Then, with the hand not holding his charcoal, he reached out and accepted some of the treat. Fíli watched him as he took the first bite, which was admittedly as the former had said, and so Ori finished it all off beneath those watchful blue eyes, feeling his cheeks flushing as he did due to the sudden attention.

"What did you think?"

"I liked it. Can I have another?" Ori asked.

"You can have as many of these nuts as you want," Fíli said, a bit cheekily.

Ori's eyes widened, while his ears caught the sound of Kíli, groaning.

"Fí, please," Kíli said, shortly after.

Ori's embarrasment further grew, and so he simply dropped his eyes down to his sketchbook instead, doing his best not to react.

He heard both brothers moving around and talking to each other, but he continued sketching, and tuned them out. Soon, all his mind remembered was earlier in the day, and the lines he needed to render to make what he saw in his head a reality on page. By the time he was finished, he glanced up to find the sun had set and it was properly night.

Neither Fíli nor Kíli was around, which was just as well, really. However, when he glanced to his right, the cloth that held the nuts was laid on the ground carefully, no more missing than the first one he had eaten earlier.


"Fíli."

Fíli turned at the sound of his name, facing Thorin. The latter had just caught him trotting away yet again from Ori, who was off by himself a little ways from the rest of the Company sketching.

"What did I tell you just the other day?" Thorin asked.

Understanding crossed Fíli's face, then he raised an eyebrow at Thorin.

"Where were you last night when we bedded down, Irak'adad?"

The question caught Thorin off guard, and his impending lecture stalled in his throat. Somehow, even with his sister-son having found his attention diverted elsewhere, Fíli had still noticed that.

Thorin grimaced, while he was beset with a challenging look from Fíli still.

The lad was too strong willed for his own good some days. However, when Fíli got something in his mind he wanted, there was little to nothing that would stop him from having whatever it was.

Thorin sighed.

"Just be careful. You are meant to be a King one day; Alpha or not. You cannot allow trivial dalliances to distract you."

Fíli frowned, the look of stubbornness coming over his features that Thorin knew only too well.

Dwalin, unfortunately, had been right.

Still, Thorin had made his bed, and before he was an Alpha, or a King, he was Fíli's and Kíli's Irak'adad, too. All of the other assignations aside, he did worry for his sister-sons beyond their duty and his responsibility to them.

"I'm not, Thorin. You know I have never been that way, and I don't plan on starting now."

Thorin. Not Irak'adad, or uncle.

Oh, Dwalin was not going to let him forget this one, regardless of whatever was happening between Fíli and Ori.

His actions had all but set them in stone; Fíli had already appeared set on his decision, and more than that, Thorin knew him well enough to be aware that though loyal, Fíli now would also endeavor to prove him wrong. Thorin could only hope it would turn out for the best, and that Dís wouldn't have him by his braids when he saw her again.


Irritated, Fíli stalked off after Thorin's aborted lecture.

He had seen one coming, but refused to listen. More than that, the insinuation that he would even consider Ori a 'trivial dalliance' made his blood boil just slightly. He and Ori might still be getting to know each other, but Thorin had known Fíli his whole life.

While some Alphas might be prone to doing as his uncle had suggested, Fíli had never been that way, ever. The fact he was even interested in anyone surprised him a bit, until he considered it wasn't the possibility of sex at all that drew him towards Ori.

Ori had defended him, even when he didn't have to. He was also sweet, alongside easy enough to be around or talk to. Fíli liked Ori for who he was, not what they could do in a bedroll or outside of one even, needless to say. So that Thorin of anyone would suggest something less than what Ori deserved, and that he would be the sort to seek him out for that, grated Fíli.

His feet led him to standing by the fire, where a good bit of the Company was surrounding it, doing various tasks.

Nori, predictably glanced at him and threw a displeased look. Fíli was not in the mood to deal with that though, anymore than Thorin's nonsense. So, he pulled out his pipe and lit it, for lack of something to do. Dori was rebraiding Nori's hair, at least, so it was less likely that Omega would be standing up anytime soon.

Fíli took to pacing though on the outer edge of the camp fire, feeling antsier by the second.

"What's gotten into you, Fí?" Kíli asked, coming up beside him.

Fíli glanced back at the others, then motioned for his brother to follow. The pair of them made their way far enough to talk, where only they should be able to hear.

Fíli exhaled a smoke ring, then another, before glancing properly at Kíli again.

His brother's hair was a bit worse for the wear, but still largely as it had been the day prior, after Thorin braided it. Kíli was searching his expression, his own a bit drawn, as the former had clearly picked up on Fíli's agitation, to say the least.

"Thorin," Fíli huffed out.

Kíli's eyebrows raised.

"What did he do?"

Fíli relayed the conversation, then allowed that knowledge to settle over Kíli's mind as he smoked a bit more.

"Uncle likes Bilbo?" Kíli asked, voice incredulous.

Fíli frowned, whilst removing his pipe from his lips again, to say, "That's not the point."

Kíli sighed, then fixed him with a wry look.

"I know, but come on, Fí. I'm more surprised by that, than whatever you've got going on. You're my brother and my closest friend. Of course you wouldn't be doing as Thorin suggested; you've never been that way." Kíli sighed heavily. "Whether Uncle acknowledges that or not, it's true. However, him liking Bilbo? That's new."

Fíli smiled, despite his brief shot of annoyance with Kíli getting sidetracked.

He could admit, his younger brother was right; it was interesting that Thorin was drawn to Bilbo. However, given his frustration with Thorin, that had been pushed aside.

Regardless, hearing Kíli reassure him that at least one of their family had sense in acknowledging what he knew of himself to be true, well, it did also calm him down a bit. Trust Kíli to know him better than anyone.

Eventually, once his ire had cooled a bit more, both Fíli and Kíli returned. All of the Company was seated around the fire then, but Fíli still needed to keep his hands busy.

A thought came to Fíli then, which had him reaching for one of his smaller blades.

By the light of the fire, Fíli began to make it dance across his fingers, focusing on it so he didn't manage to nick himself, but hoping still that Ori was watching him from across the flames.

The blade moved fluidly, as he had learned how to do years ago, over days of boredom. Fíli lost himself to the motions for a time, and felt himself untensing more as he continued on like that.

"Hey, princeling -" Nori's voice cut through the air, and general hum around.

And the moment was gone, as was Fíli's focus; the knife slipped and sliced his hand, then clattered to the ground.

Ori's voice filled the air next, as Fíli drew his hand closer to his chest quickly.

"What is wrong with you?" Ori demanded, while rising to his feet.

"I was just going to tell him he has watch next," Nori said, his voice unrepentant.

"You couldn't have waited just a bit longer?" Ori asked, voice nearly venomous.

Nori shrugged while Fíli glared.

"It's not my fault the dolt decided to play with his knife."

Ori reached for something, then came closer to Fíli, which at least gave him something else to focus on besides the pain or everyone else around them watching openly.

"I can fix the cut," Ori said, softly.

Fíli shrugged.

"It's nothing, really."

Ori raised an eyebrow at him, then said, "For now, but if not properly cleaned, it can be infected."

Fíli wanted to deny Ori, but in full view of everyone, that might just embarrass him. He had already done that once earlier with his teasing, and didn't feel like a repeat performance that might make Ori clam up around him anymore than he already had.

So Fíli sighed, then agreed. His ego could take a hit in allowing himself to be fussed over, he supposed.

Afterwards, he settled enough to allow Ori to clean then bandage the cut.

His heart was pumping a bit faster, when Ori then gazed over at him and smiled shyly.

"There you are."

Fíli pretended to survey Ori's handiwork, while trying not to appear so impacted by him. Eventually, he was glancing up and meeting Ori's eyes again. They were open, and warm, which did something to him as they were trained directly at him.

Fíli cleared his throat.

"Thank you."

Ori nodded, then was up like a shot right after, so he could pick up the fallen knife, Fíli saw.

Soon, Fíli was beset with large brown eyes once again. His heart stuttered a bit, as Ori held out his knife towards him by the blade tip, rather than the way someone inexperienced with knives would, with the sharp end pointing outwards, instead.

Fíli took it carefully, then put it away.

Ori began to turn around, but a thought came to him, and so Fíli said the former's name.


“What is it?” Ori asked, after pivoting around.

Fíli smiled at him, and Ori's heart was bouncing about then, like a small wooden ball atop a hard surface.

“I thought you might like my coat, since you can’t have me tonight.”

Ori’s cheeks warmed considerably. 

It was a bold move to offer such a thing. Possibly more so than simply the act of sharing a bed roll together in plain sight was, even. For Fíli to offer and Ori to accept, it said something; it was a claim, as tenuous a thing as it was. However, it was not inconsequential, either, given Fíli was an Alpha and Ori an Omega. Ori would undoubtedly smell like Fíli the next day, which he found he liked the idea of. 

So, ignoring the others around them, Ori kept his gaze on Fíli, and reached out for the proffered garment. Except, he didn’t get a chance to properly grab ahold of it, before Fíli said, “Here. Allow me.”

When Ori turned around, he could see Nori glowering over at both of them, while Dori’s face was pinched tight. The latter just shook his head and turned away as Ori allowed himself to be draped in the fine furred coat he had seen Fíli wear every day since he had arrived in the Shire. 

Once it was properly around him, Ori pulled it closer to his skin, then turned around. 

If Fíli could be bold in the face of Nori’s and Dori’s displeasure, then so could he. 

Fíli was watching him, clearly appraising the way the coat swallowed Ori’s smaller frame. There was a hint of amusement on his face, when Ori vaulted upwards and pressed a kiss into his left cheek. 

“Thank you, Fíli.”

When he stepped away, there was a look of surprise on Fíli, that morphed into a warm grin.

"You're welcome, Ori."

Ori's heart fluttered again.

Then before he could embarrass himself, he turned back to where his brothers were. He ignored the way that Nori was probably glaring daggers at him and Fíli, while he casually settled himself in between both Dori and Nori to join them for a bit of family time finally.

Chapter 4

Summary:

Fucking, feelings, and family drama. Oh my!

Notes:

Here there be smut, and feelings. I shall update the tags accordingly, after posting.

A VERY special thank you to youbetyourbuttons, Cupcake_Princess, and Lampmoss for teaching me more of the particulars of Omegaverse to help lead this fic in a more appropriate to the trope/genre direction. Also, for looking over various iterations of this chapter over the last few months at different times, because this fic has been in progress for a while, tbh. However, this newest iteration is definitely my favorite. :)

As I joked with some of my friends, it's now time to Omega this verse a bit more. Lol.

Happy reading!

Chapter Text

Thorin was restless, and therefore he could not sleep. He prowled around the camp as much as he dared, but did not wish to risk waking anyone up. Fíli still had the watch, so Thorin waved at him, before stalking off into the trees nearby, hoping to let off some steam alone.

He had just managed to get a hand down his trousers, when he heard the soft noises of someone else; a voice he had begun to recognize as Bilbo Baggins.

Thorin knew he should avoid Bilbo; it was the right thing to do. However, it quickly became apparent that Bilbo could see him, because he heard his name said into the air with surprise. So, he walked closer to where he had heard it uttered, and right when he was face to face with the hobbit, Bilbo orgasmed loudly; cum dripping in the moonlight down his hand.

The scent from that alone was enough to drive Thorin into a rut, nevermind the way he had watched Bilbo come undone before him. Even beneath the light of the moon, the hobbit was a sight to behold; perhaps especially then, given how the moonbeams from above caught his hair, making Bilbo look exquisite.

Thorin knew he should not be entertaining such thoughts, so he willed them away.

Meanwhile, once the blissed out expression left Bilbo's face, embarrassment quickly took over.

"I am terribly sorry about that; I don't know what came over me."

"Lust? An orgasm?" Thorin said.

He did not step away though. Nor did Bilbo's pupils appear completely devoid of desire, as they continued to stare at each other, either. That was interesting.

"Are you nearing a heat? I thought Balin -"

Bilbo quickly shook his head.

"No, no. Nothing of the sort. I just needed a bit of extra relief."

Thorin sucked in a breath, while wondering why that was.

"Did you find it?"

Bilbo smiled wanly, as he was tucking himself back in.

"Enough I might sleep now, yes."

Thorin could hear the way Bilbo was holding something back, so against his better judgement, he found himself speaking again.

"Would you like further assistance, to ensure it does not impact the journey?"

Bilbo's eyes widened, then he let out a nervous laugh.

"Oh, that's not necessary. You wouldn't want -"

"If I did, would you want me to?"

Thorin watched as Bilbo blushed, and that made his heart race for a reason other than nerves or running for his life, for once.

The hobbit sighed, then said, "Yes."

Thorin's thoughts stilled, as his focus zeroed in on one Omega.

"Turn around," Thorin breathed out.

Bilbo complied, and that was when Thorin stepped forward, and acted on the urges he'd been holding back since they left the Shire weeks ago.

He came to stand behind Bilbo, and asked, "May I touch you?"

"Please," Bilbo whimpered.

He needed no further encouragement.

Thorin placed his hands on the sides of Bilbo's torso, while he leaned down and pressed kisses against the hobbit's neck, then licked one of those pointed ears, which made Bilbo groan so loudly. He was panting after that, and Thorin could feel his cock enlarging at a rapid rate.

Soon, he picked Bilbo up and threw him over his shoulders, which produced a bit of squawking. Shortly, Thorin set Bilbo down with his ass up in the air, laid across a boulder.

"I am not a sack of potatoes, Thorin," Bilbo huffed out, as Thorin's hands came to the hobbit's hips.

"You're small enough to feel like one in my arms."

"Shut up and pull my pants down, why don't you," Bilbo demanded, impatiently.

Thorin snorted, then did as he was bid.

Bilbo's ass and legs were soaking, despite his protestations.

Thorin hovered over the Hobbit's back, and asked, "Do I have your permission to enter?"

"Take me, this instant."

A low growl escaped Thorin, as he lined his hardened length up to Bilbo's wet hole, and did just that.

He started slow, despite wishing to fuck the hobbit speechless. He knew his girth might be a bit much for someone so much smaller than him. However, once he was fully buried in the pure bliss of heat that surrounded his cock, Bilbo cried, and said, "Faster. Fuck me now, please."

Thorin took that demand to heart and with vigor began thrusting harder into Bilbo, which produced a series of wanton cries that rent the air. Oh, he had never thought something like this to be worth waiting for after his brief unpracticed dalliances he had as a lad before being given the full weight of his responsibilities, but how wrong he had been. His hand could only do so much, and hearing the manifestations of praise on Bilbo's lips that flew out as easy as the hobbit breathed? Yes, Thorin could get used to this.

It was no wonder he was brought to his orgasm so quickly. He continued pounding steadily as his cock enlarged and Bilbo was shouting his name, up until he felt the knot begin to form, and so he quickly removed himself before that could be an issue.

Bilbo was panting, and Thorin's mind was whirring from the whiplash, but it had felt so good.

"How do you feel now?" Thorin asked, as he tucked himself in.

"Better. Thank you. And you?"

Bilbo peered up at Thorin, almost as if he could see into the inner workings of the latter's mind, and the dwarf did not like it. However, he felt compelled to continue to look, surrounded by the scent of fucking and whatever the odor of Bilbo Baggins was, really. There was something floral that could not be attributed to the foliage around them, and Mahal help him, he did not want this to be a one time thing.

However, guilt took up residence in his chest, and so Thorin said, "This cannot happen again."

Bilbo's expression shuttered, and he turned away.

"Right."

Thorin's heart did a strange somersault seeing that, and instead of walking away, he reached out then grasped Bilbo's face softly. The hobbit turned in the hold, and gazed up at him, looking forlorn.

"It cannot happen often, at least. You know who I am and what could happen at our journey's end. I would not ask you to be saddled with an Alpha like me. One day, you will tire of me. Until then, if you need a bit of relief, I can provide that when necessary."

"As kind as that is, what about you?" Bilbo asked, his face pinched in a frown.

Thorin's mind grinded to a halt for a moment, when he realized the hobbit was utterly serious with his intrusive question.

He raised an eyebrow.

"What about me?"

Bilbo looked away for a moment, then sighed. When he glanced back up, his nose twitched.

"Will I be enough to satisfy you?" Bilbo asked, his voice much softer then.

Thorin's throat felt dry when he said, "I suppose we can continue as we were, until we figure that out."

It was just before first light when Thorin later left Bilbo's side, where he had been holding the hobbit in his arms. The former had made the mistake of falling asleep after his tryst with the Omega had finally concluded, following a bit more exploration of sorts.


Daybreak had barely descended when Fíli sought Ori out. The latter had detached himself from their group some time just before first light. Fíli found Ori pacing back and forth, away from the rest of the Company yet again. The former noticed the Omega had a habit of doing that; trailing off from the others on his own, for one reason or another. It was concerning, but just as well right then, given the conversation Fíli wished to have with Ori.

Unsurprisingly, he found the Omega still wearing his coat. It was quite warm as they would be edging into summer properly quite soon, but Ori seemed to run cooler, so it made sense that the scribe was still wearing it.

Fíli had been surprised by the kiss to his cheek, though, especially given Ori had done it in full view of the entire Company. However, after Nori's blatant move to trip him up last night, he had appreciated it and wanted to return the gesture in kind. Ori was yet again choosing him, and Fíli wanted to choose Ori. Seeing the Omega still wearing his coat made that only more true.

Fíli cleared his throat, which drew Ori's eyes to him, and stopped his pacing.

There was a soft, but hesitant smile on the scribe's face as Fíli stepped closer, to where they were within an arms' length away from each other.

“You cut a better figure in that coat than I do, Ori.”

Ori blushed and turned away, his back then to Fíli as he stared ahead, messing with the sleeve ends.

“Oh, I wouldn't know about that. It looks quite nice on you, too, I think.”

Fíli couldn't help himself; he grinned.

Then, he ducked down to hover near Ori's left ear, and murmured, “Oh, aye?”

Ori visibly shivered slightly, then nodded.

He leaned against Fíli’s body after, his head resting on Fíli's right shoulder. Meanwhile, the Alpha found himself wrapping his arms around Ori, as if they were sleeping and not standing near each other in broad daylight.

A content sort of feeling enveloped Fíli as they stood there. It was nothing untoward; he just enjoyed holding Ori, and realized that it felt a bit like magic that the other dwarf liked or trusted him enough to allow that at all. Especially after such blatant attempts from another in their Company to deter Ori away from him.

Fíli nuzzled against the side of Ori's face then pressed a kiss onto his left cheek. Ori's arms came down to rest on top of his own, while the latter quietly, ever so softly, made a noise of approval. That set Fíli’s heart to beating wildly in his chest again.

Afterwards, he put his chin on Ori's left shoulder and whispered, “This isn't just to annoy your brothers, right?”

Ori shook his head.

“No. Not at all.”

Fíli's heart swelled. 

A small part of him had worried about that, the closer they got. He trusted Ori enough not to lie to him, though. Nevermind, Fíli couldn't imagine Ori would go to all of the trouble he was, if it was a petty vengeance of the sibling variety.

“Good. Because I happen to like you, even when I know I shouldn't.”

Fíli trailed his nose up from the base of Ori's neck, inhaling the scent of lavender that assaulted his senses, reveling in the hitched breath he heard the latter take as he continued to trace bare skin, then pressed another kiss just below Ori's left ear.

“I like you, too,” Ori whispered just loudly enough that only Fíli could hear.

He squeezed Ori's middle after that, and buried his face into the left side of Ori's neck. Scents of lavender then jasmine filled his nose even more than they had before. Fíli felt like he was in a state of bliss, just standing there like that. 

They hadn't even kissed properly yet, but his lungs felt like they were struggling to breathe. It was such a strange yet wonderful feeling. Despite outside forces wishing otherwise, Fíli didn't want to let go of whatever he'd found with Ori. 

Ori eventually turned in the hold he was in and just looked up at Fíli, seeming to search his face for something, before his hands rested onto Fíli's chest and he looked away.

“Dori and Nori constantly filled my head with how dangerous an Alpha could be, even when not in a rut. Dwalin was supposed to be the outlier, as was Dori, according to them.” Ori exhaled a bit then looked up at Fíli again. “You're not at all like what they said either, though.”

Fíli wasn't quite sure how to respond to that, but it said something at least, that Ori trusted him enough to impart that private knowledge.

“Thank you?”

Ori smiled softly, then said, “It is a compliment.”

Fíli tentatively lifted his right hand, and stroked one of Ori's cheeks. Ori closed his eyes and leaned into the touch. If that didn't just about make his heart explode, Fíli didn't know what would. He was out of his depth though, just following Ori's lead, and hoping he was doing the right thing. 

When Ori's eyes were open again, they were bright and full of warmth. 

“Do you mind if I kiss you?” Ori murmured.

Fíli's face warmed a bit, but he still found within himself the ability to respond with, “Not at all.”

Soon, Ori was on his tip toes, pressing his mouth carefully against Fíli's, whose brain was simultaneously frozen and on fire from the touch. The Omega's body might run cool, but his lips were warm and soft. It was just one kiss; one chaste, quick kiss. However, that was all it took for Fíli to decide he wanted more.

Ori was watching him when they first broke apart, but before anything else could ruin the moment, Fíli's hand grasped the former's chin and slowly guided him back to his mouth. He wanted to give Ori time to pull away, but nothing of the sort happened. Instead, Ori's eyes fluttered shut while Fíli's followed suit, and lips were once again softly caressing each other; moving a bit more than they had the first time.

Ori's hands slid down from Fíli's chest to either side of his waist, then grasped firmly, anchoring their bodies against each other. Meanwhile Fíli's own hands held both sides of the scribe's face as they continued their snogging.

Noses bumped a bit, which at one point that had them both pulling away slightly and laughing. Ori was smiling up at him, and before Fíli could guide him back in for another kiss, the Omega did him one better and wrapped his arms around the Alpha's neck, tugging him forward again so that their mouths could meet once more.

Encouraged by that, Fíli wrapped his arms around Ori in his coat, and held him closer while they kissed further. His blood was rushing in his veins, and his heart pounded decisively, as this happened.

Fíli couldn't help when he hummed a satisfied moan that rumbled through his body, when a hand grasped part of his hair, pulling him even closer to the other dwarf. Ori didn't seem deterred though. Instead, he licked slightly across Fíli's lips, and that had him pulling away.

Ori looked worried, when their eyes met again.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No. I promise. I just need a moment. You were incredible. Thank you,” Fíli said softly, against Ori's right ear, as he heaved in air and willed his body to calm down a bit.

“Did you just thank me for kissing you?” Ori asked, his voice a touch incredulous, as they stood together, not looking at each other.

“If I did?” Fíli replied.

Ori pulled away enough that Fíli could see a hint of a cheeky little grin, before the former said, “Then it makes me want to kiss you even more, to see what else you might say.”

Oh, Mahal, Ori was trying to kill him. Or get him killed. Fíli really wasn't sure at that point. It was a death he realized he would walk to willingly, though, if it meant he could do what they had been doing again. 


The snogging they had just shared, which endearingly enough seemed to properly stun Fíli for a while, was still tingling on Ori's lips as they stared at each other, mirror images of awe.

Eventually, though, Fíli seemed to regain his capacity for speech.

“You're welcome to keep wearing the coat if you like. Though there are some knives in there, so if you need to use those, feel free.”

Ori felt his eyes widen.

“You're sure?”

Fíli nodded.

“I am. I've seen the ways Nori can throw them, or use them, as you well know. I can't imagine you don't know how, too, given how protective him and Dori are of you.”

Ori smiled.

His heart felt so full, even with the mention of his ridiculous, but loving elder brothers. 

“You'd be right about that. I can't do anything flashy, but I know how to protect myself in a pinch.”

Fíli smiled then nodded.

“Good. Then make use of the coat and my knives for now. I run warm anyways, and everyone here knows who I am. I don’t need to prove that by wearing it all the time. That, and I have knives in other places most wouldn't normally think they'd be.”

There was good humor on Fíli's face, and a cocky sort of grin to go with that.

Ori felt a furious heat flush his cheeks as he leaned up and whispered, “Can I see?”

Ori knew it was too forward, and if Nori found them he'd have to make a good show of fending him away from Fíli. However, he just couldn't help himself. Whatever it was they were doing, it didn't feel inconsequential. He wanted to know Fíli better, and the prince really seemed to like his knives. 

Fíli appeared a bit shocked by the brazen question with his eyebrows raising and a blush of his own crossing over his face, which meant he clearly had not expected to be called on his casual flirting. After a moment though, the former looked around, probably noticing the rest of the Company was off elsewhere, away from where they stood still. It was a boon Ori did not take lightly, so he wanted to make the best use of their time.

Soon, a larger hand was encompassing Ori's own right one, and guiding it up to press against Fíli's inner thigh. The trousers were loose, but once his fingertips rested there, Ori could feel the outline of a dagger strapped to the taller dwarf's upper left thigh. 

A thrill ran through Ori, knowing just how close he was to something else that he determined was probably of a similar length, if not longer. He removed his hand quickly, as if he had just touched fire. Which, given how warm it felt where his hand had been, wasn't far from the truth.

“I could show you more another time, if you'd like,” Fíli whispered against Ori's right ear, and he couldn't help himself - he whimpered.

“Fuck,” Fíli murmured just below Ori's right ear, where his mouth and mustache bead was pressed.

Heart racing, Ori glanced up and saw the effect he was having on Fíli. His eyes were darkened, while his face was soft, but clearly drawn in a concerted effort as he was trying to not say or do something. 

“I'm willing if you are,” Ori said softly.

Then, he turned away and walked back to camp properly before he could say or do anything else that might get them in more trouble than either of them had bargained for. 

“You reek,” Nori said, when Ori returned.

Nori slinked off though, pretending to make gagging noises as he did.

Ori shook his head, then went about putting away his bedroll, and preparing for the next day of travel ahead of them. Everyone was relatively clean so there was no need for a wash at the time.

Dori came up to Ori.

“You should give him his coat back, Ori.”

Ori turned to face his eldest brother, who gave him an imperious look.

“Fíli said I could keep it for now. Even told me I could use his knives.”

Ori grinned, while Dori’s face tightened.

“This is not a game you need to be playing, Ori. You know who he is.”

Ori frowned then, his previous bubble of happiness popped.

“Fíli's not a game to me, Dori. I like him. Is that so wrong?”

Dori pursed his lips, then said, “If he were another Omega or a Beta even-”

Ori refused to hear anymore. He was not a child. Likewise, he resented being treated as if he weren't old enough or even smart enough to make his own decisions, without needing his siblings to hold his damn hands or coddle him as they had done in some capacity since he was a wee pebble placed into their care.

“He's nothing like what you keep warning me about. I know what I'm doing, Dori. Both of you need to just let this lie and allow me to make this choice for myself." Ori paused, and huffed before he continued speaking, his tone firm as he did. "If I were worried, I promise I would tell you. I wouldn't be wearing his coat and still sleeping in his bedroll if I was, though. I need you two to trust me. You can't protect me forever.”

Dori was unmoved by Ori's assertion; that much was clear to the latter, so he mentally braced himself for whatever came next.

“Maybe not, but you think he is the sort to protect you, then?”

Ori glared at his eldest brother.

“I know he is. Fíli's been nothing but sweet and careful with me.”

Dori snorted, then said, “For now, maybe. It's easy to be drawn in by that. Nevermind, he has to know you aren’t the sort to be taken in by such brash tendencies as what he is prone to. Perhaps, you may not be making this a game, but he still could be.”

A fury swelled inside of Ori then, and though he had never shouted at Dori as he had at Nori over the course of his life, he found himself doing just that right then.

“Why can't you just be happy for me? Does it bother you so much that I might have found someone who likes me for me? Someone who doesn't care whether you and Nori approve or not?" Ori paused to take a breath, then glared a bit more for good measure before hissing, "If you're so worried about me making my own choices then perhaps you should wonder if you did your job properly while raising me.”

Ori stormed off, and didn't look anyone directly in the eyes as he did. He had never been so angry before. He knew despite that, he must have looked an interesting sight though, given how he was dressed. Nevermind the knowledge that he normally was prim and proper as Dori had raised him to be. Sod that, though. 

Eventually, Ori found himself beside Kíli, who was giving him an interesting look from the left side of his own pony.

“What? Do you have a problem with me being closer to your brother, too?” Ori snapped.

Kíli's eyebrows raised quickly, but he was smiling soon, which was a bit disarming to Ori's irritation if nothing else.

Kíli held up his hands afterwards, amusement flooding his tone when he did speak next.

