(Bilbo)

That night the Company had surprisingly fallen asleep rather quickly. Despite being in the home or den rather of the ferocious bear-man, they had seemed to lull asleep from our long race-worthy trek to escape the Orcs and bear the entirety of the day. Still, I myself can't seem to find sleep despite the weight on my eyes. Laying in the moderately comfy hay I glance around making sure no one was awake or spying. Seeing all sleeping eyes I sigh relieved, however, I notice that Thorin's spot across the way is empty as well as the young ladies who had taken it upon herself to keep watch. It doesn't take a brilliant mind to see the affections she has for Thorin, nor is it hard to miss whatever feelings he has for her. Perhaps he would call it an obligation or just plain chivalry, but I doubt the latter comes that naturally to any Dwarf man without some feeling involved. Fantastic, I can feel my newfound golden ring I stole from the cave dweller, Gollum, in my pocket, and yet curiosity about the King and lady's whereabouts has piqued my interest more so. I know Thorin is not the sort in the least to take advantage of any lady, but still, I do know him to be quite a blunt and hard-headed individual, and my dear friend Elena is quite the sensitive sort to rough words. She may put on a brave face, but the mask doesn't stay up for long. It troubles me to think of her affections being shot down so harshly or cooly by the King, however, with the way he is around her and the way he speaks to her so tenderly, I think any denial of his affection towards her would be a complete and utter lie.

(Elena)

Sitting up on the rooftop of the house my eyes scan the field and surrounding woods. There is no movement, sound, or scurry. I can't even see the giant bear man who I am sure is roaming somewhere in the woods. I wouldn't be surprised if he were watching me now, but, I suppose better the bear than the Orcs. Still, there is an uncomfortable air filtering through the night surrounding me. Luckily I have the shining stars above for company. 

"Still awake I see."

I turn my head to the rooftop door that is now open and Thorin climbs up and through. He grunts a little managing to slowly but surely push himself through and make it to the rooftop. I smile at him seeing a small smirk on his mouth as he glances down at me before taking a seat right next to me. 

"What are you doin' up so late?" I ask as Thorin settles in his spot.

He looks out to the field with a slight shake of his head "I do not know. Perhaps I'm too tired to sleep." he says with a snort.

I hum a little amused but frown seeing the weight of his eyes and the tenseness in his shoulders and arms. 

"Ah, you just missed my company is all." I remark sarcastically with a smile. 

Thorin looks over meeting my eyes and an amused smile spreads across his face. He too laughs at my remark as we both chuckle. It makes me feel good to make him laugh. To see him smile is even better. I feel like he hasn't done this quite that often over his lifetime. Even before the dragon.

"Well, I suppose you are right." he remarks almost awkwardly avoiding me as if he's embarrassed to say so.

I myself blush averting my eyes straight above us to the stars. Gazing at them for a moment in the silence I feel Thorin shift a little closer to me. He too is looking up to the Havens to gaze into the shimmering night.

"Do you have someone Lady Elena?" Thorin asks in the midst of our pondering and in awe gazes.

I feel my heart and stomach flip simultaneously at his sudden and rather personal question. Swallowing feeling the dryness in my throat I look back at Thorin's still smiling face, however, his eyes are intently glued to me awaiting my answer.

Feeling my face turn red I release I nervous laugh "Aah, I-uh, well, no. No, I don't."

"I do believe you are lying." he remarks with a chuckle.

I scoff "Lying? Why in the world would I lie about that?"

Thorin chuckles leaning closer to me "I do not know, but, the moment I ask your face became red and you stammered more so than usual."

"Maybe it was just an odd and unexpected question."

"Still, why did it perplex you so?"

I laugh "Why is this so important to you?"

"Maybe I just want to get to know you better. Is that so bad?" he asks leaning in even closer with that bright damnable smile of his. 

Blushing I turn away trying not to laugh in embarrassment but I take in a breath and look back "There is no one back home. Over my lifetime there has never been one for me. Not yet anyway."

Thorin's amused face quickly falls looking as if he almost pities me. Gosh, why is he looking at me like that? It's embarrassing enough but now he feels sorry for me? Ugh, this is humiliating. Better if I breeze by it now. I smirk "But, hey, it doesn't bother me not-"

"I find that hard to believe." he remarks interrupting me "If I may be so bold."

I scoff a little brushing my bangs from my eyes "Why is that so hard to believe?"

My heart jumps and begins to race as I feel his hand touch mine. Looking down I watch as Thorin's large strong hands encase mine squeezing tightly. Daring to look back up I meet his eyes. With his intense and fierce eyes looking back at me he speaks ever so softly and intently "Who wouldn't want you, Elena? Even the falling stars above stop just to get a glimpse."

Before I can catch it, an audible gasp leaves my lips. My hand grips Thorin's back as if his own words had frightened me. Truthfully, they did. The moment he said it my heart, mind, and soul all leaped in a frightened yet joyous bound all at once. Now, the pounding of my own heart is the only sound in the silent starry night around us. Thorin's gaze still remains with me. Never moving, faltering, or changing. No matter how shocked, embarrassed, or awe-struck I am by his words I can't look away. I dare to not even breathe afraid of what may or may not happen next. The most dreaded thing that I feel is that I'm taking his words and their meaning wrong and the fact that there are large tears built in my eyes. Now my dimly lit image of Thorin's face staring back at me is distorted and blurred by the sudden rushing waves of tears that are on the cuff of spilling over. Just as the streams flow down my cheeks Thorin's warm hands grasp my face wiping them away as quickly as they fall. He stops me from turning away and forcing me to once more meet his unwavering gaze. Before I can speak I see the gentle smile on Thorin's lips just before he leans in planting his on my own. My eyes flutter closed as tears flow down my cheeks, but there is not a drop of sadness in me. All thought, reason, and worry slowly melt away by his kiss and touch of his hand. Slowly his hands travel into my hair and hold the back of my neck pulling me ever closer to him. While his grip on me is firm his kiss is gentle and tender. Like some wonderful gift, I have never been given before. As long as his lips are on mine I savor and take it all in. My body still trembles but my lips move with his and experience small epic collisions when needed. My own trembling hands find his shirt as I grip his tunic like I'm almost afraid to fall, but, I am falling. I'm falling for him. I'm falling in love with Thorin. 

Thorin holds me to him tightly locked in the kiss. When he parts his lips from mine in almost a painful turn I can feel his shoulders relax and his forehead press to my own. I don't dare open my eyes or move a muscle. Still, he holds the back of my neck and his other hand cupping my cheek. Despite the lingering silence between us I can't help but smile a little in joy and contentment. My heart still beats out of my chest, but I keep my wits. Mustering up the courage I mutter "W-what was that?"

Thorin hesitates but I hear the smile in his voice "I believe it is called a kiss."

I snicker still keeping my eyes shut "I