“No. Not at all. He's a grown dwarf. He can handle himself.”

“Would my brothers think the same of me,” Ori sighed.

He then turned and began tucking his bedroll into the straps that would hold it firmly against his pony.

“It's different for me, with Fí. He's my elder brother. Even if I did have an objection, which I don't, I doubt he'd listen, anyways.”

Ori finished what he was doing then turned to Kíli.

Kíli was watching him with evident curiosity, just hovering nearby his pony, though he was clearly finished with whatever he had been doing.

Ori took a few calming breaths, then said, “I don't believe that's true. Fíli thinks the world of you, Kíli. Even though I don't know either of you that well just yet, I've always known that. Regardless of whatever I am or may become to Fíli, that will never change. Nor would I want it to, either.”

Kíli gave him a blinding smile then.

“I knew I was right about you,” Kíli said, then reached out and grasped Ori's right shoulder. “For what it's worth, despite all of the kerfluffle, I think you're going to be good for him.”

Ori smiled up at Kíli. 

“Thank you. That means a lot."


After the travelling their Company had done that day, Thorin watched as his sister-sons went off to guard the ponies. In his irritation at Tharkûn, he couldn't even bother with the fact that Ori soon tread off after Fíli and Kíli. At least if the three were together, they were less likely to get into some sort of trouble; he hoped, at least.

Thorin paced the ruins of the old farm house they had found themselves near, his eyes straying towards Bilbo not for the first time. Bilbo seemed antsy, after the wizard had walked off in a huff.

It appeared to Thorin that the Hobbit was using Tharkûn as some sort of mental security blanket. The quest had no place for such things; they all needed to be of sound mind, and capable of standing on their own.

Thorin resisted the urge to walk over to Bilbo and calm him, though he knew he could. Of the abilities an Alpha had, one of them was being able to exude scents which would pacify others, particularly Omegas. There was one Omega who certainly needed it, and the longer he thought about it, the more Thorin considered doing so. It was the polite thing to do after all.

Soon, though, before Thorin could change his mind, Bilbo was walking off to where the youngest three of their party were; three bowls in hand. Perhaps some time around the lads would put him a bit more at ease.


Fíli and Kíli were supposed to be watching the ponies. Which, they did. Until they got bored, then started to knock stones back and forth from one ankle or other body part to another. It was a fun game, and more than a bit distracting. 

However, Fíli lost interest the moment he saw Ori, who looked more than a bit irritated. Kíli shot him a look, but soon he was being pulled by the arm further into the trees.

When they finally stopped, Ori asked, "Can I kiss you?"

Fíli was amused, if nothing else, Ori's candidness.

"Sure."

Then Ori pressed him against a tree, kissing him as if he were drowning, and Fíli's mouth was air. 

Ori eventually pulled back and heaved shallow breaths, then looked up a bit apologetically. 

“I'm sorry.”

“I'm not. Though, I'll have to make it up to Kí later.”

Ori winced.

“I will too, then. He told me he liked the idea of us together, but I can't imagine that will be true if I monopolize too much of your time.”

Fíli's eyebrows raised.

“When did he do that?”

“Earlier today, after I shouted at Dori.”

Ah. 

Fíli pulled Ori into a hug, and the two just breathed for a moment. He kissed the scribe on the forehead, then sighed. 

“If this weren't so damn lovely, I'd say you're better off leaving me alone. I don't want to be the reason you and your brothers are fighting.”

Ori grimaced.

“It's their own sodding fault. They know I'm a careful sort, and I overthink things. If I'm not worried, then neither should they be.”

Fíli grinned, while he brushed an errant strand of hair out of Ori's face entirely.

"You and I both know that's not how it works. Whether Kíli likes it or not, I still worry about him."

"Do you go harassing anyone who shows a modicum of interest in him?" Ori demanded, raising an eyebrow at Fíli.

Fíli sighed, as his hand dropped down.

"No. Nor do I plan to do so, unless I worried someone was taking advantage of him."

"Good."

Before either could say anything else though, Kíli whispered out of nowhere, "Fí, we've got a problem."

"Of course we do," Fíli muttered, then walked way from Ori and went to his younger brother.

"We had more ponies, and now a few are missing."

"Damn it. Thorin's not going to like this," Fíli said.

It was his fault; he had allowed their attentions to stray, and then he let himself be pulled off to give Ori attention. Thorin would have his head if he knew the extent to his foolishness.

They would just have to retrieve the bloody beasts before that could happen. Except, he had no idea where they could have disappeared to.

"Do you know where they might have gone?"

Kíli winced.

"I walked off for a moment to answer the call of nature, and in the time I was gone, three disappeared."

"Three?" Fíli repeated, then sighed, and added, "Lovely."

"Don't you dare blame me for this -"

"I wouldn't. It's my fault too, if anything."

"I'm sorry," Ori said, his voice suddenly breaking through their conversation.

Fíli turned to Ori, and shook his head.

"This isn't your mess. I knew we were put in charge of them, and I said nothing. If you want to leave, before Thorin has my head, then be my guest."

Ori grimaced, and shook his head.

"No. I want to help you both find them."

"Find what?" A new voice said, and that brought Fíli's attention to Bilbo, whose arms were laden with three bowls of food.

Ori immediately went forward and grasped a bowl, then quietly thanked the hobbit. Following his lead, Fíli did the same, which had Kíli doing so after, too.

Once they had all quickly downed the food, and tossed the bowls aside in a neat stack, Fíli and Kíli apprised the hobbit of the situation.

"We should tell Thorin," Bilbo said.

Fíli shared a look with Kíli. Both of them grimaced.

"We wouldn't want to worry him without cause," Fíli said.

"Perhaps, this is a good time to test out your sneaking skills, Bilbo," Kíli said.

"What if there's something dangerous out there, and that's why they're gone?" Ori asked.

Fíli glanced at Ori, who had a look of consternation on his face. The former sighed, then turned towards Kíli.

"Ori is right; we can't let Bilbo sneak off alone. Thorin might have our heads for that, too."

"What?" Bilbo croaked.

Fíli ignored that, then said, "I'll talk to him. He won't like it, but I'd rather that than walk into something we're not properly prepared for."

Kíli sighed, then nodded.

"I'll go with you, then."

The four of them trudged back towards where everyone else was, and did as they had discussed. The ponies were recovered, after a sneak attack on trolls of all things, and then there was a gross smelling troll cave to loot.

Bilbo came away with a new sword, as did Thorin and Gandalf, too.

Nori, meanwhile, looked a bit more appeased after being a gremlin of a dwarf there, and so they all bedded down that night only slightly worse for the wear.

Everyone was in varying states of exhaustion, following the exertion that fighting trolls had required. So no one raised an issue when that night as they were finally bedding down, Fíli took the bedroll he and Ori had been sharing as far as he could, without incurring anyone's wrath.

Nori was somewhere with Dwalin even, meanwhile, Dori had gone elsewhere with Balin, too. Thorin, as well, was missing from his direct sight, which Fíli was also thankful for.

Fíli knew that what Ori suggested earlier that day was something he wanted at some point with him, but he would be lying if he said he wasn't terrified. He'd never done anything of the sort, unless one could count his own hand, and there was still the ever looming presence of one Omega and another Alpha who would not take kindly to the idea he was even closer to deflowering their younger brother. Not that he was even considering it as a real possibility, for that particular night.

Rather than go to the bedroll just yet, Fíli glanced at Ori who was watching him, so he said, "You know, if you're to join us in a tavern one day, you'll need to know how to dance."

Ori pursed his lips, then said, "I thought you said I could just sit and listen?"

"You could," Fíli conceded, then walked a bit closer to Ori, and held out his right hand.

Ori glanced down at it, then flicked his gaze upwards again.

Fíli smiled. "But where's the fun in that?"

Ori didn't respond aloud, but instead allowed his hand to slide into Fíli's. The latter's skin prickled, while also felt right, holding the former's hand as he pulled Ori closer.

Slowly, beneath the stars, Fíli carefully led Ori through a series of steps that admittedly the Omega was decent at, though that was all. Still, Ori allowed himself to be led in a few different turns, and eventually Fíli found himself humming one of the only slower songs he knew that might accompany the dance he was quietly teaching Ori.

The calm of the night enveloped them, and where he had been nervous before, Fíli no longer was. This dance they had begun, both figuratively and literally felt like just the beginning. He found the longer they continued, the less he wanted it all to stop.

Chapter 5

Summary:

Here there be ruts, smut, serious conversations, and Dwalin having enough.

Notes:

Hi!

Thank you once again to Cupcake_Princess, youbetyourbuttons, and Lampmoss for reading different sections, as well as continuing to advise me on Omegaverse dynamics, etc. as well. Y'all are the best!

On a timeline note; I'm meshing the book timeline and the movie timeline as I see fit, so if things are just slightly different than the movies, just know I'm using them as I wish. Lol.

Up next: Arrival at Rivendell!

Happy reading!

Chapter Text

Fíli knew they were supposed to be leaving, but oddly enough, Thorin had ordered them to remain where they were for one more day. More than that, the latter had been acting off ever since earlier in the morning, and there was an angrier overtone to the way he moved about everyone else; he was tense, and more aggressive than was normal. Even more than that, Thorin all but growled at anyone who came too near one Bilbo Baggins.

Bilbo seemed a bit bewildered, but resigned to it, as if he knew what was wrong. However, after Thorin snarled yet again at Dwalin for coming too close to Bilbo, the hobbit stood up to his full height and faced Thorin, glaring him down.

"Thorin Oakenshield, so help me, if you do that one more time, we will be having words. Dwalin only meant to give me help. Last I understood it, he is your very best friend. Is that how one should treat their friends?"

Everyone came to a stand still, not even taking the risk of exchanging quick glances amongst themselves, while they all waited for how Thorin would react. No one else had dared challenge him outright either, though some had been grunting and shuffling about him as they took care of tasks they otherwise couldn't while they were on the road.

Fíli thought Thorin might yell, but instead, the Alpha glared down at the hobbit, then stalked off elsewhere away from the Company, into a forest area farther away.

In Thorin's absence, Fíli shared a look with Kíli, who stood at his left.

"What the bloody hell was that?" Kíli muttered.

"I think Uncle's keeping a secret," Fíli said.

Despite Thorin's departure, the camp remained tense.

At some point, Fíli's eyes trailed to Ori, who was sitting near Bifur, quietly discussing something. He couldn't hear what, but their close proximity bothered him an abnormal amount; why was another Alpha seated that close to Ori?

Fíli made for where they were, then crossed his arms and puffed up his chest, glaring Bifur down after he came to a halt in front of the warrior.

"What do we have here?" Fíli asked.

"Fíli what on -"

Bifur met Fíli's eyes, while pursing his lips, but he nodded. The former signed the motions for a formal apology, then stood up and walked away.

That at least made Fíli untense a bit, until he saw the look on Ori's face. The latter was clearly not happy with what had just happened.

"Why did you run him off? He was just teaching me about woodworking, you prat!" Ori spat, his eyes conveying his outright irritation about the matter as much as his tone had.

Before Fíli could get a word in though, Ori scrutinized him further, then wrinkled his nose, while crossing his arms over his chest, too.

"You need a bath. Maybe that'll cool you off and get rid of the strong stench clinging to you and your ego."

Fíli stilled.

Oh, no.

For a moment, he felt the way his heart was racing, and the desire he felt to pick Ori up and throw him over his shoulder, hauling him away from the rest of the Company; particularly the other Alphas.

Fíli shook his head, then mumbled, "I'm sorry."

After, he ran off much like Thorin had, though in a different direction entirely, hoping he could go deal with the sudden onslaught of pure need he felt. Need that had been nothing more than a flicker in his stomach over the past few days. However, that spark had come to light into a raging forest fire all over his body, and really, for the first time in his life, he felt the urge to fuck someone senseless; one Omega specifically.

He couldn't allow that though, yet. Not now, and not like this.


In the wake of Fíli's exit, Ori remained there stunned for a moment.

Fíli had never acted that way about him, nor had Ori witnessed him do so about anyone else either.

Thinking back to the way Thorin had been earlier, he wondered if perhaps their leader's bad mood had rubbed off on his sister-son. That could be it, but it felt like something more.

Then, Nori walked up, and said, "You stay away from Thorin right now, and any other Alpha here that is not Dori or Dwalin. Got it?"

"Why?" Ori asked.

"Never you mind," Dori said, stepping closer to where both he and Nori were.

Ori frowned, then grit out, "No. I'm not a child. Tell me right now, or I will find out for myself. Why are Thorin and Fíli acting odd?"

Dori grimaced, while Nori sucked in a sharp breath.

"Thorin's found himself in a sodding rut. That's why we're stalled here. Until he deals with that, we'll be staying put," Nori said, quietly.

Ori's mind caught onto the implication then; if Thorin was in a rut and acting that way about Bilbo, then what Fíli had done was much the same. Fíli had drawn away just like Thorin had though. He hadn't tried to ask Ori for help, nor even explain.

For a brief moment, Ori had seen a look of understanding on Fíli's face, but rather than address it, the Alpha had quickly run off after apologizing for his rude behavior.

Determination settled into Ori then, as he stood up from where he had been sitting.

"Well, if that's the case," Ori began, then turned to glare at Nori and Dori. "Don't either of you follow me."

Both of them began to protest, but those fell on unlistening ears. When they ceased speaking, Ori all but snarled, as he set them with a stern look.

"No. We'll not get much done if Fíli can't concentrate, and I'm the one he was trying to protect, as unnecessary and annoying as it was. I don't mind being there for him right now, so you both need to deal with that."

"You are not a pincushion -" Nori began.

Ori raised an eyebrow, then pointed off to where Fíli had gone, before letting his left hand drop again.

"Did you see how he ran off? Nevermind, he's not asking for anything that I don't want; he didn't even give me the option after he realized what was wrong. Stop seeing the worst in Fíli, and leave us alone, Nori."

Ori stalked off before either could protest further.

Just by his nose alone, it didn't take long to find Fíli; he was bent against a tree, panting, his cock in hand. At least, he was, until Ori stepped close enough that Fíli had clearly heard him. Ori watched the prince tuck himself back in, then exhale heavily.

The scents of Fíli that Ori had begun to associate with the Alpha surrounded him; smoke and a woodsy sort of musk, alongside another much stronger scent which had to be the one that denoted his rut. Given he had never been around someone in one that was not properly tended to before, he had simply missed it at first, thinking Fíli needed a wash.

"Go away, Ori," Fíli huffed out.

Ori remained where he was, watching the way Fíli's breathing was labored still, and how the latter refused to look at him, either. He had nothing to fear, he was more than sure of it.

So, Ori ignored the frustration he heard in Fíli's voice, knowing it was not really at him, and said, "If you really want, I will, but I don't think that's what you'd actually like."

Fíli was quiet for a moment, until he said, "I won't have you like this; you deserve more than that. Just leave me to it, and I'll sort myself out."

Heart thumping quickly in his chest, whilst feeling the way his own body was reacting right then, Ori decided that he would like to stay, if he was allowed. It was kind, what Fíli suggested, and only raised his opinion of the prince. However, his body already made its own desire known to him. Meanwhile, though he'd never slept with anyone in a rut, if he did so with any Alpha, he wanted it to be Fíli.

"What if I want to help you?" Ori asked softly, after he had come closer to Fíli at his left.

They were standing shoulder to shoulder right then, not touching, but still surveying each other.

Fíli's eyes were blown wide, and that made Ori's pulse begin to race even more quickly.

Fíli whined, then licked his lips. He could likely smell the slick that was freely flowing between Ori's legs, where his folds were probably near to soaking through at least his small clothes right then.

"You really mean it?" Fíli asked, whilst searching his face.

"I really do," Ori murmured, not letting his eyes drop once, hoping Fíli read the sincerity.

Then, he reached down and grasped Fíli's left forearm, and said, "Make a home between my legs. I've got you."

No sooner had he said that, than Ori was being pressed against a tree, and having his hands held above his head. Fíli's mouth met his, then they kissed like the world was ending, and it was the last thing they would do before perishing.

Ori's veins were on fire, as his desire kicked up higher than it ever had. Soon, he was moaning into Fíli's mouth, as his own was being plundered by the firm tongue sliding against his then moving decisively inside, while hands roamed his body carefully atop the various layers he wore.

Ori grasped Fíli's hair and held on, hoping his entreaty would be listened to. He might not be in heat, but his sheer need was threatening to choke him right then.

Eventually, they pulled apart, and Fíli was bracing himself on the tree he had bracketed Ori against, his hands hovering just above Ori's shoulders. The Alpha was heaving lungfuls of air, staring down at Ori as he did.

Ori stroked his cheeks, softly running his fingers through Fíli's beard on both sides, caressing it as they gazed at each other. Their foreheads met, and he watched Fíli's eyes flutter shut, while he made soft noises of approval, too.

"So sweet, so careful. You're a good Alpha," Ori cooed, then stood up a little and whispered, "Now, I want you to be a little less careful with me. Can you do that, please?"

Hungry, warm kisses were laden on his bare skin underneath his chin next, alongside little nips and sucking that undoubtedly would leave some bruises, but Ori didn't mind. He had asked for that, after all.

Fíli had been careful with him, but he wanted to be a safe space to allow the prince the chance to not have to do that. He hoped to be the one to receive the less put together version that Ori knew Fíli had to be hiding beneath his responsible and protective side; he could handle that.

Ori allowed his hand to slide into Fíli's hair again, and grasped in a firm hold, which made the latter groan against his skin. The former whimpered, his mouth forming Fíli's name. After that, Ori heard his own name in response, then a sharp sucking against his shoulder.

He moaned, while his eyes rolled back.

Appreciative noises continued to escape Ori, while Fíli's hands roamed over him.

Though, Ori felt when they stalled just above where his trousers began. He opened his eyes, and met Fíli's, who was clearly waiting for him to give a response to the silent question.

"Go ahead."

"I've never done this before," Fíli breathed out, uncertainty suddenly clear.

Ori stalled his racing mind for a moment, then reached down to place his hands over Fíli's, where they rested on his hips. What this was, Ori did wonder. If it had to do with their differing anatomies, that could be explained easily enough.

"I've been told I'm a good teacher. Would you like me to demonstrate?"

"Please," Fíli whined.

"Good. Let's lay down. I think that will make this easier."

Before Ori could settle himself amidst the brush and bramble though, Fíli was looking at him again.

"What?" Ori asked.

"May I remove my coat from you?"

Ori wasn't sure why, but it wasn't his, so he nodded.

Soon, Fíli was behind him removing the coat off of his frame rather gingerly, then laying it on the ground, before the former motioned for Ori to lay there on top of the splayed out garment.

Ori smiled.

It was a sweet gesture, and one he appreciated, despite the sheer desire they both had in the moment. So, he laid down, and Fíli came to lay beside him at his left.

Ori stroked Fíli's left forearm, watching the prince. He could see the labored breathing, and the creases of consternation on the latter's face.

"You don't have to do this, you know. If this is about earlier -" Fíli began.

"It's not, and I know that," Ori began. He continued rubbing softly on Fíli's forearm, then said in what he hoped was a reassuring tone, "I promise, I offer this because I want to and nothing more. Do you want this in any capacity, with me?"

Fíli nodded quickly, though he remained quiet once having done that.

Ori waited, and when Fíli didn't speak anymore, he asked, "What's got you so spooked? You're never this worried about anything that I've ever seen."

Ori watched Fíli swallow slowly, then look away.

For a moment, he thought he'd be ignored, until Fíli said quietly, "I've never lain with anyone, ever. Not once."

Understanding filled him then; Fíli was a virgin. Despite his prior teasing, the Alpha had not done what Ori had yet.

"That's okay," Ori whispered.

Their eyes met again, and Ori could see how vulnerable this moment was, when more uncertainty clouded Fíli's eyes.

"If you don't want me now, I can go. I won't ask you to do anything you don't want to either. Alpha or not, you have a choice in this, too," Ori said, firmly.

One of Fíli's hands twined with Ori's right, which brought the latter's attention to them. He liked the feeling of holding hands with one individual in particular, whose thumb he was stroking slowly, while he marvelled at the way their fingers tangled together properly.

Ori's eyes flicked up again eventually, noticing the way he was being watched; surveyed, really. Beneath that scrutiny, he lifted their conjoined hands up, and kissed Fíli's knuckles gingerly, then allowed them both to drop to the coat below again.

Fíli seemed to be encouraged by that at least, because he spoke again after that.

"This can't be taken back, Ori. If we do this, it will mean something to me. I don't want you to feel burdened by that."

Ori shifted a little, and reached out his free hand to stroke Fíli's cheek.

"Your needs are not a burden, Fíli, nor would this be inconsequential to me, either. I want you, because I care for you. It's not love, but I can't help but feel this pull to you now, and that is why I want this with you. You're kind to me, and you seem to care about me, too. Not for what I can give you, but for me as my own individual."

Fíli closed his eyes for a moment, then pressed a soft kiss against Ori's palm, before he met Ori's gaze again.

"I do care for you, and that pull you speak of, I feel it, too. Not just because of who or what we are, though. I like you, in a way I never have regarding anyone else before."

Ori smiled, then drew his left hand away, and asked, "What do you want then, right now? Would you like me to leave you alone, or can I help you fix this?"

Fíli held his gaze for heart beats more, then said, "I'd like you to stay, if that's what you want, too."

Ori nodded.

"I really do."

"Okay."

They continued regarding each other, playing with the fingers of their conjoined hands; tracing the edges of each other's arms delicately. Fíli reached out with his free hand and lightly caressed the underside of Ori's chin, making the Omega close his eyes, then expel a soft noise of appreciation, which only made it continue on. That was, at least, until he felt his beard being tugged gently, and then they were moving slowly towards each other, pressing their lips together again.

Soon, they were wrapped around each other; chest to chest, arms around each other, and legs tangled.

They started out on their sides, then Ori rose and moved to where he was on top of Fíli, who was winded and clearly wanton beneath him. The Omega could feel the enlarged cock pressing upwards, and so he ground down on it leisurely, watching Fíli's eyes close as he groaned underneath that movement.

"Ori," Fíli moaned.

"That's it, Fíli. Just enjoy this. Let me take care of you."

Ori felt the way Fíli bucked up beneath him, and moaned even louder at that assertion.

Ori's hands came to rest on Fíli's chest, while he began moving a bit faster as he was met thrust for thrust. His trousers were no doubt a bit soaked, and he wondered whether or not Fíli could feel that as they continued.

"Feels so good," Fíli said, his eyes still closed, as he was breathing heavily beneath Ori.

"That's good. Let's keep going then," Ori said.

"Please," Fíli whimpered.

Ori was more than okay with that. From seeing how broken up the blond was alone below him that way, it was enough to send him over, really. His body was already more touch sensitive, probably in reaction to Fíli's rut. He was not completely ignorant to what might happen during them; only, before he had solely a clinical knowledge, whereas now he was getting firsthand experience in the matter, instead.

Ori slowed for a minute, and Fíli's eyes opened wide, as he huffed out a sharp breath.

"Would you like me to help you more?" Ori asked, waiting for an actual answer, before moving again.

Fíli licked his lips.

"What did you want to do?"

"Can I take you into my mouth?"

"You know how?" Fíli asked, evidently incredulous despite his being winded.

Ori smiled, tracing patterns on top of Fíli's chest.

"I do. My brothers don't know everything; nor do they need to. I'm willing to show you what I've learned though, if you'd grant me leave to."

"Oh, Mahal…" Fíli muttered.

Ori did his best not to laugh outright at that reaction, though he did find it quite amusing that he was still able to surprise Fíli. They might have known each other in some capacity since they were children, but it was clear there was much they still needed to know of one another. The former didn't mind teaching the prince more about him, really.

More than that, he hoped one day they might make more memories together, rather than apart. They hadn't known each other well that long in a more intimate sense, but Mahal, Ori hoped they would one day. It wasn't lust that was thinking that though, but something that was longer lasting forming in his heart for one single dwarf.

"So, can I?" Ori asked, once the idea had time to settle over Fíli enough he could give a proper answer.

"Yes, Ori, please," Fíli pleaded, his voice nearly breathless as he did.

That was all the information Ori needed. Soon, he was pulling down trousers and small clothes with the Alpha's help, and then Ori began to really spoil him.

Slowly, with his eyes watching Fíli, who was regarding him as well, Ori swirled his tongue around the tip of the weeping, fully erect cock. Fíli's eyes closed, and he whined. Emboldened by that, Ori continued, tracing the underside of the hardened length, then carefully reaching out and fondling the stones beneath it.

"Oh my," Fíli breathed out. Whatever else he was about to say seemed to catch in his throat.

Ori met his eyes again, and said, "Grab my hair if you want. I don't mind it a little rough, just be careful. I promise I'll make this worth it, though."

That was all the warning Fíli got, because then Ori allowed all of the knowledge he had hoarded from random trysts to aid him in what he did next. Fíli received the full weight of his attention, right then.

Beneath the ministrations, Fíli was putty; begging, whining, moaning, and whispering pleas. Meanwhile, Ori traced patterns with his tongue, stroked languidly, then eventually he flattened his tongue and took in the length further. He breathed through his nose properly, and ignored when a few tears came to his eyes, in favor of drawing out as much pleasure for Fíli as he possibly could. He felt hands grasping in his hair as he bobbed up and down. They were careful, ginger even, as he moved.

It really didn't take terribly long before he felt a proper rigidity. Soon, Ori took Fíli's length down to the hilt, letting the release coat the back of his throat, as a near incomprehensible utterance of his name was shouted out into the trees around them. He was grateful they were far back enough that no one from the Company should be able to hear it.

Ori sucked and soothingly rubbed a thumb against the bare thigh at his left, while the aftershocks fully came through. Soon though, his hair was being tugged urgently, and he knew it was time to pull off.

Ori smiled, as Fíli met his eyes, a look of pure awe on his face.

"You've done that a time, or two, haven't you?"

Ori shrugged.

"I might have. I'd rather like to do that to you again some time, though, if you'd allow it."

Fíli nodded, but did not audibly respond.

Ori cleaned his face up, then he was on his left side again, gazing forward at the dwarf before him.

"So, you liked that, huh?" Ori asked, glad his efforts had been well-received.

Fíli shot him a disbelieving look.

"I don't even know how to quantify what you just made me feel. However, if you're willing, I would very much like to do that again."

Ori grinned a touch cheekily.

"Okay," he responded.

After some time, when it was clear that Fíli's breathing was under control, he asked, "Would you like me to reciprocate?"

Ori nodded.

"Can you tell me what to do?" Fíli asked, quietly.

"Of course. Come lay behind me."

Fíli did as he was asked, then Ori guided his right hand down below the hem of his trousers.

"Place whichever finger you feel most comfortable moving back and forth quickly, then rub my cock with it."

Ori felt a large finger covering his own much smaller cock then slowly, it began to move as he suggested. It didn't take long for him to be panting and moaning himself, beneath that touch. He shimmied soon, then was rubbing himself against Fíli where the previously flaccid cock was behind him, for added friction.

Fíli's mouth came to the side of his neck, and he murmured, "You're so beautiful like this. I like hearing you reacting this way to me."

"You're the reason I am," Ori breathed.

"Not just the motions themselves?" Fíli asked.

"No, Fíli. It's you," Ori said, then let out more whimpers and moans as Fíli became more confident, and stroked him closer to the edge of an orgasm himself.

Rather than a verbal response, Fíli was kissing his neck again, while also speeding up a bit, too.

Ori whined Fíli's name, feeling the way his cunt was getting wetter by the second. Soon, he'd be writhing beneath the touch, begging for a release at the rate Fíli was going.

"Please, please, don't stop," Ori moaned.

"Not unless you asked."

Ori whined his name again, but then he heard, "Come for me."

As if his body had just been waiting for that cue, Ori felt the build up that had been there for some time expel out of him, as he squirted and let out a very wrecked sob, too.

"How was that?" Fíli asked against his right ear, as he finished up stroking Ori through the release in full. His finger hadn't moved yet, though.

"Superb."

Ori felt a kiss being placed against his neck again, then a soft, "Can I taste your spend?"

He was surprised by the question, but Ori liked the idea, in truth.

"Yes," Ori replied.

Soon, he felt larger fingers dipping further into his heat, and then they were removed entirely. He turned around and faced Fíli, watching for the reaction to what he was about to do.

As if he were licking cream out of a bowl, Fíli held Ori's gazed, and sucked his fingers until Ori's release was no longer there, moaning a bit as he did. Watching that made the fire in Ori's belly reignite, and a whimper left his mouth before he could help it.

Afterwards, he was tipping forward to kiss Fíli; the taste of himself moving against their tongues as they snogged languidly. His hands went into the prince's hair, and used that grasp to pull him closer again. Arms went around Ori's body, and soon, he found himself flat on his back.

As he had done earlier atop the prince, Fíli rutted downwards against Ori's heat, and the latter could feel the blond's cock hardening again. Ori bucked up into that, then moaned.

"I still want you," Fíli said.

"If you can't tell, the feeling is mutual," Ori managed, through thinned lips.

"Good. I think I'd like to be inside of you, if you would allow that."

Ori nodded.

"Can I remove your clothes?" Fíli asked.

"The trousers and small clothes, you can," Ori dictated.

Shortly, they were both naked below the waist, and his mouth popped open for a moment seeing the once again fully stiffened length before him. Strapped to Fíli's left thigh, he did see the blade that his hand had touched before, and something about the sight made his thoughts verge to even less chaste territory.

That was for another time, though.

Instead, he focused on Fíli in front of him, who seemed to be watching him, waiting for permission.

"You're gorgeous, Fíli," Ori exhaled softly.

Fíli grinned in a way that was much more in line with his general cocky personality, but even so it was tempered by something softer, before he said, "As are you, Ori."

Ori smiled, then said, "Well don't just stand there, come here."

Ori then watched the way Fíli ambled closer after sliding off the dagger's strap and setting it near their combined clothes pile. The former wished he could just grab then pull the prince back down towards him more quickly. However, he could be patient.

Soon, there was an Alpha hovering over him, arms bracketing either side of his head as the former watched him intently.

Ori cleared his throat, then said, "So long as you remain erect, once you're pressing into me at the right angle, this should be easy enough."

Fíli nodded, clearly taking in what Ori said with a studiousness he had never really had in school. Were the situation not what it was, Ori might have joked about that. However, instead, he asked, "May I put you where you need to be?"

"Go right ahead," Fíli murmured.

Having the consent he wanted at present, Ori reached down and gripped the protruding length he felt pressing against the edge of his lips in his own grasp, then guided it to the correct hole. There were a few down there, after all. Rather than give an anatomy lesson, he figured this was easier for the time being.

Ori felt the tip first, and did his best to remain still, as Fíli entered him. This was their first time together, but Fíli's first time overall, and he wanted it to be good for his Alpha, because that's what the prince was at that moment. His to hold and touch, as long as he was allowed; his to tend to with his body, for right then, and perhaps one day, even longer. That was also for discussion another time, though.

Soon, they were rocking together again, slowly.

By the time Fíli was balls deep, that need Ori had was dialed all of the way up, again. He looped his arms around Fíli's neck, and did his best to maintain a steady rhythm, despite wanting to move much faster than they were.

Fíli was moving slow, holding his torso, while they each made noises denoting their separate pleasures.

Shortly, the prince was panting above him, and Ori cocked his head to the side.

"Are you okay?" Ori asked.

Fíli nodded.

"Fantastic. You feel amazing around me. Why?"

"Would you like to go faster?" Ori asked, hoping the answer was yes.

"I don't want to hurt you," Fíli said, his voice sincere.

Ori fixed him with a pointed look, then said, "Take what you need. I give it willingly, and I promise, you won't break me."

Fíli's eyes closed briefly, then they were moving faster, finally. Ori met the quicker pace thrust for thrust, moaning and begging for more.

"Harder, please," Ori whined, wrapping his legs around Fíli's waist, interlocking his ankles behind the prince's back.

Warm hands came to rest on either side of his face, and soon he felt the full force of what the Alpha above him could do, he imagined. Ori held on tight, eventually exploding with such force, he was shouting, and seeing stars. Meanwhile, he could hear the way Fíli orgasmed; it was louder than before, and even more wrecked.

For a moment, Ori was pinned to the ground, taking every bit of the hardness inside of him as Fíli finished spilling seed, which produced a wave of pleasure despite him having already gone over the edge. The barest hint of what he imagined a knot was began to form, but that was all he got, because Fíli pulled out before that could fully take hold inside of him.

"Better?" Fíli murmured, kissing his face on either side, after they were no longer tethered together.

"I could ask you the same thing," Ori said, panting, as his chest quaked from the exertion.

Fíli exhaled heavily, then reached out and cupped Ori's right cheek.

"I think the rut has been satisfied for now. I'm young in comparison to some, so there's not much pent up frustration to relieve yet." Ori hummed in understanding, but Fíli continued. "That was still one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you for talking me through it, and just being you. I wouldn't have liked it otherwise."

"You're welcome between my legs anytime," Ori whispered.

He meant it. Fíli clearly meant him no harm, and Ori liked him even more after what they'd done. Fíli could protect Ori, but Ori could protect him and care for him, too, in different ways. There was nothing wrong with that. Nor did he feel any sort of dislike at the idea that they were now bonded in some way.

Sure, they needed to know each other better, but he found himself excited to know Fíli more than he had before. Nevermind that he'd never felt this draw to anyone else, and my goodness what a feeling it was.

Ori stroked Fíli's cheek after the hand on his had fallen away, while they both steadied their breathing even further.

Fíli turned and kissed his palm. Ori's eyes fluttered shut for a moment, as he felt those kisses continue to include his arm, and then they were kissing again. He opened his eyes and rubbed his nose against Fíli's, smiling at the dwarf above him, who was so tender in his touches and kind.

Fíli eventually pulled away a bit from where they were rubbing parts of their faces against each other, then said, "I'd like to do more than just bed you, Ori. I truly like you. I never meant for this to happen right now."

Ori sighed.

"I know. It makes me like you all the more, really."

Fíli smiled, though Ori could see a bit of indecision flicker over his face, until he asked, "Would you take my courting braid, if I asked?"

Without a shred of indecision, Ori said, "Yes."

Fíli dipped to where their foreheads were touching, then murmured, "Good. I've never asked anyone, but I want it to be you that I know better, now."

"Me, too."

They stared at each other for a moment, then Fíli said, "We should probably clean up, and head back soon. I imagine if we don't return before long, one of your brothers will be out this way, and I don't fancy them seeing my bits."

Ori shook his head resolutely.

"If anyone thinks they're coming near your bits but me, they have got another thing coming."

"Is that so?" Fíli asked, a grin spreading across his mouth so widely, it nearly stretched the width of his face.

Suddenly, Ori felt heat rising on his face, as he realized how what he had said sounded.

"I mean, it's your body and you can do with it what you want."

Fíli shook his head.

"No one will be touching me but you, if I have anything to say about it, I promise. I did offer you my courting braid, remember?"

Ori smiled softly at that declaration, then pressed his face against Fíli's chest. He breathed amidst the bulk of it all, then said, "Good. The same can be said of me, too; I don't want anyone else touching me now but you."

Arms wrapped around him, and they laid there for a moment, before he heard Fíli ask, "How did you get away to begin with when you came to find me earlier, without Nori or Dori trailing after you?"

Ori shrugged.

"You're not the only one willing to chase off others."

"You really do like me," Fíli murmured.

Ori glanced up at the blond to see him sporting a flummoxed expression.

"What gave that away?" Ori asked, smiling as he stood up to begin redressing himself.


The next time one of Ori's brothers sought Fíli out, to his surprise it was Dori. The eldest 'Ri sibling had maintained a healthy distance from him, though his clear dislike of all that had happened was evident each time their eyes met. While Nori was fond of subterfuge, and sneaking around more often than not, Dori on the other hand was proper, but blunt.

Fíli was checking over some of his weapons when Dori came near him of his own volition. Given the open display he and Ori had made earlier that day, it didn't surprise him that at least one of the scribe's brothers had come to him, really.

"Your Highness," Dori began, primly.

Fíli glanced up and met Dori's eyes with what he hoped was a friendly enough expression. While Nori's little knife trick and continued determination to be an arse to him did not ingratiate the Omega to him any, Dori he respected, and knew he was a skilled warrior. He did not wish to be on the wrong side of Dori anymore than he did Nori.

However, Ori had made his position clear, and Fíli would not betray that because he was scared. Dori might make him a bit weak-kneed, especially given Fíli knew he was a right terror with his flail. However, that aside, he as much as Ori was a grown dwarf, and old enough to choose what he would be doing. So long as Ori wished to be near him, he was not about to run him off, especially now that he had a verbal approval to fashion a courting bead for the Omega.

Fíli nodded.

"Dori."

"I do not think I have to tell you what will happen if I discover you are toying with Ori."

Fíli shook his head, then adamantly said, "I would never do that, I swear."

Dori gave him an unimpressed look, which Fíli did his best not to take to heart.

"We shall see about that. However, it also bears saying that if you so much as force him to do anything he does not wish, I don't care what Thorin says, you will not even live to regret your actions."

Fíli grimaced.

"I appreciate your concern, but I promise on my own brother's life, someone I would die for myself so he could live, I won't be harming Ori in any way possible. Whatever he does with me is of his own free will, and nothing more."

Dori stared him down, and Fíli met the gaze, refusing to shrink beneath it. He meant what he said.

"See to it that you are good to your word, and you'll hear nothing more from me. However, if I catch wind that you have lied to me, you won't see Nori or I even coming, young prince."

Fíli nodded.

"I understand." He exhaled, then before Dori could speak or take leave of him, he added, "I suggested to Ori I'd like to give him my courting braid, and he agreed to it. I would have you know I do mean to do right by him, Mister Dori."

Dori's eyebrows raised for a moment, then he sighed.

"I shall not go against what it is he wishes in requesting that you not do such a thing. However, what I said still stands, for so long as you two are interested in each other."

"Message received," Fíli said, respectfully.

Dori nodded, then walked away, leaving Fíli to his weapons and his thoughts.


Thorin noticed Dori walking away from where Fíli had sat himself to be alone for a while, as they rested for another night. It was not often that his eldest sister-son chose to be alone, but when Fíli did, there was usually a good reason. Dori did not look anymore irritated than he had been before though, so Thorin decided whatever had been discussed must have gone well. If it hadn't, the latter had no doubt he would hear of it, somehow.

Ori and Kíli, meanwhile, were sitting together nearby the fire, drawing nonsensical things on spare parchment, making each other laugh with the increasingly silly renditions of Company members. Thorin smiled, seeing them both simply having fun together. Even if he had to ignore the sight of Bilbo Baggins of all individuals being able to get Kíli to sit still for a proper hair brushing, while the younger Omegas continued to make their ridiculous art using Ori's supplies.

It was not often that any outside of dwarves was given leave to do as Bilbo was, especially since they had not known him long. However, he as much as Kíli, Nori or Ori was an Omega, and there were allowances that could be made in the name of camaraderie amongst them. If Bilbo managed to get his dramatic sister-son to make it through a hair brushing without caterwauling, then Thorin would accept the hobbit doing so.

The day before aside, and his brief near two-day rut now through, Thorin was grateful to be surrounded by the Company put back to rights more or less. The majority of the other Alphas were still skirting him though, after his outburst earlier, which was to be expected. His actions had set off others, and it led to the need to take another day respite, though he had done his best for that not to happen at all.

Once he had returned later in the day, Thorin noticed the way Fíli had been hovering near Ori more, and that someone had redone the younger Alpha's braids alongside the scribe's. He even heard tell that the two had gone off together after he had left of his own volition, too.

Given he had weathered a rut, there was every chance Fíli had, much as other older Alphas around his heir had throughout Thorin's own in response to his. By the time they saw each other again, it seemed his sister-son was more or less okay. Though, the scent of Ori clung to Fíli more strongly than it ever had in the scant days since they had begun sleeping near each other, whether they were standing beside one another or not, which could only mean one thing.

Neither Nori nor Dori had drawn any weapons before or after his reapproach, so for the time being, Thorin decided to count that as a win. He needed even a small victory, really, because in his eyes, he had failed.

Not even more than a week ago, he had determined he would set an example for Fíli, and then, he was fucking the hobbit; not once, but many times. Bilbo had given him space only as long as was necessary following their little show earlier, then apparently made some excuse to go seek him out. When the latter had found him, they finished each other off several ways, and only then had the rut been satisfied.

His mind and heart though? They were quickly suggesting he reconsider his initial hesitance and dislike of one soft, short creature, who was beginning to entangle in his thoughts so wholly it was maddening, and suffocating. Perhaps, if he didn't pretend he wasn't slipping further towards actual affection, then maybe his mind wouldn't do as it was. However, be that as it may, thoughts of Bilbo Baggins became increasingly harder to avoid, which was not helping him focus on their mission objective.

They had fucked though, so Thorin hoped now with the rut past, his conscious thoughts would verge back to respectful and more logical territories. They would soon be off, as they should have been, and he could not let anything deter him from his primary goal; retaking Erebor, finally.

Some time later, when others were starting to settle in and sort themselves for sleeping, Dwalin left Nori's side in favor of coming over to him. The other Alpha nodded towards an area farther from everyone else, and so Thorin followed his closest friend's suggestion.

When it was just them two alone, Dwalin turned and fixed him with a serious expression.

"You're not subtle. I can smell you all over the hobbit, and he on you," Dwalin began.

Thorin meant to speak, but his friend barreled through that attempt before he could manage a single word.

"You were so worried about Fíli, but at least your sister-son has the decency not to lie to himself or try to treat his Omega like a secret."

Thorin frowned.

"Bilbo is not my Omega."

Dwalin glared.

"You can keep lying to yourself, but it's not just you that your stubbornness impacts. Remember that."

After he said his piece, Dwalin stalked off back in the direction of camp, leaving Thorin alone in his wake.

Chapter 6

Summary:

The Company has arrived in Rivendell.

Thorin is brooding over his predisposition to Bilbo now, alongside the choices that has led him to make; for better, or for worse.

Meanwhile, Ori seeks out the library and finds literature, as well as the need to put a certain Alpha in his place.

Afterwards, Fíli finds Bifur, and they have a conversation that leads to a lesson in woodworking.

Finally, Thorin and Bilbo actually talk with one another, and the dwarf King has some growth.

Notes:

My forever thanks goes yet again to Cupcake_Princess, youbetyourbuttons, and Lampmoss, who read over the rough draft of this chapter nearly in full, then gave opinions on various parts, but especially the Bagginshield bits. I appreciate each of you, always. :)

Up next: The Company is still in Rivendell, but they meet some of the other longer standing inhabitants of their temporary resting spot. Shenanigans ensue.

Chapter Text

The way into the Elven settlement of Rivendell was not a pleasant one; chased by orcs, and only through what appeared to be meddling by one wizard, then later saved through Lord Elrond's intervention, did they make it there. However, despite that, it was a softer place to land than some others that they had before, so far.

Thorin was loath to admit this, as he watched his Company appreciate the drinks and what they could of the food offerings.

Idly, his eyes shifted to Bilbo Baggins, who did not appear to be displeased by their sudden arrival in what some might call "The Last Homely House." Briefly, the hobbit's eyes shifted to him, where he was standing off to one side, then he smiled directly at Thorin.

Thorin allowed himself to return it, before glancing elsewhere.

Fíli, he noticed, had Ori in his lap, while he ate and drank. Ori was casually eating some of his food where he sat, ignoring the ways his brothers were clearly displeased by that open display. The two were being more visibly affectionate between them than ever.

Though Thorin had also noticed the ways they had protected each other when the orcs were beginning to surround. At one point, they had been back to back, Fíli with his swords drawn, and Ori with his slingshot. They were young in comparison to him, but determined to protect others, as well as each other.

Furthermore, one thing about a 'Ri was that once they care about someone, they were each vicious in protecting whoever it was, at all costs. None more so than someone they deemed as family, or whom they chose to be partnered with. Fíli could do much worse than having someone like that at his side, he supposed. Meanwhile, Thorin could admit that perhaps he had been hasty in his initial judgement of the matter overall. Whether it would work though, remained to be seen, still.

Kíli, at present, was seated beside his brother at his right, talking with both Fíli and Ori, as well as others around them. Intermittently, his eyes were shifting to the elves warily, more so than his immediate companions, which amused Thorin. Kíli was not so caught up in anyone that he did not notice his surroundings, at the very least. It was what made him a good archer, after all.

Bofur was up on the table leading everyone in song soon, and Thorin glanced towards Bilbo again, noticing how even he seemed amused by that. A brief flash of jealousy surged, until the Alpha noticed how once again the hobbit's eyes were on him, watching.

With renewed determination, Thorin glanced away, and began to dance to the beat of Bofur's singing. It was a jaunty tune, that had everyone else good-humored, too. He sipped his ale and did his best not to look at Bilbo Baggins for a third time.


Ori had been told by Lord Elrond he was welcome in Rivendell's library. A place like that would be a treasure trove of knowledge, given who had guarded it as well as been adding to it, for some time.

Though he had taken part in the meal time rowdiness earlier, he needed a bit of a reprieve from it all, and found that their host was nothing if not accomodating. Really, Ori couldn't help but wonder if the Elven lord was grateful that any of his newly arrived guests were the sort to seek out knowledge rather than mayhem.

There had been an elf who raised an eyebrow at him when he entered, but then left him to his own devices after Ori respectfully greeted them.

It took very little time for him to become lost in the stacks, carefully removing books that were easily older than himself. So engrossed was he, that Ori didn't notice anyone around, until he heard, "I should have known."

Ori startled, and nearly dropped the tome in his hands, before he glanced up to see Fíli walking towards him.

"Is something wrong?" Ori asked, after regaining his hold on the book and his composure.

Fíli raised an eyebrow.

"You wandered off, without telling anyone where you were going."

Ori pursed his lips.

"Ah. I needed a break from everyone, and this library is difficult to bypass, for someone like me."

Fíli nodded.

"That's fine, Ori. It's only, we're in a place we do not know, and you disappeared."

Ori bristled at the light chastisement. He had been just fine on his own. He didn't need protection from Fíli anymore than he did his brothers in where he had chosen to go.

"I can fend for myself, you know."

Fíli gave him a thoughtful look, then said, "I am aware. I saw what you did with that slingshot of yours more than once, and my knives against the trolls, too."

Briefly, his frustration was only stayed, but still Ori demanded, "Then why did you worry? We're in no danger here."

"That's not what my uncle seems to think," Fíli said.

Ori rolled his eyes.

"Your uncle also believes he's being normal, and not at all blatant in his favoritism of Bilbo. I can smell our illustrious leader all over that gentlehobbit."

Ori didn't want to be prickly with Fíli, but he was not about to go from being coddled by his brothers, to being trailed by the Alpha at all times, either. He was his own dwarf, and would make everyone understand that, if he had to drag them all kicking and screaming towards that fact.

Fíli huffed a laugh.

"You're right about that."

Ori nodded, grateful that he was being listened to, at least.

Still, he had a goal for the day, and refused to be waylaid by anyone unless absolutely necessary. Adjusting the book in his grasp, he then asked, "Did you only come to interrupt my reading time, or do you have an actual reason for seeking me out now?"

Fíli smiled.

"I noticed you picking at your food earlier, so I brought you a snack."

Ori glanced down, noticing unlike the last time this happened, it was not nuts but dried meat rations.

"Where did you get this?"

Fíli shrugged.

"Does it matter where, so long as you enjoy it?"

Ori pursed his lips, and flipped the book he was holding shut in one hand, using his fingers as a bookmark, then carefully took a bit of the treat from Fíli's hand.

He could smell the salt; it made his lips pucker up until he began eating, which his stomach and taste buds appreciated him for. The elven food they had been offered was far more green than he cared for. Others in the Company hadn't seemed to mind too much, but he had never been fond of lettuce or green food.

Once he had finished the strip of dried meat, Ori grabbed the flask which he had that held water, and drank a bit. He held it up to Fíli, who took it and drank some as he watched.

After that was done, Ori said, "Thank you, for the thoughtfulness, yet again."

Fíli shrugged.

"I am capable of offering you more than one kind of meat."

Ori would have taken the statement at face value, except that glimmer of mischief was on Fíli's face, and the former's cheeks nearly set to flame realizing what the latter had meant.

He shook his head, then said, "You and your jokes can get out of the library this instant."

Undeterred, Fíli grinned broadly at him.

"I can and I will, but correct me if I'm wrong; you don't seem to mind them."

Ori sighed, then stood up and kissed Fíli's left cheek, which earned him a chaste kiss in return. The former shook his head, though he was smiling, too, as they pulled apart.

Ori waved his left hand in the vague direction of the entry way, then said, "Go on with you. I really do wish to read."

Fíli nodded, raising both hands up in surrender, though he did fix Ori with a resigned sort of look after.

"Alright. Just please, tell someone where you're going next time. It doesn't have to be me, or your brothers. Tell Kí or Bilbo, for all I care. If something were to happen though, we need to know where each other are."

"I suppose that's reasonable," Ori said.

Fíli nodded, an amused expression set into his facial features.

"I am capable of that, on occasion."

Fíli dipped down and kissed Ori's right cheek, then disappeared.

In the prince's wake, Ori noticed a little bundle of meat left for him on a nearby bookshelf. He smiled as he tread deeper into the literary marvel he had found himself in; book, meat and fondness for one specific dwarf in tow.


Fíli walked away from the library, wondering if he should go find Kíli; undoubtedly, they could find something fun to do together. With that thought in mind, he began to walk back to where everyone else was more or less congregated, if none of them had gone off on their own, too.

The elven settlement was different, but Fíli could admit there was a beauty to it as well, while he strolled back towards their borrowed quarters. Even if some of its inhabitants gawked as he moved about it, which was unnerving. Most of them were indifferent at least, which he preferred. From what he understood, they were used to seeing various races, as Lord Elrond had a habit of housing those who needed refuge for one reason, or another.

A bench not far from the entrance to their temporary bedchambers had Bifur, whittling away at a bit of wood he likely had removed from the confines of his clothing. Seeing that, Fíli decided a bit of a detour and an apology was long overdue.

Stepping closer to the older Alpha, Fíli waited until he was acknowledged.

Bifur glanced upwards, and met his eyes.

Fíli smiled, then in Iglishmêk he began to sign. His handle on it was decent, though given he did not use it as his primary means of communication as the elder dwarf before him did, he was likely a bit rusty. Even so, Fíli wished to try. Whether he had meant to be or not, Fíli knew he had been disrespectful to Bifur, and he wished to apologize for that.

Patiently, Bifur watched him, chortling at one point, which made Fíli stop. He realized he had made a grammar mistake, and laughed a little, then renewed his efforts, again.

Eventually, Bifur nodded, then responded, smiling as he did.

Fíli exhaled a breath of relief, seeing that.

Once that was finished, he was about to say he would be leaving to go find Kíli. However, his eyes grazed over the wood sitting to Bifur's left, and a thought occurred to him.

Bifur noticed that, and waited for what Fíli would say next.

When Fíli was through signing, hoping he had asked correctly, Bifur grinned, then patted beside him at his left. Though he was not always so attentive when learning, the former was determined as he sat down to give his newest instructor his full attention. He had a courting bead to learn to fashion, after all.


Scents and sights previously unknown to Thorin were buffeting his senses, as he tried to settle his thoughts.

The Company itself was fine, overall; the older ones were more wary and sticking closer together. Meanwhile, he discovered after coming across both of his sister-sons surrounding Bifur as he instructed them in the art of woodworking, that those two and Ori were more willing to walk freely about their temporary resting place.

Fíli had assured him that the scribe was fine, and Thorin was inclined to agree, because there was only so much trouble Ori alone could find in a library. Given the Omega did not have his heirs with him, that was likely moreso true.

So, leaving Bifur in the company of both Fíli and Kíli, Thorin walked elsewhere, alone.

He had intended to have a pipe, but that thought was waylaid, when he saw Bilbo sitting on a patch of earth, eyes closed and at peace with the world. Thorin would have left the hobbit to what he was doing, except as he seemed to be prone to these days, Bilbo noticed him before he could do so.

The Omega smiled up at him, and before Thorin could help it, he returned the gesture. Bilbo patted at his right, and rather than trying to deny him, Thorin did as he suggested. It was harder to arrange his bulk in a position that was comfortable, but he managed, at least.

"Needing a bit of quiet?" Bilbo asked, peering over at him.

"Aye," Thorin said, after nodding.

"You're welcome to keep me company here. This is a lovely spot, and I've found it quite wonderful for settling ones thoughts."

Thorin snorted.

"You seem quite at ease here; what thoughts could you need settling?"

Bilbo raised an eyebrow.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

Thorin could deny it, but he had essentially asked after them only moments ago, so he glanced away from that challenging look.

Say what one would about Omegas, but it seemed in some capacity as much as the Company was blessed to have the number they did, each of them were feistier than he had ever been led to believe those of that secondary gender would be. Not that he was complaining; simply, it was a surprise, he supposed.

Gender in and of itself was dependent upon factors not wholly to do with body parts, though, and Thorin knew while dwarves did not so much mind expanding their understanding of what those meant, not all races were the same. Men, for one, seemed to have far more rigid structures for them, and he oft wondered at how limiting that was. Thorin had seen the unfortunate consequences of that set up, when male Men ended up being Omegas.

To be an Omega at all, Thorin imagined, meant the need to be able to take care of oneself in some capacity. Though he knew Kíli was largely prepared physically to protect himself, the same could not always be said of others like him. However, Nori and Ori were fierce in their own ways, and Bilbo though seemingly softer, had developed a bit of an edge at least. Enough that he was willing to challenge Thorin, when others who had known him longer barely would, for one reason or another.

Thorin removed his pipe from the confines of his coat, then lit it, and began puffing smoke rings into the air. Seated beside Bilbo, he felt comfortable, he could admit to himself. While he had enjoyed their time together physically, Thorin found he liked being near the hobbit a bit too much.

They came from vastly different worlds, and it shouldn't work, but somehow it did. More than that, Thorin liked that Bilbo spoke his mind, even if it was grating when they were set against each other. He could not see himself happy in any capacity with someone who would fall in line with what he wanted almost instantly.

Still, Bilbo was a hobbit, and unused to dwarrow culture, though he was beginning to learn more of it. His easy trust of elves was also irritating, but he was kind, if only a bit stern when necessary with Fíli and Kíli. Which, on any given day was still required, even if they were adults in their own rights, they did not act as such on occasion. That would change with time though, and more exposure to the outside world than they had before. Needless to say, in Thorin's opinion objectively speaking, Bilbo was a mixed bag of contradictions and comely features.

"What brings you this way?" Bilbo asked, breaking through Thorin's reverie.

Thorin puffed out another smoke ring away from the hobbit's face, then glanced to his left.

Bilbo was giving him another one of those soul searching expressions that unnerved him. Even so, Thorin did not look away.

"I wanted some quiet."

"Well, you certainly found it here," Bilbo replied, a small smile on his face.

"If you prattle on, that will not be the case," Thorin said.

Bilbo grimaced, after his nose twitched.

"If my desire to speak with you is bothersome, you're welcome to find a different patch of earth to occupy, Your Majesty."

Thorin sighed.

He blew a few more smoke rings into the air, then said, "I do not mind your company."

"You could have fooled me," Bilbo bit out, his cheerier disposition gone.

That was fair, Thorin supposed. He had been keeping his distance, unless necessary.

Dwalin's conversation before they had moved on briefly flickered into his thoughts, and he sighed.

Years of being one way, only to be challenged with the very antithesis of his former beliefs, it was hard to come around to the idea that perhaps there were other ways to live. Fíli was young, and though he had never had a steady partner before, his feelings were easier for him to show. By contrast, Thorin had locked away all emotion that was unnecessary to his goals. Therefore, to allow himself comfort amidst struggle was difficult to accept.

At one time, before Fíli's and Kíli's father had died, Dís had allowed herself love, and to be happy with Víli. She had been better for it, Thorin could concede.

Was it foolish to say he would be any different? That he was not allowed to love and be loved? Even Mahal was loved, by his own wife, the Green Lady. If their own Valar allowed himself such marital bliss, who was Thorin to deny himself the chance to find it, too? Even if that came in the form of one Bilbo Baggins?

Perhaps, Dwalin was also correct, and that it was unfair to expect Bilbo to only want sex. Even if Thorin had never been so good with emotions, Bilbo might be the opposite. Given how different they were from each other, that was likely the case, he wagered. Furthermore, they were each old enough to discuss such things between them, even if for himself, it would feel like having teeth pulled.

Nevermind, what sort of example was he setting for Fíli, or even Kíli, in treating anyone that way? Were it Kíli, Thorin would definitely have more than a little to say about him being treated in such a manner.

The guilt inside of himself metastasized then, realizing that inadvertently, he had been no better than what he had assumed of Fíli, only weeks before. He had put his assumptions down to the follies of youth, but his own sister-son had done as he should have with Bilbo eventually. Without Thorin even having to show him how, Fíli had done right by the Omega who had chosen him, while he himself had erred.

He owed Fíli an apology, alongside a certain hobbit, too.

Thorin sighed heavily.

"I think it might be in our best interests to know one another a bit better outside of the ways in which we have so far, Master Baggins."

"Did you decide that before or after we fucked five ways to Sunday, Thorin?" Bilbo deadpanned.

Bilbo, though a bit mouthy, was normally quite prim and proper. To hear him utter such vulgarity in the open did startle Thorin for a moment. He really must have stepped in it, if the hobbit willingly spoke that way to him in his frustration, rather than while they were engaging in matters of flesh.

"I believe I owe you an apology, Master Baggins."

"Thorin," Bilbo began, exhaling slowly, "we have seen each other naked. I hardly think such formalities are necessary, at this time. Unless, you're embarrassed by me."

Oh, Thorin had really erred.

"No. I am ashamed of myself," Thorin said.

That seemed to get Bilbo's attention.

Bilbo raised an eyebrow, then leaned his left cheek against his open palm, while his elbow rested on his left leg.

"I'm listening," the hobbit said.

"Until recent events, I had not allowed for such liaisons between myself and others to occur since I was much younger, and had less responsibilities. It was one of few things I had for myself, but I learned all too well how there were many disingenous sorts who would want me to bed them for more nefarious reasons than a simple heat or an orgasm."

Bilbo pursed his lips.

"In the Shire, we do not have royalty in the way many other races do. I like to think that is for the best."

"Whether it is or not, that does not change that over the course of my life, I have been at the mercy of whatever needed doing for the sake of dwarf kind. Unlike you, I have not had the freedom to do as I wished very often, nor do I know what it is like to rest much or," Thorin paused, then said, "be cared for, either."

Thorin could not look at Bilbo right then. He was not accustomed to speaking his mind so much aloud, but the hobbit had taken a chance on him, and so he felt the need, as well as the desire, to try to meet Bilbo's forthrightness with some of his own.

Thorin felt a hand be placed on his left thigh, which drew his attention back towards Bilbo. There was a soft smile on his face.

"You are deserving of affection and love, royalty or not. Whether that comes from me, or someone else, everyone needs a bit of care and softness to their days as much as the next person."

Thorin tentatively took Bilbo's smaller hand in his left, then said, "You are the closest I've come to what you speak of, in a romantic capacity."

Thorin knew of familial love; his affection for his sister and his sister-sons ran deep. They were his flesh and blood, but he would choose them still, even if they were not. Much like those in the Company, who were not so close in regard to bloodlines, but still he cared for them, too.

However, Bilbo, he could love perhaps, one day. He would not say such a thing outside of his own thoughts. The idea was there though, as small and niggling a thought as it currently was. That he even reached out and grasped the hobbit's hand, said more to him than words that were left unsaid could at that very moment.

Chapter 7

Summary:

Shenanigans and vulnerable conversations occur.

Notes:

Hi!

This chapter took a bit longer, because I re-drafted it a second time, after being dissatisfied with the earlier version. While much of what was cut will be seen later, I felt with character arcs and timelines, it wasn't time for what I originally had written in certain spots.

Speaking of timelines; I mentioned before, but I am re-iterating here, I am meshing book and movie timelines, using what I need from them both to my benefit because fanfiction. Lol. After looking over the book timeline, I noticed that they're actually in Rivendell for over a month. Alongside that, thanks to Tolkien Gateway, I've also slipped a few book canon elements into this chapter specifically that were left out of the movies.

Thank you to Lampmoss, youbetyourbuttons, and Cupcake_Princess, for looking over the different drafts of this chapter. It is because of them I did not rip my hair out while re-arranging things. You all and your friendship continue to fuel my writing on the days I struggle, as well as the ones where I flourish! Thank you. <3 I'm so glad we exist in the same timeline and fandom as each other. :)

Up next: The last Rivendell chapter...

Happy reading!

Chapter Text

Ori was seated out in the sunshine, drawing in his sketchbook over nearly two weeks after they had entered Rivendell. Everyone was settling in as well as they could, using the time to rest and restore supplies, as well as hope that the orcs would give up searching as they did all of this. There was also the matter of decoding the map, and waiting for the right moon for it to be read, he had been told.

Most of Ori's days had been spent in the library so far, though he did exit for meals that he could stomach, alongside spending time with both Kíli and Fíli more than anyone else. Together, they were able to have fun, and he enjoyed at least tangentially being nearby while they messed around, too.

At present, that was what was happening.

Two elves who looked identical, were off a ways from where Ori had chosen to sit on a bench, both brunets sparring with Fíli and Kíli. The twins, Elladan and Elrohir, were Lord Elrond's eldest children. He also had a younger daughter named Arwen, who was away in Lothlórien living with her grandparents, at the present time. Lord Elrond was nothing if not a loving father, Ori had come to realize. It was in the way the elf spoke of his children; even the mischievous twins, who definitely met Fíli's and Kíli's fighting prowess as much as their prankster tendencies, too.

Elrohir, if Ori remembered correctly, had just disarmed Kíli, when Fíli managed to take down Elladan. The match was a tie then. That did not surprise Ori in the slightest; though from what he had heard, the elves were quite learned in the ways of the blade. There seemed to be a terribly traumatic back story, involving the death of their mother at the hands of orcs. Nasty business, that, really.

Before they could either choose whether to have a rematch, or leave off from what they had been doing, a small child with short, straight brunet hair ran out carrying a wooden sword, shouting. They went towards where Kíli had been downed and stood in front of him, glaring up at Elrohir.

"Don't worry, mister dwarf, I'll protect you," the child said, their voice projecting quite well in the open courtyard.

Both Elladan and Elrohir looked amused, as Kíli pulled himself to his feet to sheath his sword, then dust himself off.

"Who is this brave warrior, who seeks to protect my brother?" Fíli asked, indulging the child.

Ori smiled, seeing that.

"He goes by the name of Estel here, Prince Fíli," Elladan said, though Elrohir still had his blade out, pretending to be taking the child seriously. His brother's, meanwhile, had already disappeared.

Ori could only hope Elrohir knew what he was doing, for unlike Kíli, the child was not so sturdy.

"I see," Fíli said. Then, he turned and said, "Would you like to join me in avenging Kíli?"

"It would be my honor," Estel said, then Fíli smiled and turned to wink at Ori, whose heart fluttered a bit, as he watched what was transpiring before him.

Fíli returned his attention to the child, then replied, "As it would be mine, Estel. Now, do you know what's better than one blade?"

The child appeared to be in thought for a moment, then said, "Two?"

Fíli smiled, then said, "Right you are. Now, why don't you get up onto my shoulders, to give us added height. Perhaps we might vanquish our foe together."

Soon, Fíli did indeed have Estel on his shoulders thanks to Kíli. Meanwhile, Ori watched, trying not to let his heart and ovaries burst simultaneously.

Elladan stepped back, then said, "Fighters, at the ready!"

Fíli asked, "Are you ready, lad?"

Estel said, "Ready!"

"Then let us fight!"

Kíli was off, standing next to Elladan at his right. Whereas, Fíli advanced forward with his two swords drawn and Estel in place, the little legs braced well around his neck. The child's small wooden sword was held out in front of him, and Elrohir, who was still taller than the two stacked individuals, smiled before he resumed a serious expression.

Fíli swung, and Elrohir met him for one block, but didn't manage to get him for the second. Afterwards, they began a dance that involved Estel mostly bonking the elf with his toy weapon, while Elrohir and Fíli did what they could safely. It was eventually a bit hard to really continue on like that. So, Ori was none too surprised when Elrohir allowed a blow from Fíli to land, then dramatically fell to the ground, his long flowing grey robes making quite a sight as he did.

"The combined power of Prince Fíli and Estel has been too much for me alone. Brother, tell father and Arwen that I love them."

Fíli sheathed his swords, then had Estel off of his shoulders. As soon as the child's feet touched the ground, he said, "Quick; land the killing blow! Put him out of his misery!"

Estel shot forward, dropping his knees onto Elrohir's stomach, then pressed the blade into the middle of it.

Elrohir dramatically shouted, and then his body stilled.

Estel glanced up at Fíli, and cried, "I did it!"

Kíli and Elladan clapped, as Fíli came closer to the young boy, then grasped his little shoulders as he smiled down at him.

"You did. You were a brave warrior, and I could not have avenged Kíli without you. Thank you for your aid," Fíli said, then picked the child up again, and swung him about, before placing him on his feet.

"Any time you need, you have my sword," Estel said, solemnly then bowed low to Fíli.

Fíli laughed, then said, "None of that, now. We are shield brothers from the battlefield. You need not bow to me."

"You are a prince, are you not?" Estel asked, peering up at Fíli.

Ori was struck by the way Estel sounded young, yet so wordly, too.

"Even princes have friends," Fíli said.

"Is that what that dwarf over there is? He's been watching you this whole time," Estel said, turning while pointing at Ori.

Suddenly, there were multiple eyes on him, while Kíli and the twins all laughed together. Fíli met his gaze with a smile before glancing down at the small child before him.

"No, Ori is not my friend in the way I spoke of just now. However, he is someone I care a great deal for."

Ori's heart skipped a beat.

In a short while, the seemingly serious expression on Estel's face morphed into one of disgust.

"You want to kiss him, don't you?" Estel asked.

Fíli laughed at that, then said, "I do, in fact. However, I think this victory deserves a celebration. How about we go find something to mark this occasion, together!"

Soon, everyone was walking away elsewhere, leaving Ori to his sketching.

It was quite difficult to really focus on what he had been doing, after hearing what Fíli had said in full view of everyone. He finished off the last bit of the architecture he had laid onto parchment earlier, before packing up and walking back towards where everyone else likely was.

Soon, he found himself sitting down for a midday meal, where Fíli, Kíli, Estel, Bofur, Bombur, and Nori were seated.

Fíli was making strange animal noises that made Estel giggle. Ori smiled, his heart warming seeing that, as much as what it had earlier, while he ate what he could have of his food.

Kíli was unsurprisingly trying to balance empty dishware in odd ways, almost like juggling. Bofur was humming a tune, and bouncing his mug of ale on top of the table. Bombur was eventually entertaining a stream of questions from Estel, while Fíli was actually eating. The latter did spare another smile towards Ori, who grinned, then returned to his food.

Nori came to sit beside him at his right, then muttered, "That's who you want to bed? How embarrassing."

Ori cut a glare to Nori, then said. "I think it's sweet that he's so good with children. Nevermind, I know who you were with before Dwalin. Don't talk to me about embarrassing, Nori."

Ori glanced down at his food, then he heard, "Oh, no. Don't even think about it. You only just agreed to take his courting braid. You're not even wearing it yet, nadadith. Pebbles are the last thing you need."

Ori glared at Nori again.

"I never said nor implied anything of the sort, Nori."

Nori snorted, rolling his eyes.

"That's what you think."

Irritated, Ori finished off his food, then left the table without so much as a backwards glance to anyone.

Soon, he was wandering alone, traversing paths and bridges he had not yet crossed. The beauty of the Elven settlement was easy to see still, in the light of the day. Eventually, he found a bridge, with a flowing river under it and began to survey it. He could easily render it in his sketchbook, and found that preferrable to returning and entertaining Nori's nonsense.

Brightly coloured fish caught his eyes, and so Ori was leaning over the bridge a bit. He remained there, simply watching the way they swam in the water, until he felt arms wrap around him. Before he could get scared, Ori smelled the scents he had come to associate with Fíli, and calmed down considerably realizing it was the Alpha behind him.

"Are you okay?" Fíli asked, against his right ear.

Ori leaned back into the warm embrace that surrounded him, grateful Fíli had come to find him, quite honestly. Nori could piss off, for all he cared. What he did with his body was not for his brothers to determine.

Not that he was actually thinking of having pebbles any time soon. However, Ori did enjoy knowing that the first real partner he had ever chosen to be with, who seemed to like him as much in return, was kind and fun with them. Yes, seeing that made him feel things, both chaste and not so much. That didn't mean he had to act on the sudden aching desire to birth Fíli's children some day, any time soon. It just rankled him that Nori was yet again sticking his nose where it didn't belong.

"I am, now that you're here."

Ori didn't feel like hearing Fíli complain about his walking off yet again, though something told him that likely wouldn't happen right then, given Nori hadn't exactly been quiet. Fíli's head dipped down, his chin resting on Ori's right shoulder. Together they just watched the water moving freely below.

"Elven settlement or not, this place is beautiful," Fíli said.

Ori turned his head to the left, then pressed a kiss to Fíli's right cheek, nuzzling there for a moment before saying, "It is. Had you not followed, I would be drawing some of this area, right now."

Fíli was quiet, which was abnormal for him if he had been directly spoken to.

So, Ori turned completely in the hold he was in, and met Fíli's eyes.

"Are you okay?" Ori asked.

Fíli nodded, then said, "I finished our courting beads. Would you like to see them?"

Ori understood the sudden quiet; Fíli must have heard Nori.

"If this is about what Nori said, please, don't feel like you have to now because of him."

Fíli shook his head.

"It's not. I wanted to give you yours, but not where everyone else was around. You walking off as you did gave me this opportunity."

Ori raised his eyebrows.

"I've been in the library alone for days."

Fíli nodded.

"Yes, I know. However, I didn't want to intrude on your reading time. I figured you wouldn't think too much of me if I did that."

Ori smiled, then pressed a soft kiss against Fíli's lips.

Hands were on his face, soon, and he wrapped his arms around Fíli's neck. They snogged slowly, allowing Ori's mind to calm as he was surrounded by Fíli's body, and the sheer affection he felt.

When they broke apart, Fíli pulled out a wooden bead, and held it up for Ori's inspection. It was beautiful; having the most detailed etchings, that would have taken time and patience.

"You know woodworking?" Ori asked, after perusing the bead further.

Fíli shook his head.

"I didn't, before I spoke with Bifur. Now, I can manage a few things."

"You've been busy," Ori said.

He was quite pleased though, with the length that Fíli had gone to for them. No one had ever done that before. This was uncharted territory for them as a couple, but for him, too.

Fíli shrugged.

"It was fun, and now I have a proper bead to give you, rather than just empty promises."

Ori pressed another kiss to Fíli's right cheek, then said against his ear, "I could be wrong, but I don't think you make those sorts of promises."

Fíli leaned his head against Ori's.

"I do my best not to, especially where you're concerned."

Ori felt his face warming, as he said, "Well, if you'd like to braid it, I can sit down somewhere."

He glanced around, then he heard Fíli say, "If you don't mind sitting in my lap, I can put it in the back."

Ori met Fíli's eyes, then said, "I don't mind."

So, on that bridge alone, Ori allowed himself to receive a courting bead for the first time ever. The sounds of water flowing or falling surrounded them, while his heart beat like it was a rock being tossed into the rushing current; knocking against everything it possibly could as it was pushed further away from its original entry point.

When Fíli finished, Ori turned and kissed him again, simply because he could.

Afterwards, they traded spots, and Ori went onto his knees, then began placing Fíli's in much the same spot as where he had felt his own being braided in. It took Ori less time than Fíli had with his own, because his family line from his Amad's side was known for their intricate braiding techniques. Soon, they both sported a courting braid for each other, and no one who knew dwarrow could doubt whom they had promised themselves to.

When Fíli turned to Ori and smiled, the latter returned it, then held up his right hand.

"Care to take a walk with me? I'd like to see more of this place, if you're not opposed," Ori said.

"I'm not, so long as I'm with you," Fíli said, grinning.

So, together they stood up, then walked further into the beauty of Rivendell, hand in hand.


Thorin was seated in an alcove, not too far from where the Company's temporary quarters were, his hand harp within his grasp. Something had moved him to play it, and so he followed that inclination, rather than seeking anyone else out for entertainment.

Strumming the strings brought him a level of calm that few things did, really. It was the texture of the tightly pulled sinew, as much as the actual sound of the music he could produce from those motions.

Humming along, Thorin found himself playing something a bit lighter than he normally would. Perhaps it was the place, though Elves did not have a claim upon happier, light-hearted tunes, much as some believed they did. However, he could admit that while he was not necessarily fond of who they were around, the setting itself was quite a beautiful sight to behold.

If he were to be truly honest with himself, thoughts of copper curls and hazel eyes flickering through his mind also might have had something else to do with it. Dismissing that thought, Thorin continued to play, letting his fingers lead, rather than logic.

When he stopped eventually and opened his eyes, Thorin found the object of his earlier consternation standing before him. The hobbit certainly had light feet; the wizard had been right about that, at least.

Thorin cleared his throat, while Bilbo smiled directly at him.

"That was beautiful, Thorin."

Thorin smiled, then said, "Thank you."

"How long have you played the harp?"

Thorin grimaced.

"Probably longer than you have been alive."

A look of understanding filled Bilbo's eyes, but still, he did not seem deterred from the conversation, despite Thorin's blatant honesty.

"Who taught you?" Bilbo asked, stepping a bit closer.

Thorin's eyes dropped for a moment, and he said, "My mother."

Briefly, an image of his Amad with her snow-white hair and kind smile, sitting beside him as he played the grand golden harp, flit through Thorin's mind. Old grief was kept at bay by the sound of Bilbo speaking again.

"She did a lovely job. You've got quite the skill, you know. You're even better at it than you are at brooding."

Thorin's eyes flicked upwards, and there was a slightly cheeky smile on Bilbo's face.

Thorin rolled his eyes, but seeing that the hobbit clearly wanted his attention, he decided to wrap his harp in its green cloth again, and put it away for the time being. Once that was finished, he gazed back over to Bilbo, who had his fingers tucked into his pockets, and an unsure expression on his face.

"Do you play any instruments, Bilbo?" Thorin asked, for lack of something else to say.

Bilbo shook his head.

"Not really, no. I can hold a tune, as many hobbits can. However, I did not take to any one instrument as a child. I much preferred sneaking off into the forest in search of creatures from the storybooks my own mother would read to me, or stealing the occasional pie."

Thorin raised an eyebrow.

"So you do have an adventurous streak in you, then."

"I am here with you, aren't I?" Bilbo asked.

"So you are," Thorin said. "Why is that?"

Bilbo's nose twitched, then he replied, "Well, at first, I was curious as to who was playing such beautiful music. Then, I stayed, because I like your company."

Thorin snorted.

"I'm not sure why. I haven't exactly been so kind to you, until more recently."

Bilbo considered him for a moment, then said, "If we are to be honest with one another, then I should say until meeting all of you, I did not have a high opinion of dwarves. Nor did I think of you lot, at all, really."

Thorin was unsurprised by this knowledge. The Shire had seemed insular, and very unfriendly to an outsider like him. There were no small amount of odd looks he had been given as he continued to get lost. No one had offered him help, but instead continued to stare from the vicinities of their own homes. It had been irritating and unnerving.

"And now, what is your opinion of us?" Thorin asked, curious as to what Bilbo would say.

Bilbo smiled.

"That you are a rather rowdy people, but you have kind hearts, and more depth than I previously realized on my own."

Thorin snorted.

"It seems we each had our own assumptions about each other, then."

Bilbo nodded, his eyes glancing downwards, as he fiddled with the edge of one of his pockets. It was clear he was uncomfortable.

The hobbit sighed eventually, then said, "Yes, well. I admit to my ignorance, because you are not the only one with faults here, Thorin. Mine might have been more subtle, but I promise you, they are there."

Thorin would have spoken more, but he caught the sound of the wizard and Lord Elrond talking, so he held a finger up to his lips, then tilted his head in their direction. Bilbo seemed to catch on, so together they remained where they were, listening to the conversation.

It didn't take long for Thorin to understand the context of their words, which made him grimace. Bilbo, he noticed, was frowning as well. Of course, he had to be hearing this; the Company had not let slip a single thing about it, but it seemed Lord Elrond had no such compunctions. Curse that damn elf.

Whether it was true or not, the madness his father and grandfather had been brought to were not gossip fodder. Furthermore, much as Elrond might think that he had the right to give his opinions on it all, he did not. The quest would proceed, whether their host deemed it necessary or ill-fated.

Once the conversation had concluded, Thorin stalked off, not bothering to see whether the Omega followed him, or not.

Night was descending properly, though, and soon Thorin found himself stopping as he noticed there were suspended blinking insects, hanging all around. Turning to face behind him, he saw Bilbo's face drawn into a look of worry, rather than judgement, where he stood not far from Thorin.

"What you heard," Thorin began, emotion choking up the words in his throat, "It is true. However, he had no right." Thorin stopped, unwilling to continue.

Thorin looked away from Bilbo, but soon he heard, "I know, Thorin. A person's mental state is not something to discuss like that. Furthermore, if you were not of sound mind, I do not believe Gandalf would have sought you out as he did. Nor would so many of us believe in you enough to follow you, either."

"You believe in me?" Thorin asked, his voice sounding strange to his own ears.

He hated how it had been warped by the sudden bevy of emotions, however, it couldn't be helped. Why on all of Middle Earth the hobbit felt as he did was beyond him, if he were honest.

Bilbo nodded, a reassuring smile on his face.

"I do, Thorin. I would have walked my way home by now, if I didn't."

"The contract?" Thorin said, his eyebrows raising.

Bilbo's nose twitched, as he glanced away.

"I imagine if I put up enough of a fuss, you lot wouldn't want me around anyhow. Some of you barely tolerate me, now."

Thorin could not deny that how they had all gathered together as a travelling party had not endeared the rest of the dwarves to Bilbo. However, over time, Bilbo had gained some appreciation from certain members of their group. Thorin knew that he was partially to blame for Bilbo's reception, as much as miscommunication or differing world views. Bilbo, was trying, though. Thorin wished to honor that, and the hobbit who had already been so understanding with him.

In dwarven culture, sharing secrets was one such way to acknowledge a closer bond. So, glancing around at the way the fireflies buzzed about them, Thorin said, "The first time I saw fireflies, I was with my grandmother, standing near the lake that rests before the Lonely Mountain."

Bilbo nodded, but did not interrupt.

"I was quite young, and while my mother had a love of music, my grandmother was insistent I see just a little bit more of the world. Even if that were only fireflies, dotting throughout the night sky."

"Was it common then, for dwarves to go above ground much?"

Thorin nodded.

"Dwarves in general, yes. We traded with the Men of Dale, visited our kin in the Iron Hills, and travelled beyond it all to other places, such as the Blue Mountains. However, I was kept close at hand, because I was training to be a future King Under The Mountain. My days were filled with lessons and duties, shadowing my grandfather. I had not much freedom, then."

Thorin's earlier upbringing had in fact been one of the reasons that in partially raising Fíli and Kíli, he had been a bit more relaxed with them, where he could. They heard the family stories, and were raised to understand responsibility when necessary. However, he had indulged them their need for freedom where possible, too.

Bilbo's voice drew his attention again.

"The Shire can be stifling at times, much as I clung to it and its borders for the whole of my adult life," Bilbo said, softly, then sighed.

Thorin remained quiet, wondering if Bilbo would say more. His silence was rewarded soon.

"My own father had this idea of who I should be, and I'm not sorry to say that though I loved him, I am my mother's son, too."

"What was your mother like?" Thorin asked.

Bilbo smiled, his eyes lighting up then. In their clarity, Thorin could also see the reflections of the fireflies bouncing off of their sheen. It was both a wonder and privilege to see this side of the hobbit. Oh, if his grandmother could see him now. For, he was certainly seeing more of the world right where he was standing, amidst the tiny dancing lights and Bilbo's steady gaze.

Thorin's pulse sped up a bit, while he waited for the hobbit to answer him.

"She was wonderful. While my father was quite stuffy, and no nonsense, the same could not be said for Belladonna Baggins. She was an adventurer, and indulged my wilder side wherever she could. It is because of her I loved stories and thought it possible to venture out into the great unknown. Losing her, and then my father, was one of the hardest things I have ever endured."

Bilbo quieted, and glanced away.

Thorin didn't speak just yet, wondering if his companion had more to say further, yet again.

Bilbo sniffed, though he had shed no tears. His eyes remained elsewhere, as he said, "She came here to Rivendell, once, years ago. It's why I think of this place fondly. Being here, in a destination she spoke well of, it's like having a little piece of her again."

Thorin sighed.

Though he was not fond of what Lord Elrond or the wizard had said, Thorin understood Bilbo's desire to see somewhere his mother had once been, before she died.

Stepping closer hesitantly, Bilbo's watery eyes met his, and for a moment the hobbit glanced away, trying to hide the fact that tears had begun to spill down his face. Carefully, Thorin reached out with both hands hovering over the hobbit's cheeks, then said, "Allow me."

Bilbo gazed up at him for a moment, lips parted slightly, then he nodded.

Gingerly, Thorin wiped away Bilbo's tears, but he did not step back after.

Slowly, Bilbo's hands came to rest on his forearms, then his eyes fluttered shut.

Really, there was only one thing Thorin could do after that; he leaned down, and kissed Bilbo Baggins, quite soundly.


Fíli wanted to sleep. He really, truly did. However, to his displeasure, Kíli's snoring was making that a bit difficult to do. Given they had been allotted one bed per room, he could only toss and turn so much, before actually waking his younger brother. If they were children, he would have shoved the sod on the ground, and tossed him a pillow alongside a bedroll. However, they weren't, so instead he sighed, then rose to his feet.

Perhaps, if he took a walk, then when he returned, Kíli's obnoxious noises would have finally stopped. It did happen, on occasion.

That in mind, Fíli pulled on his boots then exited his room, which was not far from Thorin's. Thorin, one of the only few to be allowed to sleep alone, very much sounded like he wasn't at that very moment. Realizing that, Fíli all but ran in the other direction, hoping his ears wouldn't bleed with the sudden knowledge that he had gained hearing Bilbo's voice much too close to have been bunking where he should have been, with Ori.

Ori.

If Bilbo was with Thorin, then that meant Ori was alone. Whether he was awake or not though, was another matter. Perhaps, Fíli could just slip into bed with Ori, and fall asleep.

Thorin had been firm that they did not need to sleep with each other every single night, as that was just asking to rile up Nori and Dori. Fíli and Ori had agreed to sleep separately, knowing at least some of the time, they could placate their elders. A room to themselves was quite different than a bedroll in open view, after all.

Fíli was glad the courting braids were in at least; his scent was less prevalent on Ori, now that they weren't sharing warmth in the evening. Though, he had slipped his coat back onto the scribe before they had parted after dinner earlier. Nori had rolled his eyes seeing that, but didn't make another comment. Not like the ones he had said earlier, which had really seemed to upset Ori. They hadn't addressed them yet, but Fíli saw how Ori had run off, and that told him enough.

The idea of pebbles had never really crossed Fíli's mind, because he hadn't ever had a partner whom he wished to have them with. Being on the road and in constant danger, the last thing he wanted was to impregnate Ori, leaving him even more vulnerable. If they made it to Erebor, that could be a discussion one day. However, they had more to worry about, before crossing that bridge.

A tiny, new thought in the back of his mind whispered he wouldn't mind the idea of seeing Ori swollen from his seed, bearing children because of him, and only him.

Willing that thought away, Fíli knocked softly on Ori's door, hoping no one else would notice him doing so. He waited for a few moments, deciding if Ori didn't answer, he would just go for a walk alone. However, he didn't have to wait long, because soon Ori was opening his door, confusion on his face, when their eyes met.

"Kíli's snoring, and I couldn't sleep."

Ori poked his head out, then glanced around, before looking at Fíli again.

"Bilbo and I -"

"Bilbo is otherwise indisposed," Fíli said.

That was the easiest way to explain it. He hadn't been sure exactly what the hobbit and his uncle were doing. However, given the door was shut, he had chosen not to stay long enough to determine if they were just discussing something animatedly, or engaging in anything he would rather not know.

Ori's eyes widened, then he shook his head.

"That would explain why he didn't turn up."

"He likely won't, the rest of the night."

Ori nodded, stepping aside, then motioning towards the inside of his quarters.

"Well, in that case, come in. I wasn't sleeping yet."

Fíli followed Ori, who shut the door behind him after he entered.

There were many parchment pages spread out across the large, single bed. Ori walked over to where there was an uncovered spot, then sat down.

"What are you doing?" Fíli asked, curious as he stepped closer.

Ori glanced up, then said, "Writing a new song."

"What about?"

Ori blushed, but just shook his head, and began putting away the work he had been doing rather than answering.

"Don't stop on my account."

Ori still shuffled everything away into his satchel, until the bed was clear. Afterwards, he met Fíli's eyes again.

"I don't work well with others watching. It makes me uncomfortable."

"Ah."

They stared at each other for a moment, then Ori said, "I'm not sure I can sleep yet, but if you'd like, you're welcome to stay here with me tonight and sleep."

Since their time in the forest, they'd kissed and teased each other, but nothing so intimate beyond any of that. The feeling of being inside of Ori though, sprang to Fíli's mind, and he had to turn away. Ori hadn't mentioned wanting that again yet, so he would leave it alone until the Omega did.

Fíli cleared his throat, then said, "I had intended to go on another walk, if you'd like to join me. I know we did that earlier, but if neither of us can sleep, it might do us both some good."

"What if we went somewhere specific?" Ori asked.

He appeared nervous, when Fíli met his eyes again.

"Where did you have in mind?"

"I noticed a hidden pool of water, tucked back in some trees earlier. There's a near half moon out tonight, and thought perhaps, we could go for a swim."

Fíli's throat dried.

He did not dislike the idea. However, being alone with Ori while starkers did not exactly help the small burning in his stomach that wished to be set fully ablaze. Though it was a new feeling, the desire was certainly there, and had not abated entirely even after his rut. The closer they got, it only strengthened over time.

"I suppose we could," Fíli said.

Ori raised an eyebrow at him.

"If you don't want to, we can stay here. I just thought it might be nice. I've never done that, though I've always wanted to. If I did it with anyone, I hoped it could be with you."

Fíli nodded, then held out his left hand, which Ori took. The latter allowed himself to be brought where they were standing closer, and soon Fíli was wrapping his arms around Ori, who laid his head against his chest.

Fíli dipped his head down, then said, "I do want to. I just can't be sure I won't wish we were doing other things, once I see you without clothes again."

"I don't mind, Fíli. You wouldn't be alone in that, I assure you," Ori said quietly, glancing up at him from where his head laid.

Hearing that only served to make Fíli's pulse quicken. Before he could do anything that might lead to them staying in, he stepped away then said, "Well, lead the way."

Ori chuckled then smiled at him. Afterwards, he threaded their fingers together, and tugged Fíli along with him as they walked. Unlike during the day when the Elven settlement was bustling, there was hardly a soul around as they went. Given the hour, even the rest of the Company were all tucked in, probably taking delight in the nice beds they were only to have for a short while.

It took them some time, but eventually Ori stopped after they had to bend to avoid being smacked by trees. The pool looked shallow enough for them to stand in at least parts of it, from where they were. Moreover, it was indeed surrounded by so many trees, that someone would have to make quite a ruckus before they could draw closer to it. That also meant it afforded them a great deal of privacy, unlike the fountain the Company had bathed in before.

"What do you think?" Ori asked, glancing up at him.

Rather than respond, Fíli began shedding his layers, and Ori followed suit. He was already naked, when Ori's tunic came off, and the other dwarf looked over again.

All that remained was Ori's small clothes, and a binding on his upper chest. Rather than paying much mind to that, Fíli ran forward then jumped up, wrapping his arms around his legs so that he was tucked into a proper ball as he landed in the deeper water that was further back.

By the time Fíli came up and wiped the water out of his eyes, Ori was naked, stepping into the water slowly. Their eyes met, and rather than look away, the scribe maintained their gaze, so Fíli felt compelled to continue looking.

Unlike when they were washing in the river, Fíli looked his fill, swallowing underneath the heated gaze he was met with. Soon, Ori's waist was covered, but he stopped where he was. Fíli swam forward, and came to stand in front of the Omega, noticing the scents of lavender and jasmine as he did.

"It's okay to touch me," Ori murmured.

Fíli reached out and grasped Ori's hips, the soft, wet skin welcome in his hands. The latter let out a low noise, as his hands went around the former's neck. They both tilted their heads, then lips pressed together alongside the rest of their bare skin as they pulled each other closer.

While they continued kissing, their tongues gliding across the other's, Fíli slid his hands up Ori's back, then clasped them both firmly in the shorter auburn hair. Ori moaned, then bit his bottom lip softly, which made Fíli groan directly after. Ori wasn't done apparently, because soon there was the sensation of him sucking on it, too.

That had Fíli pulling away.

While he was catching his breath, he pressed gentle kisses against Ori's jaw and down the side of his neck, before he began to suck on the bare skin of Ori's right shoulder. Ori moaned, and laid his head down against Fíli's chest, his hands coming to rest on Fíli's hips, rather than his neck.

When there was a decently purple bruise, and Ori had whined a considerable amount, Fíli drew back and whispered, "Care to get a bit more wet?"

"Please," Ori murmured back.

Rather than do as he knew Ori expected, Fíli lifted the Omega up, then tossed him carefully into the water a bit further back. When Ori came up spluttering and glaring, Fíli was laughing, but soon they were splashing each other, and he wasn't the only one in good humor.

Eventually, they both seemed to tire of it, so they stopped. Ori went off towards one part of the edge of the pool, his eyes scanning the ground around it.

"What are you searching for?" Fíli asked, coming to stand beside Ori at his left.

Ori's eyes remained looking elsewhere, as he said, "Smooth rocks."

Understanding filled him, so Fíli joined in the search on a different side of the pool. Soon, they both had a handful of stones in their arms, and were skipping rocks together. Ori was quite skilled at it apparently, as was Fíli. So, they made a competition of it, that ended with them kissing again after the rocks had disappeared.

The next time they broke apart, Fíli went to sit in the shallow water and lay out, his head leaning against the edge of the pool, as Ori went further and swam a bit in the deeper water. The former glanced up and looked through the trees, spying the nearly half moon above, then sighed.

It was pleasant, what they were doing. He enjoyed Ori's company still, the longer he was granted more of it. Had they been allowed around each other while they were younger, well, that was probably a path best not tread. There was no use wondering, but simply enjoying what they were building together in the moment.

Of all the things Fíli had expected during their quest for Erebor, finding a mate or a partner of any kind, certainly hadn't been on his list. However, he could not be sad about his and Ori's relationship, either, because it had already brought him so much joy. If he considered the long term, he realized that more than just someone he could sleep with, Ori was someone who was capable of being his friend, too. That actually mattered to him more than the sexual compatibility, truth be told.

Fíli could never see himself enjoying any sort of bond for a prolonged period if he could not first and foremost be himself, but also just enjoy his partner's company. Being around Ori made him happy, and though he clearly surprised the scribe at times with his more outgoing tendencies, the Omega never asked him to stop or try to change him. That was enough for him to see that what they were doing might work out, somehow. Only with time could they know that, though.

At the very least, Fíli certainly wanted it to.

Ori came over and laid close by, which drew Fíli's attention to his right. The Omega's cheeks blushed, as their eyes met, after he had clearly noticed Fíli appreciating the beauty that was before him.

It boggled Fíli's mind a bit that the same dwarf who could deep throat his cock, was flustered by him still. Ori had looked him directly in the eyes as he held him there through orgasming that first time in the woods, and yet he was still so timid sometimes.

"Does my looking at you bother you?" Fíli asked.

He would not continue, if it did.

Ori shook his head, then glanced away.

"No, it doesn't. I'm simply unused to it."

Ori quieted, then stood up and left the water entirely.

Soon, he was shaking out, then donned clothes again. Confused by Ori's sudden reticence, Fíli followed his partner's lead.

Quietly, they made their way back to Ori's room, which was indeed still empty. Ori climbed onto the bed but Fíli remained away from it, unsure if he should join.

Fíli cleared his throat, then said, "I can see if Kí's being quieter now, if you'd rather be alone."

Ori turned and reached out a hand. Seeing that, Fíli went closer, allowing himself to be pulled where he was hovering over the scribe in bed.

"Will you please hold me?" Ori asked, quietly.

Fíli nodded, then they dove under the covers, and he pulled Ori against him. The Omega turned, and pressed his back against Fíli's front, then he sighed.

"Would you like to sleep?" Fíli asked.

Ori shook his head, then said, "Not yet."

He instead tangled his left hand with Fíli's right, and continued moving incrementally so he was closer than before. The Alpha pressed his face against Ori's right shoulder, then kissed it.

Something about the way Ori was being, struck a nerve of worry. He knew Ori liked him, but this was something else; something vulnerable, that the Omega hadn't previously let him see. Ori had thus far been quite forthright, as well as a little shy, but he wasn't ever so clingy. Truly, it did not bother him, so much as make Fíli wonder what could have spurned it on.

Fíli wasn't sure if he could get Ori to immediately talk to him, so he said something that had been on his mind since earlier.

"You know something," Fíli said.

"What?" Ori asked, softly.

Fíli lightly rubbed his nose against the side of Ori's neck, hoping that would help calm him, then said, "You are so confident sometimes, and then others, you blush like before we were together, you were the virgin and not me."

Fíli felt Ori shrug, but he did not respond.

Fíli waited, giving Ori time to do so. However, when he did not, Fíli murmured, "Ori."

Ori turned in the hold he was in, and rested his eyes on Fíli's own, while he wrapped his hands around Fíli's neck.

There was clear consternation in Ori's face, though. The scribe pursed his lips, then glanced away.

"Did I do something wrong?" Fíli asked, suddenly worried that might actually be the case.

Ori shook his head immediately, then exhaled a long sigh.

"What is it, then?"

Ori bit his lip then said softly, "I really like you."

"I really like you, too," Fíli replied, unsure why this would have Ori looking so worried right then.

"I've never had a proper relationship, though. No one ever thought I was worth it, to deal with me beyond a quick fuck. I accepted that, one day, hoping it would change. However, the ever present threat of Nori or Dori was enough to run off multiple individuals I liked. You're the first who's wanting anything longer than a night or two," Ori said quietly, as if he were somehow at fault for that.

The wrongness of that settled into Fíli's mind, as he searched for what to say next. He wasn't sure who those other dwarrow were, but whoever they had been, they were wrong. Ori was worth it to him, to try his hand at a relationship, and perhaps even falling in love, one day.

They were young, but if he could love anyone, it would be Ori. There was not a doubt in his mind about that. It had nothing to do with the sex, though that was admittedly a benefit to their new partnership. However, it was not why with each passing day, his affection for Ori grew.

Regardless, Fíli knew right then he needed to reassure Ori, because the scribe had never been so vulnerable before where he could see.

"I've never had a proper relationship either, so we can figure this out together, okay?" Fíli murmured.

Ori nodded.

After they held each other for a moment, Fíli pulled back, then looked Ori firmly in the eyes.

"I promise you though, I think you're worth it, Ori. I'm sorry anyone ever made you feel like you weren't. Unless you ask, though, I'm not going anywhere."

Ori nestled against his chest a bit more, then sighed, and said quietly, "I'm glad you think so, Fíli."

In the quiet of the night, Fíli held Ori, hoping that would somehow reassure him where words no longer could.

Chapter 8

Notes:

Hi!

I realize this chapter is weeks later than I planned, but I promise, it really was for the best. The older draft needed reworking, and now this chapter and story are much better for it, imho. That being said, I'll be making an attempt to get back onto the posting schedule I had myself doing so that I can still be finishing this fic out roughly the first week of November. I'm writing a lot of different things, but this is high on my priority list, so it is more than likely I'll manage that.

Okay. This chapter specifically requires multiple tag updates. As I will be putting there, too, it involves a bit of knife play that has NOTHING to do with blood or harm of any kind, I swear. Literally just a knife is used to stroke certain body parts. That's all, I promise. However, I feel the need to mention, in case that might bother anyone, and it's not my usual fare during smut, either. There's a first time for almost anything, I suppose. Lol.

Which brings me to, the knife play scene in this chapter was partially inspired by my reading one of my friend's fics; Charcoal by Lampmoss. He, as much as my other friends, youbetyourbuttons and Cupcake_Princess, had their hands in making sure this chapter read well, while I did my best to get everything as I wanted it. Thank y'all once again for being amazing in reading the multiple rough drafts of this chapter in particular and just supporting me in trying something new, with specific advice relevant to this fic, and cheerleading. Forever grateful. :) (Also, MeteorMoss too for listening to me gab about this fic, more than once. Lol.)

Also; this fic now has a playlist on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4yWbzC6nYWBZSogeSejRNw?si=Q9DLIz54RqWNZ9cYMorO0Q.

Up next: Goblin town through to the Carrock.

Happy reading!

PS. If you're still reading this and interacting with it, thank you so much! I've been slow to reply to comments, but every time I get one, or notice this fic get attention, I'm always grateful! :)

Chapter Text

Ori rested on the ground beneath a slowly shedding tree, which was subject to the sun's warm summer light, as much as he was. In his hands, were his knitting needles. He was happily moving at a speed that was not often achieved, except when he was at peace.

Though tensions were reaching their peak amongst everyone, Ori found himself feeling better than he had in a while, except perhaps where food was concerned. However, their time in the Elven settlement was drawing to a close, which meant less green food once more. Thorin, and others of the Company were more than a bit restless to move on, but luck was on their side in that the moon which was needed for their map to be read was only hours away.

So, Ori had taken to finishing off a present for Fíli, which he'd like to gift his partner with, before they were to leave the following day. Whether the news Thorin received was favorable, he had no doubt that they would be given orders to move on. Where they would go next, he imagined it would be cold as they continued North and the weather turned even cooler. Like him, he wanted Fíli to have some knitwear to help keep him warm, outside of what he already had brought with him.

The project he had taken on while in Rivendell was not an ambitious one, so he was managing well enough. All that was left to do was bind the last row off of the arm warmer still cast onto his needles. It was grey, like the gloves he wore, because that was the yarn he had on hand.

Ori had just finished swiping a knife across the yarn to cut it, then weave the loose end into the arm warmer, when a small child darted out and roared. His hands shook and he dropped what he had been holding. Thankfully, the knife was already put away. However, his heart was still racing, even so.

Still, he did not wish for Fíli's present to be sullied by dirt on the ground, so before addressing Estel, he picked it up. Afterwards, Ori set the child with what he hoped was a reproachful look, then said, "That wasn't very kind, Estel."

The child shrugged a bit.

"I was only playing around."

Ori pursed his lips, shaking his head, but still maintaining his gaze on Estel.

"Yes, well, seeing as I was not in on your game, do you believe that it was fair to scare me as you did?"

Estel frowned.

He was quiet for a moment, before saying, "I guess not."

Ori nodded firmly.

"Right. Now, were you just trying to frighten me, or do you need something?"

Estel gazed down at the ground, moving his foot around, his hands clasped behind his back. Ori dusted off the other half of Fíli's present, then put away all of his knitting tools in his bag, while he waited for the child to answer.

A small huff escaped Estel, then he looked at Ori.

"Prince Fíli said you write fairy-stories. Really good ones."

The child said it like it was a secret, but Ori found himself smiling. Fíli had never read any of his work before, that he knew of, in the two months they had been together. Nevertheless, he found it sweet that even in his absence, the prince was speaking well of him. That only affirmed Ori's belief of just how good of a dwarf Fíli really was.

Casting that line of thought aside for the moment, Ori said, "Oh, did he now?"

Estel nodded a bit seriously, but he was moving about on his feet in a way that said he might be nervous, or need the bathroom. Ori assumed it could be either. However, given he was still standing there, it was probably the former.

"I was wondering, if you would tell me one."

Ori raised an eyebrow.

"Are there not any in the library for you?"

"There are, but Lord Elrond has read many of them to me before. I was hoping for a new tale."

Ori considered the child, then patted the empty space on the ground to his right. Unlike before, Estel smiled brightly, then clambered to sit beside him.

"Are there any stories you like, in particular, lad?"

Estel glanced up at the sky a bit, his legs moving in front of him as he appeared to be considering the question in earnest.

"Stories with happy endings are nice," Estel said.

"That they are. Is that what you would like to hear now?"

Estel nodded.

Ori exhaled a breath, as he considered his options.

He could tell a dwarven tale he knew from pebblehood. They were soon to move on, and perhaps there was no harm in that? Balin, and some of the other elder dwarrow would likely disagree, though.

Instead, Ori elected to cobble one together on the spot, which was not his forte. However, he was probably better suited to it than others, given the written word was his passion and his craft.

"It was a bright summer's day, when at a crossroads, a dwarf, a Man, an elf, and a hobbit met by chance. There -"

"Is this crossroads a real place, Mister Dwarf?"

Ori glanced at Estel, who was waiting for his answer with wide brown eyes.

"No, Estel, it is not."

Estel nodded.

"May I continue?" Ori asked, a bit primly.

Estel winced.

"Please."

"There at this junction the dwarf glanced over his companions, and -"

"He grimaced, because why would a dwarf be all alone, with only his weapons for company?" Fíli said, cutting Ori off.

Ori turned, to see Fíli saunter closer, and sighed.

"You're no better than the child, I see. If you both keep on, I will never finish this tale."

"No!" Estel exclaimed. After, the child glared over at Fíli, who came to sit in front of them both on the ground.

"I want to know what happens!" Estel added, reproachfully.

Fíli held up his hands, then shot Ori a smile.

"I can be quiet, then."

Ori snorted.

"When war pigs fly."

Fíli grinned.

"If we put some in a catapult, we could make that happen briefly."

"You can do that?" Estel asked, voice filled with incredulity.

Fíli chuckled, then winked at Ori, before he turned back to Estel, and said, "Anything's possible with a bit of imagination, I would wager."

Estel turned to Ori, then said, "Would you mind Prince Fíli telling me a story instead?"

Ori glanced towards Fíli, who shrugged.

"What if we told one together?" Fíli asked.

"We could try that, I suppose."

Estel clapped his hands together.

So, they did just that. Ori began the story, and Fíli embellished with ridiculous situations, but it entertained Estel. By the time they had finished their third combined tale, Lord Elrond found them, and fixed Estel with a relieved expression.

"There you are. I had wondered where you had gotten off to. Elladan and Elrohir couldn't find you anywhere."

Estel gazed up at the Elven lord, from where he had ended up in Fíli's lap.

"Prince Fíli and the dwarf he wants to kiss were telling me fairy-stories we haven't read before. They were very interesting ones."

Ori's cheeks warmed, and Fíli grinned directly at him above Estel's head. Meanwhile, he couldn't turn to see Elrond's reaction.

"I believe the other dwarf has a name, Estel," Elrond replied. His tone was firm, but kind, as he spoke.

Estel nodded, then turned back to Ori.

"What is your name?"

Ori stood up, then said, "I believe Fíli mentioned it once before, but I am Ori, son of Rori."

He bowed, as was typical for dwarrow.

Estel returned the bow.

"Thank you for entertaining me, Mister Ori, and Prince Fíli."

"It was no trouble," Ori responded, noticing the way Estel had taken on a more formal bearing.

Soon, the child was out of Fíli's lap, and standing beside Lord Elrond. The elf glanced between them.

"Thank you, to both of you, for keeping him company."

"It was not a problem, really," Fíli replied, as he stood up, then moved to stand beside Ori, to face the Beta Elven Lord.

Lord Elrond dipped his head, and then he was soon away from them, with Estel walking at his left side, talking animatedly.

In their absence, Ori glanced at Fíli, and smiled. He received one in return, then a chaste kiss. Before anything else could happen, Ori pulled away, then grabbed for his knitting bag.

"I have something for you."

"Oh?" Fíli said.

Rather than reply, Ori turned and fished his hand inside of the bag. Soon, he produced the pair of arm warmers, holding them out towards Fíli. The prince took them from his grasp, and began to marvel at them as Ori slung the strap of his knitting bag over his shoulders.

Fíli remained silent, as he appraised them, then glanced up at Ori and grinned broadly.

"Thank you."

Ori shrugged.

"They'll keep you warm where we're going next, and you seemed so interested in my knitting before."

Fíli fixed him with a fond look, his eyes sparkling with warmth.

"Don't sell yourself short; these are wonderful. I imagine if I tried, I'd end up with a tangle of yarn for my trouble. You even added texture and detail. This is a beautiful gift. Thank you, Ori."

Fíli put them away elsewhere on his person, then Ori was being picked up and spun around in the air by the Alpha. When he could manage, he wrapped his arms around Fíli's neck, and gazed down into the blue eyes below. It would be easy to drown in them if he looked too long, or fall in love with Fíli, even. Startled by that thought, Ori missed the genuine laughter he heard, but soon caught on, and chuckled a little himself.

Afterwards, he dipped down to kiss Fíli.

His heart had never been so light, protected, or full.


Thorin saw Fíli and Ori holding hands, whilst smiling at each other, as they walked closer to where the rest of the Company was congregating. Everyone was gathering for the evening meal, before the map was to be read in a short time after that.

Fíli met his eyes, and Thorin nodded to one side. He saw Fíli get Ori's attention, then soon his eldest sister-son was walking away from his partner, and towards him, instead.

While Ori went to go join the rest of the Company at the long dining table, Thorin strode far enough away that only Fíli could hear what he had to say. Once he was sure they were out of ear shot of everyone else, Thorin stopped, then turned to set Fíli with a firm gaze.

"Is something wrong, Uncle?" Fíli asked.

There was a tension to his words, though he used a familiar epithet still.

Thorin shook his head, then placed his hands upon Fíli's shoulders.

"I owe you an apology."

Fíli raised an eyebrow, but he remained silent.

"I am sorry, for assuming that you would treat Ori in a less than chivalrous manner. In my youth, there were many Alphas that way, and I cannot say I was much better for a brief period of time. However, you were right, in what you said. I misjudged you, and for that I would ask that you forgive me."

Fíli smiled up at him.

"I do forgive you, Uncle."

Relief stole over Thorin, at that quick response.

"I am glad."

Fíli nodded.

Thorin drew his hands away from Fíli's shoulders, then said, "That courting bead you fashioned for Ori, it's nice."

Fíli smiled.

"Thank you. Ori really seemed to like it, which is what mattered to me."

"It appears that isn't the only thing."

Fíli beamed. The features which had once been boyish and often likened to the sun, now wore lines; of laughter, and life. Thorin was only glad that though this journey was dangerous, in between the peril, Fíli still found time to smile. The last thing he wanted was for either of his sister-sons to lose their joy, even if it needed to be tempered a bit more by time and first-hand experiences.

"Aye. He's," Fíli paused, and glanced back towards Ori, clearly searching for words. Thorin's eyes followed Fíli's gaze, noticing that from where the Omega sat between Kíli and Bilbo, he still smiled when noticing his Alpha looking there.

Thorin observed Fíli's return smile; it lit up his face.

"He seems to be good for you," Thorin said, filling in the silence.

"I think so. I really like him." Fíli quieted, then added as he began to turn, "I never have done, with anyone before. But, this feels important."

Fíli met his eyes again, and Thorin couldn't help but grin.

"Good. You deserve happiness this way, if it's something you want."

Fíli exhaled a long breath.

"I didn't really much care about it before, but now, I'm just trying not to fuck it all up."

Thorin shook his head.

"I imagine whatever you're doing must be working, because even when you're not looking, he's been watching you and smiling to himself for many days now while we've been here. Nevermind, while Nori and Dori might have been reluctant to accept it early on, they've largely calmed down. Keep on, and I think you'll find yourself better off than I am, at least."

Fíli nodded, then smirked.

Thorin knew that look was trouble, even if he wasn't sure how.

"Does this mean we don't have a new uncle yet, then?"

Thorin didn't know why he was surprised by Fíli's taking any opportunity to tease him. However, the way his sister-son read his hope like a book, did nothing for his sanity.

"You should go eat. We all need our strength for our impending departure."

There was still a glimmer of mischief in Fíli's eyes, but he nodded.

Before he tread off, though, Fíli's expression sobered up as he said, "You deserve happiness, too, you know."

Afterwards, Fíli turned from him and walked back to where the rest of the Company was seated at the table for what would be one of their last meals in Rivendell.


Bilbo really wasn't sure why he had been included in the assembled individuals who were brought together to have the moon runes read; Fíli and Kíli made sense. They were Thorin's nephews. He was simply… shagging their uncle, and caring for him, more than he probably should have done.

Even so, Thorin meant more to him than any other had before they had met. Bilbo knew it was probably ill-advised to continue spending time with the dwarf, but he couldn't help himself. Though a bit rough around the edges, Thorin was important to him. Furthermore, they had finally gotten past the point of simply bedding each other for more basal urges. Now, it truly felt like they were on the same page, and even ground.

The news they received from Elrond was not exactly favorable though. So, when they disbursed after their leader had given Fíli and Kíli their marching orders, Bilbo followed Thorin to his room, because it was clear that the dwarf was antsy. That was confirmed when Thorin began pacing and muttering furtively to himself as he was packing his belongings.

"Thorin?" Bilbo tried, hoping to garner the Alpha's attention.

He was ignored.

Sighing, Bilbo reached into his pocket, then produced his pipe and moved to stand where the dwarf could see him better.

He heard, "There is no time."

"Thorin, would you care to share a pipe with me, and then I can help you pack. I'm very -" Thorin's blue eyes met his, but they were not warm as they had been when gazing upon him as of late. No, they were just shy of being frigid.

A shiver of worry ran the length of Bilbo's spine, which only became tendrils of that, as he heard, "There is no time."

"Thorin. We are set to leave tomorrow. There is-"

Thorin cut him off, voice tense.

"You don't understand. This isn't your quest. You cannot possibly know just how close we are to failing, and that damn elf-"

Bilbo spoke over Thorin, then.

"He helped us."

Thorin glared, then said, "Yes, and Lord Elrond would just as soon have us never leave here, preventing me from reclaiming what is rightfully mine."

Thorin's chest was heaving, as if they had just been running, rather than having a tense discussion.

Bilbo frowned.

He considered just walking out. Thorin was clearly worked up, and he had no desire to have a spat. However, the need to help the Alpha calm down overshadowed his logic there.

"I can't imagine you would allow us to be detained by Lord Elrond or anyone else, if you could help it," Bilbo said.

Thorin nodded.

"No, I won't. Nor will I allow you to distract me either, while I make ready for the next leg of our journey."

Bilbo's willingness to understand was shattered then, and he found himself hurling words before he could think better of it.

"Oh, I'm sorry that my presence is a burden to you now. Forgive me for caring about you, you great numpty!"

Thorin could pack his bags on his own. The absolute nerve!

Bilbo huffed, then made for the door at last, slamming it in his wake.


Fíli wasn't surprised when the door to his temporary quarters opened; Kí should have been back any minute. At least, that's who he expected to enter, given they were meant to be packing and preparing to leave. Instead, when he glanced up from sharpening one of his knives, there was Ori leaning back against the door, cheeks flushed, staring at him.

"Mind some company?" Ori asked.

No, Fíli didn't mind. Except his younger brother should be back any minute, and being found in a compromising position by Kíli was not his idea of a good time. Judging by the way Ori was looking at him, that was exactly the sort of thing on the scribe's mind.

"Kíli and I are sharing, remember?" Fíli said.

Ori shook his head.

"Not tonight. He agreed to bunk with Bilbo in my place."

Fíli's eyebrows raised.

"What did you have to promise him?"

Ori shook his head again, letting slip, "It was nothing," then looked away.

Setting aside the knife and whetstone on his nightstand, Fíli rose to his feet, and walked closer towards Ori. The Omega met his eyes, while his breathing stuttered, but he did not look away then.

"Should I be worried?" Fíli asked, in a conversational tone, smiling down at Ori.

"No. I promise," Ori said, then exhaled, heavily.

"I'll take your word for it, then. But if he tries to get you to do something you're uncomfortable with, you let me know. I'll set him straight, if he's too overeager to listen when you say no."

Ori shot him a reproving look.

"If I can handle Nori and Dori, then I can deal with Kíli, too."

Ori had a point, so Fíli nodded.

"Fair enough."

"So, can I stay?" Ori asked, earnestly.

The next morning, they would all be trudging on. The idea of having one chance at least to properly do something like what they had before, was quite alright with Fíli. They had spent weeks within Rivendell becoming even closer; talking, laughing, enjoying each other's company, and everything in between. Meanwhile, that feeling of wishing to be physically closer had grown steadily inside him.

This time, though he was largely unpracticed, Fíli wasn't scared anymore. Especially because it was with Ori; who had proven to be as sweet whilst they were fucking during his rut, as he was anywhere else. At least, unless someone were to cross anyone he cared for. With Fíli though, Ori was never unkind without cause.

Owing to all of that, he wanted what it seemed Ori was offering in that moment; a chance to physically appreciate each other once more.

"Please do," Fíli murmured, then dipped down and kissed the side of Ori's neck, lavender and jasmine flooding his nose as he did.

Ori moaned softly and clasped his hands into his hair, so Fíli continued whilst grasping the Omega's torso, pressing him further back against the door. Hearing the way the scribe was reacting felt like he had been handed liquid luck; that he could make anyone do that, but Ori specifically, was still something he was properly wrapping his head around.

"Can I lock the door?" Ori asked, his words strained, after further kissing and more appreciative noises had occurred.

Fíli reached out and did it himself, then stood up to see Ori's eyes darkening, and his breathing being more labored than before. He smirked.

"What?" Ori asked, his chest heaving.

"You'd think I was the one who had done this more often than you, with the way you're reacting."

Ori rolled his eyes.

"There's that ego, again."

Fíli shrugged. He wouldn't deny he had one, because that would be a lie.

"Perhaps if you were quieter, it wouldn't swell so much as it does, hearing the wonderful sounds you make."

Rather than give a verbal response, Ori grabbed him by the collar and kissed him soundly, as their hands roamed each other.

When they broke apart, Ori raised an eyebrow.

"So you do know how to shut up, then. Let's see if I can find other ways."

Fíli might have been annoyed were it a different situation. However, he found he didn't mind Ori talking to him like that at present, as it was clearly all in good fun, and he enjoyed it.

Fíli was led to the bed and lightly tossed onto it. He landed with a slight, "Uf."

Ori waited for him to settle against the pillows, then asked, "Is this alright?"

Fíli nodded, whilst wondering what the scribe planned to do to him.

He watched with anticipation as Ori divested himself of his boots and outer layers.

Soon, Ori crawled onto the bed, then climbed behind Fíli.

"Can I remove your upper layers?" Ori asked, not touching him, but clearly wasn't too far from him, because Fíli could feel air touching his neck.

Shivers and tendrils of pleasure were curling throughout him, as he managed to say, "Go ahead."

Then, to make it easier for Ori, he rose up on his knees to allow his clothes to be taken off. Which Ori's hands deftly made quick work of anything that he had been wearing above his waist.

Following that, Ori met his eyes, and said, "Stay on your knees, please."

Fíli had no qualms with that, so he did as Ori asked.

Afterwards, Ori moved behind him again, then the Omega's hands were running down the sides of his torso. Meanwhile, kisses were laden against Fíli's neck amidst warm puffs of air gracing his skin, which drew whimpers from him.

"Is this okay?" Ori asked, his head coming to rest on his shoulder.

"Yes," Fíli choked out.

Shortly, he felt a hand cup his right pectoral and squeeze, while the other twisted his left nipple, making him huff and squirm. Afterwards, the scribe slid his hands slowly over the edge of his belly, until one rested just at the edge of his trousers.

Doing his best to concentrate, Fíli grabbed Ori's right hand, and placed it beneath the waistband. Immediately, his enlarging cock was grasped, and he exhaled a shaky, "Oh."

Ori's hand began pumping back and forth expertly, bringing him to full attention. He felt Ori's teeth against his neck, then lips, and it all felt so much better than what he had been doing alone for years.

"I'm not sure if I prefer you quiet right now, or not," Ori murmured, continuing to stroke him, then biting down on his shoulder.

Before he could help it, Fíli gasped, and pressed back against the smaller dwarf behind him. Ori's left hand grasped into part of his hair, tugging firmly, pulling his neck aside. Soon, his mouth was on Fíli's neck again, laving it with attention the likes of which he had never had.

"Ori."

Ori stopped the kissing, then said, "That, you're allowed to say right now."

Ori's mouth returned to his skin, and continued as he had been, from the clavicle to the back of his neck, and down the other side. All the while, the Omega managed to keep stroking the cock in his hand so well.

At least, Ori did, until Fíli was just at the edge of orgasming, and then the smaller hand dropped.

Heaving air, Fíli turned to see Ori watching him.

"Is there a reason you stopped?"

Ori nodded, looking suddenly uncertain.

"I wondered, if we might try something."

"What's that?" Fíli asked.

"Do you have any opposition to one of your knives being used now?" Ori asked.

Fíli's eyebrows raised immediately, as he watched a blush climb up the Omega's cheeks, while Ori refused to meet his eyes.

Logic and lust collided, but for the moment, logic was winning out.

"What did you have in mind?" Fíli asked, hesitantly.

Ori glanced towards where the dagger at his left thigh rested; the one the scribe had first touched from the outside of his trousers before. That one had a sheath, and a decent sized pommel. Were it not to be removed from the sheath, it might be safe enough for whatever Ori wished to do with it. Though, Fíli couldn't imagine what, exactly.

However, he was willing to hear his partner out, at least.

Ori was biting his lip, his nervous energy quite visible, before he said, "I was hoping you might be amenable to the idea of my using it to rub against my own cock, and finishing myself off, while you lay there to watch."

Fíli licked his lips.

He did not dislike the idea. However, that such a thought had come from Ori did truly surprise him. Still, it was clear Ori was trusting him, and he trusted Ori, so Fíli wanted to attempt the idea.

"If you promise to be careful, then I'm willing to try it."

Ori smiled, then Fíli felt the Omega's hand divest him of the weapon strap and dagger expertly. That set his pulse to racing even more, as he watched Ori then place the strap itself aside on his nightstand, and hop off the bed to remove anything he wore below the waist.

Fíli could soon smell the dripping cunt; the scent of jasmine once again properly overwhelmed his nose. Shortly, he watched Ori stand at the foot of the bed, knife in hand with the pommel turned towards his heat.

Slowly, it was being pressed up between Ori's lips. The contact alone made Ori expel a quiet moan, as he closed his eyes. Rapt with attention, Fíli watched, feeling more turned on than he ever had been. When Ori's eyes opened again, he was still swirling it around, whimpering softly.

Beneath Ori's gaze, Fíli grabbed his own straining member and began to stroke, knowing with the sight before him, he would not take very long.

"Stop touching yourself, please," Ori asked, softly.

Fíli's eyebrows shot up.

"You expect me to watch the single most erotic scene I've ever had the pleasure of viewing, and remain here doing nothing?"

Ori smiled, a bit cheekily.

"For the moment, yes. I promise to make it worth your while."

That promise alone in mind, Fíli accepted his current predicament. He, reluctantly, dropped his cock.

"Fine, okay. I'll hold you to it, then, you little minx."

Ori grinned, then.

Fíli shook his head, while he watched his own weapon moving Ori's cock, as he was forced to be there and not touch anything at all. It was verging on torture, but he loved every bit of it, truth be told.

Of course, Ori was not content to just sweetly ask him to cease bringing himself closer to his orgasm. No; that little menace of a scribe began whining his name, and Fíli knew he would have to exercise self-control not to take himself in hand again. Between what he saw and heard, nevermind what he could smell dripping from Ori, was enough to drive him mad.

The moment his name began spilling from Ori's lips in rapid succession, he couldn't remain still anymore. Instead, he crawled closer to where Ori was at the bed's edge.

The Omega's eyes were wide, but he didn't ask that Fíli stop or move away from him yet. So, he hovered near Ori's right ear, then said, "Allow me, please."

Fíli didn't touch Ori until he saw the nod, and heard the latter whisper, "Please."

Wrapping his left arm around Ori's lower back, Fíli then grasped his sheathed dagger carefully in his right hand, then took up where Ori stopped; he swirled and pressed, drawing the most magnificent noises out of his partner. Once he was certain he had a handle on what he was doing, Fíli dipped down to Ori's neck, and began giving it the same attention the scribe had to his own earlier.

Soon, Ori was babbling, "Oh Mahal, oh my, Fíli."

"That's right, Ori. I'm yours," Fíli murmured, then bit down on Ori's shoulder, and sucked.

Ori cried out beneath the attention, and then Fíli heard, "I want it in me, like you were before."

"Fuck," Fíli muttered, but slowly he drew the edge of the pommel against the edge of Ori's heat, pressing backwards to where he remembered he himself had been back in that forest. He watched Ori, in case he made a mistake.

When their eyes were firmly locked, he exploratorily pressed upwards, and Ori moaned loudly.

"Right there?" Fíli asked, not daring to move any until he had confirmation that what he was doing wouldn't hurt his partner.

"Yes, please," Ori whined, his eyes nearly rolling into the back of his head.

"If something doesn't feel right, please tell me, okay. I don't want to hurt you."

Ori met his eyes again, and despite the lust prevalent, he nodded.

"I promise, but I trust you."

"Let us hope that trust is not misplaced," Fíli murmured, but then he pressed upwards carefully again.

"Fíli," Ori sighed, laying his head on the aforementioned dwarf's right shoulder.

"Very good, Ori. You can say my name as much as you want."

An idea came to him, though, and soon he was carefully pulling out his dagger.

"What?" Ori asked, confusion quite evident.

"Lay on your back, on the bed. I think that will make this easier."

Ori nodded, almost instantly, then did as he was asked.

Hovering over the spread out Omega below him, Fíli began tracing the pommel back down into the hole, and then pressed. The motion drew an almost wrecked sob out of Ori, so he knew that he had found the right spot. Carefully, he continued to fuck Ori's hole; the sound of his dagger entering and exiting it made lewd noises, which did nothing for his own unattended hardness.

At least, it was ignored, until he felt a hand grasping it again. Soon, they were moving in tandem.

"You are truly something special," Fíli murmured, watching Ori writhing and struggling to listen, too. "Look at you, taking this dagger as well as you did me before. If I didn't like this so much, I would wish it was me inside of you right now, instead."

Ori met his eyes, and groaned his name.

Ori whispered shortly, "So close."

Fíli pressed just a bit further, whilst saying, "Very good. Cum for me."

Ori's body seized as it had around his cock weeks ago in response. Fíli's body immediately followed; his release splashed Ori's stomach, as they lost themselves to their individual pleasures.

Ori jolted beneath him, moaning his name so loudly, and in return he groaned the scribe's name into the softness of his neck. He continued pressing, hearing that the motion was still drawing stuttered noises from Ori, as they both came down from the highs they had been brought to.

Fíli kissed Ori's neck, as he slowly pulled out his dagger, once it was certain that the Omega had finished orgasming. He put the wet blade aside atop its strap, then thoroughly licked his fingers clean, beneath Ori's watchful gaze.

Afterwards, before he could convince himself otherwise, Fíli said, "I know I've never done it before, but I've had your taste in my mouth twice now, and I think I'd like to go directly to the source, if that's alright with you."

Fíli watched as Ori swallowed, then said, "I can teach you how."

"Do you want to?" Fíli asked, wishing to make sure Ori wasn't merely obliging his fascination over his own comfort.

Ori shrugged, then said softly, "I don't mind, only you would be the first who has done this to me."

The idea that there was something they could do together that Ori explicitly said he hadn't done, made Fíli want to do it even more. Though just considering his face being buried in Ori's heat was a pleasant thought, even if at that moment he did not know how to manage doing it properly.

Another thought did come to Fíli though, which he voiced.

"How do you know how to teach me, then?"

A sheepish grin came to Ori's face.

"First hand experience."

Ah.

Still, the fact Ori had done it to someone else, did make him wonder something.

"You really managed to hide all of that from your brothers?"

Ori shrugged.

"Even they turned a blind eye to some things. Their worry was more for Alphas. If they smelled a Beta or another Omega on me, well, it made no difference to them. Everyone has needs, after all."

Fíli grimaced.

Ori cocked his head to the side seeing that, then asked, "What?"

Fíli expelled a breath, then said, "Until you, I didn't actually worry about such things. My hand was enough on occasion that I had sheer pent up energy, but looking at others, and wanting to fuck them? That never happened to me. Not, at least, until I knew you better."

Ori quieted, watching him.

For a moment, Fíli felt incredibly stripped bare, in a way that involved no divestment of garments.

Ori's hand grasped his forearm, then said, "That's okay, you know. Some people are just that way. It doesn't bother me."

Fíli was grateful that Ori didn't care, really, but even so, it still bothered him.

"I feel inadequate though, having to ask you to teach me. I'm an Alpha. I'm supposed to be a leader, but yet, here you are holding my hand through all of this. It's frustrating."

Ori was quiet, watching Fíli for a moment while stroking his forearm, like he did the first time they had laid together. It was a slow motion, and given what had happened after, Fíli associated it with Ori alongside being safe. That's what Ori made him feel, which was the only reason he considered saying what he had out loud.

When Ori did speak, his voice was soft, but firm.

"I'll never judge you for not knowing, Fíli. If that's how you are, then that is more than enough. You care about me, and I care about you. That won't change because of the disparities in our experiences. I guarantee, outside of this, you know more about the world than I do."

Fíli kissed Ori directly after, because the scribe was too damn sweet, and he needed to snog him senseless immediately. They tangled around each other, and soon, Fíli was on top of the Omega, watching Ori as they individually drew air into their lungs again.

Fíli reached down, and stroked one of Ori's cheeks. Ori closed his eyes, and leaned against his hand, nuzzling it softly. When their eyes met after, the scribe was gazing up at him with evident fondness.

"If you want to know, I'll tell you. However, I need you to know that I think no less of you because you've asked, nor would it bother me if you would rather not do this right now, Fíli."

Fíli's heart was pounding, quite resoundingly. It was for the fact that this, as much as what they had already done, or that they now sported each others courting braids, signaled to him that he had been right. What they were doing, and the way Ori made him feel, it wasn't inconsequential.

"I want to, I promise," Fíli said.

Ori smiled, then said, "Okay."

After, the scribe patted beside him at his right, and so Fíli laid down next to him, drawing Ori into his arms. Ori settled against him, and began playing with one of his braids, not looking Fíli directly in the eyes as he spoke.

"The first thing to know is that your senses will be flooded by stronger tastes and smells than what you would be outside of my legs. I would advise you start slow, testing out how your tongue can move, while you acclimate to having your face pressed down there." Ori paused and glanced up to scan his face, then when noticing he was still silent but attentive, continued talking. "You are welcome to suck my cock, or lick patterns in my folds. However, your tongue and mouth will likely become tired soon, so don't feel like you have to continue if that happens."

Fíli nodded, to show he was paying attention still.

Ori smiled, then said, "Ready to hear more?"

Fíli nodded again, then grasped some of Ori's hair, and lightly played with it in his right hand, while he waited for the latter to continue his instructions. Sometimes, fiddling with something, made listening for him much easier.

"Your hearing will be a bit muffled, and unless you object, one or both of my legs will likely wrap around your head. This will only add to the fact that your face will get wet, as will your beard."

Fíli shrugged.

"That's what cleaning up is for."

Ori shook his head, grinning a little.

"Would you like to try?"

"Yes, I would."

Remembering everything Ori said, he kissed the Omega, slow and sweet. After, he broke away from that and began to trail kisses downwards, even over what clothes Ori had left on. When he was dipping down, Ori asked, "Do you mind if I pull your hair?"

Fíli shook his head, then lowered his face further to the inviting scent of jasmine that began to flood his senses, the closer he came to Ori's heat.

Hands were on his head already, but hovering over Ori's cock, Fíli glanced upwards, then said, "Just like before, tell me if I do something you don't like, okay? Don't you dare stroke my ego right now. I need to know if you like what I'm doing."

Ori nodded.

Only then did Fíli gaze down at Ori's parted legs and open his mouth, placing his tongue between the lips. The taste alone was intoxicating; akin to what he imagined an aphrodisiac was like. It was similar to when he had taken some out with his fingers, then sucked them dry, but infinitely better.

Ori whined, as his tongue slowly traced around his cock. Leisurely, Fíli licked it, and the Omega squirmed, panting a little. Lithe fingers tangled in his hair, as he softly gripped Ori's bare knees, then slid his hands down after to grasp the thighs that were bracketing his head.

Once he settled more, Fíli began sucking on the smaller cock, which had Ori moaning his name following that. Soon after, legs were wrapping around his head, pressing the heat below him closer to his mouth.

Taking that incentive, Fíli trailed his tongue down slowly, his nose brushing Ori's cock and then further into the folds as he lightly twirled his tongue. Ori bucked up into the ministrations, and Fíli did his best to breathe as his face became properly soaked by that point.

Still, he descended further, despite the beautiful strangeness of it all, and found where his knife had been earlier. Immediately, he plunged his tongue down, and began stroking there. Ori cried out his name, his legs beginning to shake a bit. Meanwhile, Fíli held them but continued the motion, knowing with how his partner was reacting, it must have felt good at the very least.

He continued on that way, swirling the edge, then dipping back in and Ori continued to voice his appreciation further. Soon, there were legs clutching his head, and Ori squirted. It happened so quickly. Fíli was surprised, but pleased by the fresh coat of slick that drenched his face.

However, breathing became difficult, so he lifted up and took lungfuls of air. When he did, Ori's pupils were blown wide, and he was also breathing quite deeply.

"How was that?"

Ori expelled a content noise, but did not otherwise bother to respond just yet, as his chest rose and fell rapidly.

Fíli smiled seeing that.

After, he got off of the bed and went to the wash basin, then cleaned his face off. When he pivoted back around, Ori's eyes were on where his backside had been, and he grinned.

Ori smiled in return.

He slowly slipped off of the bed as well, and cleaned himself, then they were hugging beside the washbasin. Ori buried his face into Fíli's chest, whilst laying his arms nearby his head. For his part, the Alpha cradled his Omega close in his arms. One hand tangled into Ori's hair, and the other was wrapped around his backside, while Fíli's face rested on Ori's shoulder.

"Earlier, what you said about being mine," Ori said quietly.

"Yes?" Fíli responded, wondering what Ori would say.

"This thing we've got, just know, I'm yours, too. For as long as you'll have me."

It was said so softly, but Fíli heard Ori all the same, and it made him happier than all of the orgasms in the entire world.

They remained stood there for a while like that, until reality set in, and the impending responsibilities of the morrow dawned in Fíli's mind. He pulled away, then said, "I'd like to smoke a pipe and finish packing, if you'd care to join me outside for some air."

"It's likely to be cold," Ori said.

"You're still welcome to my coat," Fíli responded, kissing Ori's forehead before turning away to begin re-dressing.

"Alright. That seems fine. I think I'll need a minute to calm before I can finally sleep."

Fíli grinned, but didn't comment on that. Soon, they were both dressed, with Ori indeed wearing his coat once again.

Outside of his borrowed room, in the corridor, Fíli lit his pipe then began smoking in earnest. Ori's arms were around his midsection, as he glanced around them.

No one else was out, likely because it was late.

"Have you always ran cold?"

Ori met his eyes.

"I was sickly quite often as a pebble. Before then, I can't remember much. However, to my knowledge, yes."

Fíli hummed, showing he was listening, then turned away from Ori to expel more smoke rings.

Ori took to pacing, while they remained out there, in the still of the night together for just a bit longer. Fíli didn't dare talk too much there, in case it woke someone up, and they realized Ori was with him rather than Bilbo.

Eventually, they returned to the room. They were stood behind the door, and Ori was removing his coat to lay beside his belongings, when Fíli asked, "Have you packed already?"

Ori nodded.

"All of my things are in order. I did that earlier, before talking with Kíli about switching."

"Well, as surprised as I was, I'm glad you did."

Ori grinned at him.

"Me, too."

"Thanks to you, I need to clean my thigh dagger, but after that and a bit more packing, I can join you to sleep."

Ori seemed to know he wasn't upset, because he smirked.

"Okay."

"Do you mind if I carry you to the bed?"

Ori's face denoted surprise, but he shook his head.

"Feel free."

So, Fíli did just that. He lifted Ori into his arms deliberately, then smiled at him, as he felt legs wrapping around his waist. For a moment, they kissed languidly, and it was just as lovely as when it was heated. Afterwards, Fíli carefully placed Ori onto the bed. His partner began burrowing into the layers there, while he went about what he needed to directly after.

Fíli settled on the bed soon to properly clean his knife, noticing Ori propped up on his right arm, just watching him.

"Is there a reason you like knives so much?" Ori asked.

Fíli thought about it for a moment, as he was wiping the blade clean of the then drying slick.

"One of the things left to me after my Adad died was a well-made hunting knife. I was young, when he returned to the stones, but I carried it everywhere my Amad or Thorin would allow. Soon, my interest grew beyond that, so Dwalin began teaching me about knives properly. I've enjoyed them ever since."

"Nori clings to his blades for protection, so he made sure when my second gender presented itself properly, that I could fend for myself, too."

Fíli nodded.

"Well, he did a good job. Though he is a bit of a wanker, he clearly cares about you and Dori. I respect that about him, even if its made my life a bit harder as of late."

Ori didn't readily respond, so Fíli continued as he was, until his blade and its sheath had been cleaned well. When that was done, he glanced to his left, noticing his partner fast asleep. He was glad to see him comfortable enough to do so; everyone safe and sound for just a little bit longer.

Chapter 9

Summary:

Of missteps, miscommunication, and murder.

Notes:

Hi!

So, this is likely one of two chapters I'll post this week. I'm really trying not to deviate from a schedule I set up before, which would actually have me finishing this fic by the end of October - on Halloween, no less.

That being said, though this chapter is shorter, a lot happens within it. ALSO; things must get worse before they get better! This is true of multiple things that happen here, but please trust I have been working to get the dynamics to where they make the stress all worth it. Lol.

On another note; this chapter in particular begins my clear deviation from certain canon elements, for good reasons, I swear. By the power of fanfic, I am telling the story I want to read, but also switching some things up, after doing another re-watch of all three movies and being upset at the way certain people who should have had more screen time didn't get it, or the respect they deserved. Even so, within the context of their characters, I still personally always do my best to keep portrayals within the lines of what canon set up and then branch off from there. (Even if for some it was very little.) If you're curious about what I'm talking about, I rant about it on Tumblr, under the same username as I use here. Lol.

ANYWAYS.

Thanks to Cupcake_Princess, Lampmoss, youbetyourbuttons, and Meteormoss for looking over various drafts of this chapter and giving opinions on different sections, because I really wanted to get it all right, since this is a pivotal moment in An Unexpected Journey. (Which, in brief bits, I did borrow a few lines of dialogue, for reasons. As always, please don't sue. Lol.)

Up next: Fucking and feelings, the sequel, for at least one couple who really need to talk and then have some smut about it, because Omegaverse. We are finally going to Omega this verse a bit more, again. Lol.

Until then, happy reading!

Chapter Text

Bilbo had nearly fallen to his death. Had it not been for everyone's quick thinking, Thorin would have lost the Omega he had become attached to, in both heart and body. The narrowly avoided tragedy brought on fierce guilt and anger that tangled in his chest, making it hard to think clearly or even to breath.

"I thought we lost our burglar," Dwalin said. His tone was light, as if it were a joke, rather than a terrifying incident.

Thorin's fear and anger spoke, before he thought better of allowing such a response.

"He's been lost, ever since he left home. He should never have come. He has no place amongst us."

It was true, to him. Bilbo would have been better off not joining them at all. Surely, if he couldn't manage in these conditions, a dragon would be far too much for him.

No.

Bilbo deserved better than the quest; it was not his, and though it would hurt to be parted, Thorin had managed just fine before they had met. He had weathered other heartbreaks before. Surely, this sort was worth it, if only Bilbo could be safe.

The stricken look on the Omega's face did nothing to assauge his mounting guilt, but at the same time, Thorin felt he was right. Even if it hurt to be told such a thing, it was nothing but truth.


"What in Mahal's name was that?" Fíli demanded.

Thorin turned a glare to him, as everyone was settling in the cave, away from the raging storm. However, the idea of letting lie what just happened didn't sit well with Fíli. So even if he and Thorin arguing was set to the backdrop of the turmoil outside of the cave they had found themselves in, it was necessary, because what he had just heard his uncle say to Bilbo wasn't right.

All of the little hot and cold moments he had seen as well happening between them did not paint a pretty picture with the way he had just heard his uncle speaking to his Omega. Fíli knew Thorin could be more gruff at times, but even so, there was a limit to how much someone should bear from anyone.

"Mind your own," Thorin all but snarled.

That set Fíli further on edge as he puffed up to his full height.

"I am, Thorin. In case you've forgotten, this entire Company is ours to protect, including those you've deemed worthy enough not to be an arse to only when you're bedding them."

Thorin's face looked absolutely stunned, but Fíli wasn't backing down.

"You know nothing," Thorin bit out.

"If that were true, you wouldn't have brought me along on this quest, making me your primary heir. Or did you forget that, like you seemed to have forgotten manners, too?" Fíli paused, drawing in a fortifying breath and expelling it, realizing how much he sounded like his Amad right then. Afterwards, he said, "Perhaps I am just naive, but I know for certain that if I had spoken to Ori that way, I would want someone to have the sense to knock the rocks from my brain. Unlike you, I would never want him to be subjected to my poorly withheld anger impulses."

Knowing Thorin for as long as he had, Fíli had an inkling about what had really made him ill-spoken out there in the rain. Scared for Bilbo or not, though, his uncle was being more than a bit unreasonable, and quite unkind, as well. Meanwhile, whereas Ori knew how far he could push and could largely protect himself though, Bilbo hadn't spoken up as he might have before. That said to Fíli he needed to step in.

An Alpha was only as good as the way those around them felt safe; if Thorin wasn't acting right, and none of the others were willing to challenge him, then Fíli would. For Bilbo's sake, as that was only fair to him. A hobbit he might be, green to traveling the wilds, but he was still someone deserving of fair treatment. If their leader wouldn't give him that basic respect, then Fíli would damn sure be the one to speak up in his stead.

"Fíli's right, Uncle. What you said to Bilbo, that wasn't okay, regardless of your reasons. He deserves a proper apology," Kíli said, coming to stand beside him.

Both of them set Thorin with a look whilst crossing their arms; their bodies stood as a wall between the elder Alpha and one certain hobbit Omega. Once their uncle glanced between them both, he muttered, "Get some rest, now."

Fíli wasn't entirely through with the conversation, but it was as much an admission that they were right, because Thorin hadn't tried to continue the dialogue. He shared a look with Kíli, and said, "Thank you."

"Of course, Nadad." Kíli nodded, unsmiling at their current predicament.

Afterwards, Fíli caught Dori's, Balin's and Nori's eyes; each of them nodding in his direction when their gazes briefly locked. Bofur smiled a bit wanly, while Bilbo appeared to be trying not to meet anyone's face, from beside the Beta he often kept company with. Others were moving about, as if that could dispel the tension that had sprung up.

Following that, the brothers checked each other for any new bruises or wounds, then Fíli found Ori to bed down with properly.

Neither of them spoke, but once they were laying beside one another, his partner softly grasped his face and kissed his forehead, before turning around. Fíli wrapped himself protectively around his Omega, holding the smaller dwarf close to him, grateful that he lived after the terrifying storms they had just been subjected to.


Standing before the Goblin king, everyone was shuffled together; Ori, Kíli, Fíli, and Thorin, were placed in the middle of everyone else, the rest of the Company protecting them. If Nori could have been coerced into joining them too, Ori had no doubt that he would have been there. However, that particular Omega would protect him and Dori to the death when possible. So, it did not surprise him that Nori was at the front, alongside Dwalin, Dori and Bifur, glaring up at the large Goblin.

"… We'll start with the youngest."

All eyes went to Ori, who appeared amongst their lot to be the smallest. He wasn't actually the youngest, but it seemed that their captors were unaware of that.

The goblins were chattering and moving about, shoving at their gaggle of bodies pressed together, when Ori heard, "Then who you're wanting is me, not him."

"No!" Ori cried, as he tried to reach out and grab Fíli by the hand to yank him back into the fray he was shoving his way out of, but he was too late.

Others in the Company pushed Ori back, as the Goblin King's horrid laugh rent the air throughout the cavern.

"Perhaps, we could torture you both, to be quite sure we've got the right of it. What do you say, dwarf?"

Ori glared up at the Goblin King, while reaching for his slingshot. If he was to die, he would go down swinging.

However, he was relieved of the need to do so when the wandering wizard gave them a surprise visit, and then a fight for all of their lives ensued. They ran and slashed, screamed and crashed about through the whole Goblin kingdom. Scents and loud noises filled the air; rancor, fear and everyone's individual scent markers were mixed all together. It was suffocating, as much as the eventual pile they landed in, before disentangling and making it outside of the mountain.

"Where's Bilbo?" Thorin demanded, once they were all away from the cursed rock face.

Ori glanced around, noticing that Fíli and Kíli were standing beside each other, looking nearest them as if Bilbo might appear out of thin air. What a strange notion that was.

Then again, he had realized Bilbo was a bit light on his feet, so there was every chance that amidst the chaos, he had simply slipped around them all. Of course, he wasn't anywhere that any of them could readily see.

"I'll tell you what happened -" Thorin began.

Bilbo's voice cut their leader off, having everyone turning to where he miraculously seemed to appear out of nowhere. Perhaps the previous thought wasn't so odd, after all.

"No, you won't, Thorin Oakenshield, because I am right here."

Bilbo stood, clearly irritated, glaring at Thorin.

The fight that had happened between Thorin and his partner still rested in the back of Ori's mind. He had been a bit surprised by Fíli speaking up then, but he really shouldn't have been. There was a goodness to both Fíli and Kíli that didn't suffer ill treatment for anyone when they saw it, and had the means to do something to improve conditions for whoever was being harmed.

"Why did you come back?" Thorin demanded.

If Ori wasn't mistaken, there was an almost pleading note in his tone that he detected, as well.

Though Thorin had a poor showing earlier, he didn't wonder at why Bilbo had returned. It was clear to Ori that the hobbit cared for their leader, even when he made an arse of himself whilst speaking to him. Beneath anger, there was always hurt or fear, after all.

"I came back, because you all don't have a home like me, and I have found one in each of you. So, if what you need is to reclaim your mountain, then I would like to help however I can." Bilbo paused, before adding, "You're right. I do miss Bag End, with my armchair, books, and good food. However, everyone deserves to have a soft place to land, even you; you great uncouth nob."

Fíli and Kíli shared a look, and they started to laugh, but then a sound the Omega never wished to hear again caught his ears, signalling that orcs had arrived. No one was laughing then.

Ori was running with the others soon, into the trees. There Gandalf lit pinecones that were quickly distributed like some pebblehood game. He remained closer to Fíli and Kíli, chucking the burning projectiles towards the orcs with as much force as he could. He was once again grateful that he had inherited his Amad's legendary strength.

It was chaos everywhere, but then Thorin went to face the pale orc alone, only for Bilbo to follow, and save him. The sight of the hobbit slaying an orc rallied others in the Company, Ori included, who joined them in charging towards their foes with all their might.

Between his slingshot skills, and a few loosed throwing knives, he alone managed to down more than one orc. Others came to finish the job off with sturdier weapons, but they were all cohesively working together as one.

In the thick of battle, it was hard to hone in on anyone in particular. However, Ori soon saw Fíli and Kíli, alongside Dwalin, going straight for Azog's large form. Heart in his throat, he fought his way closer to them, knowing they could die. As much as his partner could have fallen while trying to take his place, without Ori's wanting him to.

The three were in front of Azog, when he swung his sword arm, causing them to all duck. Kíli went behind him onto an errant boulder, likely to be a distraction, while Dwalin remained standing beside Fíli. There were too many wargs and orcs around to get there yet, but Ori intermittently glanced over, between all that he was doing to try to stay alive.

The next time he looked that way, Fíli was on the ground, Azog poised over his crumpled form with a mace held high in the air. Without a second thought, Ori shot off a rock that slammed Azog's left eye, making him reel back whilst howling in surprise.

Shortly after, Dwalin rose to his feet and buried his axes into the pale orc's chest. Blood spurted out of the freshly created wounds, while Azog yelled out in pain, but didn't fall.

With a loud battle cry, Kíli used his position to reach out, and cut the pale orc's head off clean from his whole body with his duel swords. Soon, there were orcs and wargs scattering, then the sound of Dori's screaming caught his ears, until the eagles arrived.

Upon the Carrock that they had been dropped to, Ori immediately fell beside Fíli, his eyes pooling with tears. Kíli was next to him, both of them hoping that something could be done, he had no doubt. The blond hadn't so much as made a sound since he was placed there, though his brother had shouted for him, and for Thorin.

"Save him, please," Kíli demanded loudly of Gandalf. "He must live. I cannot bear life without him."

The wizard looked at them and nodded, as Ori reached his left hand out to comfort Kíli.

Between Gandalf's powers, he did what he could, and soon Fíli was moved into a seated position. Thorin was not so lucky, but both Kíli and Ori swarmed the Crown Prince, holding him close as he took deep lungfuls of air.


When Thorin came to, his second thought was Bilbo, after his eyes caught sight of both Fíli and Kíli. Each of them appeared to be well, though his eldest sister son was being braced up by both his brother and Ori. Thorin owed Fíli yet another apology, because he had been right, once again.

That would have to be done later though, because the hobbit was not in his line of sight at all. That ridiculous, stubborn, but brave little Omega, named Bilbo Baggins. He was the reason Thorin still lived, and was deserving of a thorough, proper apology if he had managed to survive. The idea he hadn't was unthinkable, and one he couldn't entertain.

"The hobbit?" Thorin asked, as he was helped up to his feet by Dwalin and Nori.

Soon, he was facing Bilbo, who was smiling broadly at him. Relief coursed through his whole body as they continued to look their fill of each other in the heavy silence. Regardless, he really hadn't earned that sort of brilliant expression from him, after his piss poor behaviour.

To address that, he felt the need to remind everyone of his incorrect, foolhardy assumptions. Shortly, he saw the hobbit's face fall, as he spoke those seemingly harsh words. There were terse exclamations shouted out behind him from the Company. However, Thorin still did his best to make them, but Bilbo in particular, understand one thing.

Before the Omega could tell him off, which he certainly deserved, Thorin said, "I have never been so wrong, in all my life."

Thorin embraced Bilbo, where the scent of honeysuckle and his musk filled his nose, as he pulled him closer. The former felt the elongated exhale that the latter breathed out, and that only made him hold on tighter than before.

"I can never apologize enough for how I have treated you, Bilbo. I should have never acted that way, nor doubted you," Thorin said, after standing up again to his full height, while clasping Bilbo's smaller shoulders.

Bilbo shook his head, whilst letting out a self-deprecating laugh.

"No. I would have doubted me, too."

"I hope after saving my life, you won't ever again. You have a pure heart, and I have no idea why you've been putting up with me. However, please, allow me the chance to make amends to you, properly."

Bilbo's nose twitched, his face forming a considering expression after.

"Well, I suppose I could. Just this once more."

Thorin grinned, widely.

He was starting to pull away, but Bilbo reached up, and grasped his face. Soon, they were kissing before everyone.

Loud whoops sounded out, and Thorin hadn't been quite so happy in a long time.

Chapter 10

Summary:

Beorn's.

Notes:

Hi!

Here there be Bagginshield smut, because it's Beorn's. Need I say more? Lol. Everyone else... it gets worse, before it gets better, remember? :)

Speaking of their host, there's a blink and you miss it Beorn/Bofur moment. You can read it however you want, as it's merely alluded to. However, I figured I'd mention that here.

This chapter was made possible yet again because of my friends reading over it all, and giving me opinions throughout various drafting stages, etc. I am forever grateful to them, as always. <3

Up next: Mirkwood.

Happy reading!

Chapter Text

After being shepherded into an old farmhouse by the wizard, whilst everyone got over their initial terror and adrenaline, Ori eventually pulled away from Dori and the way he was trying to stick closer to him. Though, given that his brother had nearly plummeted to his death, he didn't bother to snipe at him over it. He simply needed a bit of space, after what had happened with the sudden chase, prior to their arrival.

Óin at some point checked over Thorin and Fíli again. The latter was mostly alright, though moving a bit slower. Their leader was much worse for the wear, in comparison.

After the healer completed his check ups, Thorin glanced over everyone settled around him.

"We should sleep," Thorin said, and Ori was so tired, as it seemed were the others, because no one protested.

He joined Fíli in the hay, then unlike most times, a sleep pile was formed. Thorin and Fíli were back to back, while Kíli's body was laid near both Thorin's and Fíli's heads. Bilbo was wrapped in Thorin's arms, as the former settled into Fíli's. Nori, Dori, Balin, and Dwalin meanwhile all bracketed around Ori. The rest of the Company joined, too, surrounding the injured and their partners for everyone to rest.

For a moment, Ori gazed up at Fíli, so grateful he was still alive. The idea that even if he hadn't done something so reckless as take Ori's spot, only to meet near death in a different way, was absolutely unsettling.

They would need to talk about that other bit, but for the time being, he melted into his partner's touch. His body relaxed in the hold he was in more than it had since arriving in this strange new building. He clutched Fíli closer, needing the physical reassurance that he was indeed alive.

The last time they had slept near each other, that ended up with them falling into a goblin kingdom. That knowledge settled over Ori, disquieting him enough that sleep was nearly impossible at that point. So, he did his best to ignore what had occurred, hoping to enjoy the warmth that surrounded him.

Fíli's eyes met his, but Ori could see how utterly exhausted he was. This was not the time for talking. So, the latter laid his head under his partner's chin, listening to the steady beat of his heart, and the lungs below his ears drawing healthy breaths. It was a comfort, that eventually coaxed him into sleep at last, as much as the warmth and feel of familiar arms holding him did.

When Ori's eyes opened, Fíli was moving about, which was what must have woken him. Their gazes locked, and the Alpha said, "Nature calls. Sleep, please."

Upon looking around, he noted that almost everyone else was already up, and he was one of the last not to have already risen. Owing to that, Ori stood up. He didn't want special treatment, just because Fíli thought he should have it.

Shaking off the sleep and hay in his hair, he walked around, trying to wake properly. From the looks of it by the light filtering in through large windows, first light had long since passed.

The sounds of an axe falling caught Ori's ears after he had paced some. He turned towards the noise, noticing others doing much of the same, while Tharkûn peered outside through one of the windows with drawn back curtains.

Shortly thereafter, they were being guided outdoors to see an absolute hulking creature, who became known to them as Beorn; the skinchanger. Fíli stopped in front of Ori, which shouldn't have bothered him, but it brought up all of the irritation and fear he had felt from before.

While everyone else followed their host inside, he caught his partner's arm lightly, then his attention.

"What is it?" Fíli asked, frowning. However, he didn't pull away from the hold.

Ori nodded off to the side of Beorn's home, then he grasped and tugged Fíli's hand, leading him behind the building while everyone else was finally indoors.

He set Fíli with a look, as he crossed his arms.

"How could you?" Ori demanded.

Fíli looked so tired, but so was Ori, despite the sleep he had gotten. However, he was also angry; he had let it simmer, because that was necessary. Now, though? He needed to talk, or he felt like he might actually burst aflame.

"How could I do what, Ori?"

"Offer yourself up in my place, without even considering if I would be alright with that."

Fíli grimaced.

"They might have torn you apart limb from limb. I couldn't let them touch you; no one should be allowed to without your consent. Nevermind, how was I supposed to live with myself, if I didn't protect you when I could?"

While Ori did appreciate that Fíli was insistent on his bodily autonomy, and his desire to want him not to come to harm, he needed the latter to understand his point of view, too.

"You didn't have to protect me that way. I'm a dwarf, too, and I can handle myself. It wasn't necessary."

In less than a heartbeat, Fíli hissed, "The fuck it wasn't."

The Alpha stepped further away from him, as Ori said resolutely, "I can fend for myself."

Fíli crossed his arms, shaking his head.

"But you don't have to. Nevermind, of the two of us, I was more likely to survive had they actually managed to harm one of us."

Ori immediately shot back, "I'm not weak, Fíli."

Fíli sighed, as he lifted up a hand and ran it through some of his loose hair.

"I never said that, Ori."

Ori really didn't want to fight. However, there was no world in which he could accept that he wasn't seen as Fíli's equal by the Alpha himself. They couldn't work if his partner didn't understand he was capable and proficient enough to handle himself. Thorin would not have allowed him on the quest if he wasn't, after all.

Furthermore, that in stepping up, Fíli's life had briefly been at the mercy of murderous goblins. As much as his partner didn't want to see him hurt, the same could be said of him with the prince.

"You could have been hurt, you could have-"

Fíli cut him off sternly.

"But I wasn't, and neither were you. That is why I stepped up in the first place." Fíli stopped, then exhaled heavily. "Now, can we just let this lie?"

Ori frowned.

"If you're determined not to realize why I might be upset, then we might as well."

"Fine," Fíli bit out, then he stalked off, leaving Ori fuming in his wake.


Bilbo sat between Ori and Bofur. The other Omega had been quieter than ever before as they all were gathered around for some food prepared by Beorn, who called him 'little bunny'. He was not terribly fond of that nickname but given what Gandalf had warned them about in regard to the skinchanger, felt it was harmless to let that lie.

His eyes trailed over to Thorin, who was leaned against a wooden pillar, facing Fíli and Kíli. The tension remained palpable, until something unexpected occurred.

"You, funny dwarf. Keep talking. I like it," Beorn said, smiling.

Bofur looked around, then seeming to realize the comment was directed at him, replied, "What, me?"

Beorn nodded, amusement clear on his face.

Bilbo's eyebrows rose, and his gaze swept the rest of the table. Everyone was varying levels of amused, except Ori, who kept his face down, eating his food.

Bofur laughed awkwardly, then said, "Well, okay."

Shortly after, everyone was dispersing.

Bilbo noticed that Thorin, Fíli, and Kíli sat together by themselves.

He settled nearby, but did not go close enough to be in the way. Everyone else went off on their own as well, leaving the four of them.

Oddly enough, though Bilbo shouldn't have really been surprised when he noticed Beorn and Bofur walking together; the Alpha alongside the Beta going elsewhere, the skinchanger's arm around Bofur's shoulders. Stranger things had happened, he supposed.

Bilbo laid back in the hay, listening to the sounds of Thorin apologizing to both of his nephews. His deep, somber voice soothed him into a proper sleep; belly full, and mind calm.


"Fí?" Kíli's voice called.

The sound broke through his pacing, which he had been doing since earlier, after he was left to his own devices. Fíli glanced up to see his younger brother walking towards him, a worried look on his face.

"What's wrong?"

"I could ask you the same question. You're more restless than normal. Did something happen?"

Fíli sighed, dropping his head into his hands and groaned, refusing to meet Kíli's eyes for a moment.

Eventually, he said, "Ori and I had a bit of a row, earlier."

Kíli's brow furrowed.

"About what?"

Fíli remained quiet for a moment, remembering the sudden frustration that Ori had doled out to him. It had seemed at random, but perhaps, the Omega had simply held onto it, as there hadn't yet been a better time to address the matter.

"He was angry with me for trying to take his place when the Goblin king meant to torture him."

"Ah."

Kíli was uncharacteristically quiet, which had Fíli looking at him again.

"What?"

Kíli grimaced.

"I can't say I'm terribly happy with you about that either, but I understand why you did it. However, that wasn't your decision to make. Ori can handle himself -"

"I couldn't let them harm a single hair on his fucking head. The second they touched him, I don't care how impractical it seems; I would have wreaked havoc upon them all." Fíli took a deep breath, then added, "What's the point of being skilled at weapons if I can't protect those I care for?"

Kíli afforded him a knowing, but bemused look.

"You have to let us protect ourselves, too, Fíli."

"I do. You-"

Kíli rolled his eyes.

"If it was me, I know you would have tried the same thing. I don't like that idea anymore than Ori did, Nadad."

"It is the duty of an Alpha-"

Kíli snorted, then came to clap his hands on Fíli's shoulders.

"Don't start sounding like Uncle, now, please. Especially because, Ori's crying. That's why I came to find you. He tried to make everyone else go away, but I knew something wasn't right."

Lovely. Guilt wended its way around his heart. He never wanted that to be something he had caused anyone, but certainly not Ori.

Fíli grimaced.

"What if he doesn't want me around?"

Kíli shook his head.

"Even if he's angry with you, I don't think that's true. In any case, your partner is crying, and since you are so fond of mentioning duty, I don't think I need to tell you what yours is at this very moment."

Kíli was smirking at him, and Fíli just sighed.

"Right. Thank you."

Kíli rolled his eyes yet again.

"Thank me later, or don't. Just make sure Ori's okay. You're really the only one who can make it better at this point."

Fíli nodded.

"I love you, Kí."

"Love you, too, Fí."

Fíli exhaled then prepared to face Ori again. Despite his younger brother's reassurance, there was every chance he wouldn't want him anywhere nearby.

He walked where he saw others milling about. Some were training, or taking respite by laying out in the sun. Noticeably, he didn't see Beorn or Bofur anywhere. He could imagine why, and would rather not know.

Nori stopped him with a hand to his chest, and Fíli met the former's gaze.

"Whatever you did, I hope you have the wit to know you had better fix it."

Fíli nodded.

"I'm looking for him now. I promise I never intended to make him cry, Nori."

Nori peered at him a tick more, then nodded.

"Good. He's holed up in that shed over there, doing I'm not sure what. With any luck, this won't cause him a stress heat. If it does, you better not shirk your responsibilities."

Fíli hadn't even thought of that, but realized with how upset Ori had seemed before, it was possible. Given the circumstance, he hoped that wasn't something they would have to deal with any time soon.

"I wouldn't dream of it."

"Okay. I'll leave you to it, then, princeling."

Nori walked away to lay across Dwalin, who was taking a break from sparring with some of the Company members. Thorin sat nearby, his eyes watching Bilbo, who had clearly been instructed in better swordsmanship, and was testing out his newfound skills.

In the elder Omega's absence at Fíli's side, the Alpha breathed a sigh of relief. He was grateful that Nori had all but given his blessing for them to continue on still. Not that he needed it, because Dori already had. However, given the sly dwarf's earlier antics, he was thankful for what had been said all the same.

When he entered the shed, Ori turned around, and his face was indeed streaked with tears. Fíli's heart clenched, but he only had himself to blame.

He stood by his actions before in trying to protect his partner from being hurt. However, he could have listened better when Ori was trying to explain why he was upset about it all.

"Can I come closer?" Fíli asked.

Ori stared at him for a moment, then nodded.

Fíli walked forward then reached out, and wiped away the remnants of any fallen droplets he could, his heartbeat picking up just standing near Ori. Afterwards, he held out his arms, and the Omega came into them, allowing himself to be embraced then.

Fíli dipped his head down, and waited for a while, allowing them just to breathe together. Eventually, he said, "I know you're angry with me."

Ori began to shake his head.

"Fíli, I don't want to -"

"Please, just listen," Fíli pleaded.

Ori quieted, nodding against his chest.

After expelling another deep breath, Fíli spoke again.

"I couldn't let them harm a hair on your head. If they had, I would have murdered them all, or died trying." His partner stiffened a bit after his last few words, so he stroked a hand through Ori's hair, then asked, "You said you're mine, right?"

Ori nodded.

"Then let yourself be mine to protect as much as you are mine to laugh with, to care for, or to hold. I know you're capable, Ori, but that doesn't mean you have to fight your battles alone."

"I don't want to lose you," Ori said, after lifting his head enough he could be heard, whilst he was grasping Fíli more firmly, too.

Fíli heard the forlorn note in his partner's voice, as much as realizing the enormity of that statement for what it was. The Omega was admitting to deeper affection than they had previously spoken of.

Regardless, he knew even if he wanted to say he would live through anything else, or that Ori would, too, either declaration could prove to be a lie. There was every chance they might both die somewhere further along in the journey. However, while he still breathed, he would protect his family first, and Ori second.

Fíli sighed against Ori's neck, before he pressed a kiss there, then raised his head.

"I can't promise you nothing will happen to me. You see what sort of dangers we face."

Ori lifted his face from where it had been, and looked him directly in the eyes, then said, "I do. So let me face them beside you, not behind you."

The scribe exhaled a heavy sigh, placing his hands on his chest, grasping his tunic lightly. Their eyes met again, and Ori's own were imploring, as he maintained a steady gaze.

"If I'm yours to protect, then you are mine to do the same with. That is the only way I'll accept what you're asking for," Ori said, firmly.

He could deny Ori, and not surrender to the request, but he wanted to. With Ori, he could trust that in being vulnerable in any way, he was entirely safe. His partner had proven that, more than once. Conceding this point to his scribe was not scary; it was natural, and he could accept it, if only with him.

There was only one way he could answer then.

"Okay."


Hand in hand, Thorin and Bilbo walked outdoors, into the still of the night. The rest of the Company had formed a sleep pile again, but for the first time in a while, they were able to get away from everyone else.

Óin had checked Thorin once more, and made certain his wounds were not a detriment to what he intended to do, if Bilbo allowed for such a thing again. He was well within his right to deny him, after all. Goodness knows he would deserve that.

The fact Bilbo still wished to have anything to do with him at all was a bit of a marvel, but one he was not about to throw away; not this time.

They stopped walking eventually beneath an oak tree, which had acorns littered everywhere below them. Thorin gazed up, then sighed.

Their hands remained interlaced, which was a comfort, as he struggled to find the words he needed to say. He stared at the way the moonlight filtered between the branches and leaves of the tree. Much like the first night they had lain together, it was a pregnant presence above.

If he could go back, he would tell himself many different things, but that wasn't possible. He could only do his best to prove himself worthy of the companionship Bilbo wished to give him, and hope it would be enough.

Thorin glanced down to his right where Bilbo stood. Hazel eyes met his, while there was a soft smile being trained up at him. He grinned in return, tentatively rubbing his thumb across the smaller hand in his.

"It's a lovely night," Bilbo said.

"Made lovelier only by your presence beside me."

Bilbo blushed, then glanced down at the ground.

This was the hobbit who continued to face his ire and ill treatment, brought to bashfulness by his soft words. What had he ever done to deserve such luck?

"You know, you can be perfectly wonderful, when you put your mind to it. I wish you would act that way more, then we might actually move past this continuous dance we have been doing for some time now."

Thorin sighed.

He stepped closer, to where they were facing each other, and looked over Bilbo's whole face. A courting braid would look nice in his hair, now that it had grown out.

Hesitantly, he reached out, and brushed an errant longer curl away from Bilbo's eyes. Thorin slowly caressed his cheek after.

The Omega's eyes fluttered shut.

"I would like that, though I am new to this sort of gentleness still."

"You've made a good start here, which is more than I could say of our first meeting."

Thorin nodded.

"Why do you forgive me?"

Bilbo's eyes opened, meeting his again.

"It's as I've said before, Thorin; neither of us are perfect. You might have been uncouth, and quite a bit rude. However, I have my vices, and one day, you'll know them better I imagine. Perhaps, even when you're more aware of them, we can be on even ground. Until then, I will continue to care about you, and hope that you might do the same in return with me now, as well as when we are better known to one another."

"You've shown some of them, but I feel they will always pale in comparison to mine. However, I think if we are both willing to learn and unlearn together, the odds are not so insurmountable."

Bilbo smiled.

"There we are; sense does escape your mouth, at times."

Thorin snorted, then rolled his eyes.

"It must have at least once, because you're still here."

Bilbo nodded.

"That I am." He paused, then asked, "Were you only wishing to talk, or is there another reason you've brought me out here?"

Thorin glanced around, listening to the mixture of quiet nature, and their own respirations. He could not hear anyone from the Company moving about yet. There was a little longer until first light, and it seemed even their host had been occupied with Bofur, too. Pushing that strange thought aside, he looked down at the hobbit again.

"I did not think I had the right to ask such a thing of you. Not now, at least. Though, if you wish," Thorin stopped, sucking in a sharp breath, then dipping down, he murmured, "I could claim you, right here and now. No longer should you have to guess at what I feel; you are the only one I've ever wished to be mine, in matters of the heart. You have had my body, as I have had yours. However, whether I wished to admit it before or not, you have my affection, too, Bilbo Baggins. I would have you know that, before anything else can happen; good or otherwise. Though you saved my life, there may come a day where I can no longer tell you such things, and I cannot keep it to myself anymore."

Bilbo's eyes widened, and he remained still for only a moment.

Soon though, he grasped Thorin's cheeks, and guided him to his own mouth. The kiss they shared then was just about the most tender one they ever had, though there had been some which had verged in that direction before; namely, the one on the Carrock. However, that time had been in front of others - this was them alone, forging a new path which could make a home out of ashes.

Thorin wrapped his arms around Bilbo, and kissed him fervently, until they both required air. When their mouths parted, the latter was gazing up at him, and nodding.

"Yes. You may claim me, whichever way you see fit."

Thorin smiled, though his pulse began to thrum harder in his body at that approval. Turning to look at the ground, he did his best to swipe away any acorns that might hurt Bilbo, where he could splay out below. That is how he intended to take him, at present.

Should anyone find them, it would be easier to use the bulk of his own body to hide Bilbo beneath it. Thorin knew the hobbit did not much care for others seeing him exposed whatsoever, and he would respect that.

Carefully, he led the Omega to the ground, then stroked his face.

"You're sure?" Thorin asked, his voice even softer than it had yet been.

Bilbo nodded.

He grasped Thorin's clothes, and pulled him closer for a sound kiss. Thorin braced his legs on either side of Bilbo's torso, and devoured the Omega's mouth; whining and moaning, as they began to press against each other.

Thorin had withheld his seemingly unquenchable need for the hobbit, because first he had to parse out whether he was allowed it anymore. Yes, Bilbo had kissed him before everyone. However, that did not mean he had the right to anything else, unless he was told just that.

He threaded his fingers through the Omega's shorter hair, and humped him, his cock hardening relatively quickly, despite the prior serious discussion. The desire to mark Bilbo as his, was reaching a fever pitch, despite the lack of a rut.

Bilbo quickly discarded his clothing below his waist, and then the scent of honeysuckle filled the air. Thorin bent down, burying his face in the crook of the former's neck, allowing the smell to wash over him. Legs were wrapped around his waist, and then he watched with pure satisfaction while he entered Bilbo's self-lubricating hole, making the hobbit expel a satisfied groan.

Shortly, he was being grasped firmly, and they moved together as they had been doing for months. Not once had he remained in long enough to allow for the knot to take hold, but that would no longer be the case in a matter of minutes; Bilbo was his, and he would make sure to physically denote him as such.

While it would have been pleasant to take longer, given where they were, there was every chance someone could stumble upon them, making the mating process that much more awkward and difficult to finish. Another time, with more privacy, he could do this again. Right then, it was enjoyable, but also done with purpose.

The knot would suffice, though he could just as well also render a claiming mark upon the back of Bilbo's neck, directly over where the scent gland rested. He wouldn't though, because as much as a knot was notice to others of an Omega's unavailability, a claiming mark was even more so. It spoke of longevity, whereas a knotting could be ignored, if an Omega chose to disregard the bond, then one day find another.

If for some reason Bilbo ever wanted that, Thorin wished to give him the chance. Even so, a knot was never given lightly by most, either.

Bilbo was soon whining, his body convulsing beneath him.

When Thorin could see the orgasm beginning to take over, he bent down and kissed Bilbo; allowing him the ability to smother the sound between their lips. He felt the vibration, as he grasped Bilbo's own cock and aimed the Omega's stream of cum towards the ground, away from them both.

The hobbit lost himself first, with Thorin shortly after him.

He thrust hard downward, feeling the knot latching soon enough, then groaning as his eyes rolled into the back of his head. Bilbo was clinging do him, all but shouting into the kiss, as they endured the onslaught of every orgasm that collectively broke over them both.

By the time Thorin's eyes open, and he was gazing down at Bilbo, sweat was dripping from his face for all the exertion. His wounds were still healing as well, and there wouldn't have been much more he could have managed. Óin's pain numbing salves could only last for so long.

He dropped his forehead down, allowing it to rest on Bilbo's while he waited for the knot to deflate. The hobbit pressed upwards and pecked his lips, then laid back and sighed.

Thorin ran his hands over Bilbo's body, caressing him, as they remained there together.

After heaving restorative breaths a bit more, Thorin said, "How do you feel?"

Bilbo smiled.

"Fantastic. Thank you for asking."

His eyes were less focused than normal, but he cleared his throat, then reached out and ran his hands down Thorin's chest. His eyes followed where they moved, while the Alpha simply watched him.

"What about you?" Bilbo asked.

"I am still amazed you are here with me. Elated, would be an understatement."

Bilbo smiled softly up at him.

"You'll be less surprised, one day, I hope, Thorin."

Thorin lowered his head, then pressed kisses on both of Bilbo's cheeks.

"Would that I could see that day."

He sighed.

"Thank you, for saving my life. I only wish it did not take that for me to see what I had been unwilling to before; you are an incredible individual, and I hope to be worthy of you some day."

Bilbo frowned, shaking his head.

"I did what needed to be done, Thorin. I knew I would likely die. But you've come so far, for something you believe in. You living, and being able to go on ahead; that's what I put faith in. I am only glad I am able to share the future with you now, rather than having died there near that blasted goblin kingdom."

Thorin exhaled sharply.

"In this, at least, we are of the same mind."

Chapter 11

Summary:

Mirkwood, and the escape.

Notes:

Hi!

So, last week I had intended to post two chapters rather than one. However, this week, I actually managed it. One of the reasons being that I am VERY excited about these last few chapters, though I am sad the fic will be finished soon.

To that end, I will say, I have more planned after this fic is complete. There will be side stories, as well as at least two sequels. More information to come on all of that in the future. However, rest assured, I'm not finished with these specific portrayals of these characters, or others yet to be introduced, at all. :)

I tagged Barduil into this fic, because they will be more relevant than blink and you miss them moments, unlike with Beorn/Bofur. That being said, tags will continue to be updated with each chapter going forward.

As always, my unending thanks to Cupcake_Princess, youbetyourbuttons, Lampmoss and Meteormoss for looking over different portions of this chapter, and giving opinions, etc. I adore you all!

Before closing this out, I do have to mention something, though. While watching the movies over, then looking at some stills from it too, I noticed that at least some of the dwarves had their hair divested of their beads and braids at some point in Mirkwood. In US history, this reminded me too much of how People of Color have been treated with their own hair. Even if that's not what was intended, it definitely has not gone unnoticed by me or others of how it echoes that, given how the dwarves are portrayed in Tolkien lore overall. So, I do my best to honor that knowledge, and NOT do the same here in this chapter. If you'd like more information, there's a wealth of it through research. Hair discrimination against Indigenous, Black people, and other People of Color, has unfortunately gone on for far too long. So, with respect to all of that, I refuse to even hint that such a thing happened here. Art is not apolitical, after all. If this note does nothing else, I hope it makes you curious enough to research further, should that be something you need to do.

(Conkers, who is a lovely human, actually wrote a Bagginshield fic that I adore called Bad Blood. That fic inspired part of what happens here in this fic, too.)

ALSO: Thank you to Haze from the A&OL Discord for discussing Thranduil (and Barduil) with me. Thanks to them, what happens partially here was owing to that conversation! :)

Khuzdul and Sindarin translations are in the End Notes.

Up next: Laketown!

Without further ado, happy reading!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

It was a slow descent to madness that no one noticed, until it had been too late. Despite having worked their differences out back at Beorn's house before their departure the following day, when the sickness took over their minds, Ori found himself wanting to have a go at Fíli. It took Nori and Kíli both to pull them apart. 

Everything felt discombobulated, and then there was skittering noises, sharp appendages, followed by darkness. 

When the confusion finally lifted, they were in a fight for their lives, yet again. Spiders were everywhere, as was every member of the Company crashing about, doing their best to keep each other alive. 

Unfortunately, they had some companions who were even less friendly and more deadly than gigantic arachnids, soon enough. 

Elves. 

These elves, they had been warned, were not so friendly as the ones in Rivendell. Which proved to be true. 

Except, a strange thing happened when Ori noticed Kíli standing near an elf with fiery red hair; he looked as if he had been gazing upon the loveliest sight he had ever seen. Never had Ori beheld the other Omega in such a state, but that could not bode well for the future. 

When the elf of Kíli's attention passed Ori, he realized what it might be; she was an Alpha. Her scent was quite startling to his nose, as he was used to those of dwarrow Alphas. 

However, it was quite apparent that her being an elf was not a deterrent for Kíli, nor for her either. Ori watched as their eyes continued to trail towards each other, while the elves were divesting them of their weapons.

The knowledge that Alphas had the ability to scent out Omegas who were possible matches for them, drifted through his mind. It was something he had read once, when he was learning more about second genders; the stronger the scent, the more likely the match would work out for the better. 

Meanwhile, dwarrow Omegas at least, were taught to pay attention to the way their body felt around potential mates. If one felt scared, or even indifferent, that was a good indication that the match likely wouldn't ever pan out. 

From his outsider perspective, it seemed both Tauriel and Kíli were suddenly struck by the oddness of noticing a potential match so far from the realm of anything they had previously known before seeing each other. 

Meanwhile, Fíli, with his seemingly endless amount of weapons, did stall them before they could walk any further. Ori did not like the way his Alpha was being touched, but the prince wasn't resisting the elves, so he did not try to intervene. 

Everyone's hackles were raised though; being surrounded by those much larger than themselves, stripped of nearly every weapon. Ori had zero doubt that at least Nori and Fíli were still wearing more weapons. 

The point at which Ori did become overwhelmed by anger, was the moment an elf reached out and went for Fíli's hair. Specifically where his courting braid and his bead rested on the back of his head. 

"You will not be touching his hair."

The elf snorted, then promptly began doing as they had started; a knife in their hand, reaching for the braid. Ori refused to accept that though. Their hair and beads were important, so to strip them of those was akin to stabbing a dwarf, really. 

Even so, unwillingly, Fíli was being subjected to something he shouldn't be. They had agreed that Ori was allowed to protect him, too. Given the number of weapons he previously had on him, he was being watched more than some of the other dwarves. 

Whereas, Ori was not.

So, after being ignored, he did the only thing he could readily think of; jolting forward, Ori bit the large hand at the elf's side. Someone roughly grabbed him afterwards, perhaps another elf, which set Fíli off shortly. 

"Don't touch him!" Fíli growled. 

The two of them worked together, and made a proper menace of themselves, which set the Company overall to doing much of the same. No one's beads or braids were stripped, as a result. 

However, when they were being unceremoniously thrown into cells, both Ori and Fíli in particular were grabbed by their arms. 

"Since you two like each other so much, and want to cause trouble, you both can share a cell for all I care," a voice hissed. 

Farther from the rest of the Company, they were stowed away like dirty secrets behind a wooden door that had less bars than the rest of the other cells they had seen on their way there. 

Ori settled on the bench at the back of the cell, while Fíli paced about the space they were in, like a lion forced not to be in its natural outdoor habitat.


Fíli could feel the blood thrumming through him, his heart pounding, and just the general basal displeasure of someone touching Ori so roughly, in an unwanted manner. Random touches or friendly, familiar and consensual ones, who were not from him, did nothing to him. If he were really an arse of an Alpha, he's sure they could, but they hadn't so far. 

However, this was something completely different. Had they managed to hurt Ori, he would have made them regret it. 

Time passed; at one point he could hear Thorin yelling and speaking with Balin. Everyone else shook the bars of their enclosures but he didn't bother, especially given that while the others had only bars, their holding cell had a door which likely wouldn't budge, even if he used all of his bulk. He'd rather save his strength, especially if for whatever reason Ori needed some sort of protection he might not readily be able to give, later on in their imprisonment.

Eventually the sounds died down.

He couldn't sleep though, and seemingly neither could Ori.

Ori, who hadn't said a word aloud the whole time to him, since their collective imprisonment. 

When his eyes finally met Ori's, a bit of relief swooped through him, seeing that the Omega's face did not look upset. A part of him had worried he might have annoyed him with how he had been acting out there. No; when their eyes met, his partner was smiling at him. 

Taking that as a good sign, Fíli asked, “Can I come sit with you?”

Ori nodded, then patted the spot on the bench to his right. 

Fíli came and sat down, then held out a hand which Ori took, and laced their fingers. It was then that he let out a longer exhale.

They remained in silence this way for some time before Fíli finally said, “We should probably try to get some sleep.”

“We can do that, but there's something else I want you to do first.”

Fíli glanced to his left. Ori's gaze was steady, but unassuming. Something was clearly on his mind.

“What's that?”

Ori rubbed his thumb over Fíli's for a moment, then asked, “Can I sit on you?”

Fíli nodded.

“Sure.”

Ori moved to straddle his lap. He gazed expectantly, then whispered against his ear, “Knot me and mark me.”

Fíli stilled.

“What?” he croaked.

Ori met his eyes again, the face of utter sincerity.

“You heard me, Alpha. Knot me, and mark me as yours.”

“Ori,” Fíli whined softly, against his better judgement. 

Even so, he did his most valiant attempt at not reacting to the demand quite yet. It was no small thing, what Ori was asking for, even if Fíli did want to. There were certain considerations to be made first, before he could acquiesce to what his heart, body and mind were wanting of him then.

“Right here, right now?” Fíli asked.

Ori nodded firmly.

“Yes. I want whoever comes across me to know that I'm yours; I'm choosing you. Will you have me?”

Brown eyes gazed at him openly, waiting for him to respond. 

They'd both been firmly adults for long enough that they were able to determine for themselves whether this was a good idea or not. Young in comparison to their elders they were, yes. However, each had time to live apart before coming together; if Ori thought there might be better elsewhere, he likely would have found it. 

Whereas, for Fíli, there could be no one else. He knew that though their relationship had not been long, he wanted it to last. 

Why would he seek someone else out, when Ori had become so important to him? Why would he want to bed another, when the dwarf sitting in his lap would murder for him, and he would do so for the Omega in return? Theirs was a partnership of equals, and a bond that he could only imagine strengthening over time. 

Dwarves only loved once in most cases, and to do what Ori was asking for meant he felt something strongly enough about them, that even if they weren't in love yet, he could see them being so one day. Fíli wholly agreed. 

However, there was the small matter of him being a future king, should they retake Erebor still, somehow. 

"If we survive this journey, then that would make you a future king’s consort. Are you truly okay with that?"

Ori nodded. 

"I know who you are, and what this means. I did not ask for this lightly, Fíli. However, I know that going forward, I only want you. Can the same be said in reverse?"

He swallowed, knowing there was only one answer he wished to give.

“Yes.”

“Good, then get to it,” Ori said, patting his chest softly.

It was such an impish sort of gesture, and Fíli had learned though Ori was not nearly at the level of Nori, he had his moments. 

“I would rather have this happen somewhere more comfortable for your sake, if anything.”

“I'm not a precious flower,” Ori grumbled.

Fíli couldn't help replying with, “You're precious to me, though.”

Ori smiled.

“We'll just have to do it again some other time then. Consider this practice.”

He supposed though he wished it was otherwise, there was also the chance that something could happen before they might manage to do so elsewhere. If Ori wanted him this way, then he would oblige the request, because he yearned to more than ever, truly. 

Fíli stood up and began removing a few layers for easier movement, realizing that there was no reason to deny their mutual desire for the mating. The worry of someone around was negated by the fact that no one else seemed to be awake at the moment. Even if they were, he could not hear them as he had earlier. 

Soon, only their trousers were on, and they were naked from the waist up, save for Ori’s chest binder. 

Despite the urge he felt to act on what had been asked of him, Fíli still brought Ori into a thorough kiss, and poured all of his emotions at present into that, while softly touching the rest of what he could of the smaller dwarf. His heart was knocking around inside of him like it was a part of a rockslide rather than firmly attached to him, instead.

Ori's hands were on his face, grasping his beard and his mustache, and it took everything in him not to make louder noises from that alone. Then Ori's hands were in his hair, insistently tugging and by Mahal, he was only so strong.

“Ori,” Fíli keened, panting slightly, their lips only a hair’s breadth from the other’s. 

The Omega smiled tenderly, stroking his cheeks. His eyes were warm, and full of affection as much as desire.

Meanwhile, the touches, unlike those Ori had actually bitten an elf over, were more than welcome. The reminder that this Omega, soon to be properly his, had done such a thing, filled a fire in his belly at that thought. 

They were kissing again, tangling their tongues and grasping each other anywhere they could reach. Something settled into Fíli as they were doing this; the rightness of it all, as if they were a hilt and a blade being smelted together to create one weapon. 

Eventually, Fíli carefully turned Ori around, and slid his hands over the latter's arms, drawing his partner's hands up to the wall. The sight of the scent gland had his mouth watering, knowing he would be attaching his own imprint into it. No one else could ever do this again; the Omega before him was saying he would be his, permanently. 

The thought was not displeasing, and Fíli would be lying if he said he had never thought of doing it. Granted, it had been a mere far off fantasy; not something he expected to bring to fruition anytime soon. Yet, here Ori was bowing his head in supplication, waiting for Fíli’s mouth to mark the patch of skin that would hold the form of his teeth, once he bit down properly. 

Before doing that though, he leaned forward and kissed Ori's bare shoulders. His tongue trailed over uncovered skin, too. It was by luck that they had not fallen into the murky water that Bombur had; their skin was still clean. 

Jasmine overwhelmed his nose, more than the lavender ever had. Ori's body was shivering, but he knew it wasn't from the cold; anticipation more likely, and pure need, possibly, too. 

Even so, Fíli wanted to take his time. They had it, being where they were, after all. Furthermore, if this was their first full mating bond, he wished to honor that and the dwarf who had decided he was fit to be partnered with, for the duration of their lives. 

It was nothing short of euphoria to be selected by the Omega you wanted, and had proven your worth to. Nevermind that Fíli really cared about Ori; enough that he couldn't consider claiming or marking another ever again. An Alpha and an Omega they might be, but they were also just two dwarves, choosing forever. 

Love, though not yet spoken of, was likely to come in the future. To fully mate was to say they could allow for such a thing to grow; almost an arranged marriage, of sorts. However, even if it never came, they were promising themselves to each other still; to protect, to care for, and to hold when necessary. It was an ancient ritual, and one that had been and would likely always be, so long as there were Alphas and Omegas that existed. 

The weight of time and adoration filling him, Fíli trailed his hands reverently over Ori's naked skin, where his tongue had not yet been. He squeezed and held him, his mouth remaining close to the scent gland in wait for the right moment. 

Ori's hand grasped one of his, and placed it over the hem of his trousers. Fíli obliged the request; reaching down and stroking. 

Soon, the Omega leaned further forward against the wall, making sensual noises that urged him on. Much as Fíli enjoyed those, it was likely safer if they were to remain silent. 

“I can only continue if you keep quiet, Abnâmul.”

Ori's noises softened considerably, and so, they maintained their movements together. 

Fíli finally allowed himself to rut against Ori's backside, then began to lick the scent gland, which had a number of effects, but suddenly his need to mate his partner was thrown into overdrive. 

Still, he held himself off, trying to savor the moment for what it was. 

After all but worshiping the skin beneath his touch, hearing the lovely noises that continued to escape his partner, Fíli murmured, “Know that this changes nothing; I promise to always have you like this, and never harm you at all. You’re safe with me, as I am with you.”

Ori moaned, “Fíli,” pressing back into him even more than before. Which was absolutely divine, to his ears; striking just the right note in his mind.

At that very moment, he could no longer handle waiting, and so Fíli opened his mouth, then bit down firmly. He held his teeth there; bliss and genuine overwhelm enveloping him, whilst he could feel his cock actually aching to fill his partner's dripping heat.

At his apex, Ori turned into Fíli’s left arm then surprisingly bit down on him harder than he expected. That was how the smaller dwarf weathered his orgasm, as they remained like they were. The Omega’s body stiffened, but also shook against his, whilst his mouth remained latched there.

Fíli let go of the back of Ori's neck, surveying his work. A strange thrill ran through him, seeing what he had wrought, and soon he found himself licking the scent gland, then growling, "Mine."

Ori expelled a shaky whimper, then said, "Yours, Fíli."

Fíli leaned his head against his Omega's shoulder, exhaling harsh breaths; affection, and lust coiled inside of him, tangling so much his thoughts were muddled, whilst his body remained wanton for his partner. Needing him close, still; wanting to be properly bonded by his knot. 

After drawing a few steadying breaths, he kissed Ori's shoulder, then stepped back slightly. 

When Ori finally drew far enough away that he was able to see his arm, there was a definite mark there on his bicep. It was clear teeth had pierced his skin. While it hadn’t hurt, it did shock Fíli slightly. He had asked Ori to be quiet though, and apparently that was the only way the scribe could manage. 

Neither of them were terribly concerned about that at the moment, because Ori was turning to him. His eyes were bright and full of lust, when their gazes met again.

The Omega - his Omega in truth, reached out and grasped around his neck, pulling him into a suggestive kiss, as they quickly dry humped each other. Fíli pressed Ori back against the wall, and let him feel exactly what he had caused. To which, his partner made appreciative noises that were swallowed by their liplock. 

He slid his hands down, grasping Ori's hips, and thrust hard enough that the latter was pulling away, panting against his shoulder. 

"Fill me, I'm ready. Take me, right here, please. I need you now, Ruzdul."

Oh, what hearing those words were doing to him; Fíli’s heart was pounding, and he ached to fulfill that request as quickly as possible. However, he still wanted it to be done a certain way, that was less likely to hurt Ori as they fucked.

"Let's sit, at least. You can be on my lap."

Ori's eyes were blown wide with lust, but he followed Fíli's suggestion, still. 

He had hoped that if Ori was to want this as much as he did, that they would wait until a proper bed was around. However, he would no more deny Ori this than he could have when his partner had wanted to share a bedroll with him what seemed like forever ago. An Alpha he might be, but he was wrapped around the fingers of one Omega, and he didn’t mind that as much as some more “traditionalist” sorts would have. 

Soon, he had Ori up in his arms, legs securely wrapped around his waist. The smaller dwarf made great use of that position, bringing him to straining fullness as they snogged, while pulling on Fíli’s hair and grinding against the larger body.

Breaths and whimpers quietly mingled, when they drew apart again.

Eventually, Fíli sat back down on the bench, to at least give Ori somewhat of a soft place to land. While heaving air in and out he noticed that there was still silence all around them. It was just as well for what they were about to do.

Ori slid off of him and removed anything covering below his waist then slowly did the same for Fíli, while his eyes remained locked with the taller dwarf.

Soon, Ori was on top of him again, hovering over his near fully attentive member.

“Ready?” Ori asked, eyes unwavering, but full of fondness as much as his own apparent want. 

Fíli nodded. 

“Only if you are.”

To that, Ori responded by slowly lowering himself onto the then dripping cock. Fíli had to close his eyes and lean back against the wall behind him for a moment, because it all felt so truly exquisite. He didn't want to miss what was happening though; especially not this first knotting. They had been so careful and now it was happening.  

When he opened his eyes, Ori was staring down at where their bodies were incrementally conjoining, and the sight made Fíli moan openly before he could stop himself. Ori froze for a moment, but then resumed the descent and soon he was buried to the hilt inside his partner's heat.

Fíli reached out and grasped each side of Ori's torso, then they began rocking together and kissing as they did. Lithe hands were in his hair shortly, grasping for purchase, as they thrust against each other.

The rhythm was quicker than anything they'd done, but that was necessary, given where they were. That and there was a deep-rooted need driving them, it seemed. 

They were an Alpha and an Omega, bonding together properly; Ori was allowing this as much as Fíli was. However, it was more fantastic knowing Ori had come to him, once they had protected each other, and wanted that after.

The longer they moved together the thicker he could feel himself growing. Despite their clear desire to tumble over the edge together, it was taking longer than Fíli had expected. It was okay though; the feeling of filling Ori like this was perfect, in a way he couldn't have anticipated until they had done it. Despite where they were, he was glad it was happening once more.

He wanted everyone to know that Ori was his as much as the other way around. He was allowed to want that now; the Omega on top of him mewling his name against his skin, said as much as they continued to draw together. 

After what felt like eons, though beautiful, warm ones, Fíli felt his length fully stiffening. Immediately Ori's mouth was clamping down in the crook of his neck, screaming against his skin as he spilled his seed inside of him. 

His eyes did water a bit, as sweat was dripping from the sides of his head, while he continued the decisive, upward thrusts. The knot was fully formed, and then, it attached firmly into Ori.

Fíli’s eyes rolled into the back of his head, as he leaned against the wall behind him, while he exhaled a heavy sigh. He wanted to shout or do anything else but Ori had already made more than enough noise for the both of them. 

Waves of pleasure slammed into Fíli, as orgasm after orgasm spilled out between them. Ori was grasping his biceps, whimpering softly where his mouth remained. He held the Omega, unwilling to let go unless asked, as they were at last able to have simultaneous relief. 

Eventually, Ori sat up, and looked a bit contrite, even as they were still waiting out the remainder of the knot to flatten again.

Ori grimaced. 

“Does the bite on your neck hurt?”

Fíli considering lying about it. However, he wasn't the sort, so he nodded.

"It does."

Ori’s eyes filled with worry. 

“I'm so sorry, Fíli.”

Fíli shook his head.

“It's okay. I didn't mind, really. I gave you one of your own so now we're matching.”

“Mine didn’t hurt to receive though.”

“You won’t break me.”

Ori looked unconvinced still, but he just shook his head too, then laid it down beneath Fíli's chin, and sighed.

“That was amazing.”

Fíli smiled, the post-orgasm haze addling his thoughts a bit.

“For me, too.”

Ori nodded at Fíli's assertion.

Then, the latter was kissing the top of Ori's head, holding him close through the wait. His partner nestled against him, grasping him closer in return. They remained quiet, their breathing slowly leveling out together. 

Finally, Fíli felt his knot disappear.

“We should disentangle and clean up as best we can.”

Ori exhaled in a contented fashion, then began to remove himself from the embrace not long after.

The two made quick work of everything, and soon, they were re-clothed, then wrapping around each other as best they could be huddled in a corner. Fíli's whole body was bracketed around the smaller dwarf, who leaned into his chest and seemed to take comfort in the way his Alpha surrounded him.

Sleep found Fíli easily, holding Ori that way; it was as much a comfort, as it was a coalescence of an Alpha and an Omega.


Thorin was sitting alone in his cell, which might not have been his, had either Fíli or Ori not instigated what they had. He was grateful they had each other though. 

Thranduil, of course, had been cruel.

While Thorin did not much care for Elrond, Thranduil was an altogether worse sort; he had turned his back on the dwarves of Erebor in their time of suffering. Whereas, at least Lord Elrond had opened his home to them, giving them comfort before they continued on. Whether the Beta had agreed with their quest, he hadn’t openly made an attempt to physically force them not to leave Rivendell.

The same could not be said for certain other elves.

Thorin had not lost all faith though; his Omega, their burglar, was nowhere to be seen. Which meant he could be anywhere. He had no doubt that Bilbo would turn up, just as he had done once before. 

Hobbits really were light on their feet. 

His assumptions proved to be correct when he was jolted from sleep by a familiar hand on his shoulder, and the scent of honeysuckle wafting over him. 

Thorin smiled, gazing up at Bilbo, whose own look was soft when their eyes met.

"I knew you'd find me."

Bilbo nodded, returning the smile right back. 

"It took me a while, but I managed well enough."

"How is everyone else?"

Bilbo shrugged.

"As well as they can be, at the moment. It's late, but I thought I'd sleep here, then continue searching for a way out."

Thorin nodded, opening his arms up for his Omega to enter them. 

Bilbo curled up in his bulk, and sighed. 

"That Thranduil is simply awful."

Thorin snorted, burying his nose into the hobbit's hair, and inhaling the familiar scent of him. 

After he exhaled, Thorin said, "Yes. He is not a pleasant sort. Do not concern yourself with him, Ghivashel. Only us escaping. Whether we are here or not, Thranduil is who he is, and while I wish that would change, it hasn't in the many years I have lived. So, we must find our own method of escape, and continue on, away from his influence." 

Bilbo remained quiet for a tick, then peered up at him. 

He repeated the Khuzdul word Thorin had said shakily, like it was the only thing he had heard. 

"What does that mean?"

Thorin grinned, reaching out to stroke Bilbo’s cheek. Being even partially bonded, explaining that was allowed at last.

"It is an endearment, meaning treasure of all treasures."

Bilbo's eyebrows rose, and the cheek visible to Thorin pinked a bit. He bent down and kissed it, while allowing his hand to wrap around the smaller body’s waist. 

A soft noise escaped Bilbo, as Thorin trailed his nose on the Omega's face. 

"Sleep, Ghivashel. You need your strength, and the guard will return soon. If Thranduil has any dignity left at all, he shall at least feed us."

"Okay. What about you, though?" Bilbo asked, his mouth expelling a yawn, shortly after.

"I'll rest when you've left me. Do not worry."

Bilbo soon did as he suggested, while Thorin leaned back, hoping all of his assurances would not prove to be false.


Bilbo spent days searching around.

This led to some awkward situations, including learning that the Elven king had a partner, or at least a lover. An Alpha, definitely. 

While slipping past an open door, he was treated to the sight of Thranduil being taken by a Man, with long dark hair. He had stumbled upon the pair purely by accident.

While he crept past the wide open threshold, he heard, "What a needy Omega you are. Who would have thought?"

If he didn't know any better, Bilbo might have considered the words as tender. Regardless, what he did know, was that Thranduil had definitely not been speaking, which meant he was an Omega. 

That was interesting. 

Filing that information away for later, Bilbo slipped off as more noises escaped the Elven king. The hobbit hoped Thranduil was so consumed by his lust he wouldn't hear him leave. 

After that particularly enlightening incident, he was more careful where he tread. 

Bilbo did stop and eat every few days though, pilfering from the tables of their captors, then resting out of the way afterwards. He would make no apologies about that, because none of them seemed too worried, spare the bare minimum necessities, for the dwarves they had imprisoned. 

Except, there was one who did, he soon realized. 

An Alpha elf, who had taken a liking to one of their own; Kíli. 

A part of Bilbo wondered if he should tell Thorin, while another did not wish to meddle where it was unnecessary. It seemed harmless, all things considered, where she and Kíli were talking for hours. He noticed also that over time, Tauriel was ensuring that the dwarves were better fed, and less micromanaged. 

Once discovering that development, he determined that Tauriel could prove to be an ally. 

That only became more apparent once he heard her threatening Legolas.

"You will not touch him," Tauriel said, her voice laced with a demand, verging on an actual growl.

"Tauriel, no," Legolas begged, his voice sounding almost strained with a forlorn whine. 

She shook her head, the waves of straight red hair that cascaded down her back swaying with the movement, as she did. 

"You may question me about many things, as you are my prince. However, you will not touch him, mellon."

There was a long silence, then Legolas nodded, bowing his head to the Captain. 

"As you wish, Tauriel."

Bilbo's eyebrows rose, as he watched the Elven prince walk away, metaphorically looking as if he had a tail hanging between his legs. 

In his wake, Tauriel sighed. 

She turned away from where she had been watching the elf prince's exit, seeming to search for something. Eventually, she said, "I know you are there. I do not know what you are, but I can smell you nearby."

Bilbo sucked in a breath, which was audible, because her green eyes were piercing the air where he stood after. 

He glanced around, noticing they were alone. 

So, he turned, and pocketed the ring. Afterwards, he faced Tauriel, again. 

"Hello."

Tauriel's eyebrows knitted in confusion. 

"What are you?"

"A hobbit, and I believe we might be able to help each other."

Tauriel pursed her lips. 

"You're with the dwarves, aren't you?"

Bilbo nodded, smiling a bit. 

She raised an eyebrow, after looking him up and down, as if assessing him. 

"They all treat you well?"

Bilbo nodded again, vehemently. 

"Yes. They are not what some would believe, and I will have you know, that dwarves overall deserve more respect than they have been given. Certainly here, to say the least."

Tauriel nodded, then sighed.  

"You are correct. What have you got in mind?"

Bilbo considered how much he wished to tell her, then settled on the truth. 

"Would you be willing to aid an escape attempt? Kíli, nor any of the rest of us, deserve to be imprisoned here. It is atrocious, and whether you agree or not, just know, I will be releasing them, somehow."

It was going out on a limb, but he needed more support. 

Tauriel was silent, staring at him. 

In the end, she nodded. 

"Give me time, and I will figure something out. Until then, stay hidden, please."

"That I can do."

"Good."

"Thank you, Tauriel."

She shook her head. 

"Do not thank me yet. We haven't even managed it."

Bilbo smiled. 

"Maybe not, but I've seen the way you look at Kíli, and how he looks at you. That sort of potential bond can make an Alpha do many things."

Her eyes widened. 

"Your secret is safe with me. Just do right by him, and you have nothing to fear."

She considered him warily, but eventually nodded once more. 

"I will keep that in mind. Thank you."

So, that day an alliance was formed, which proved to be useful when the Feast of Starlight occurred, and there was an opening for the Company to leave Mirkwood at last. 

In barrels, they were swept away, and then there were orcs. 

Bilbo was mostly drowned during the fight that ensued, but by the time they reached the shore, he was pulling a waterlogged Thorin out of his barrel, getting him to his feet. 

"Let's get to it, love; this is your quest, after all." 

Thorin was letting the water fall out of his ears, when Bilbo heard a low growl. He turned to see Fíli stepping in front of Ori, who had a bow trained directly at his face by the Alpha that he had seen before, shagging Thranduil.

Notes:

Khuzdul:
Abnâmul - Beautiful
Ghivashel - Treasure of all treasures
Ruzdul - Sunny/sun-like

Sindarin:
Mellon - Friend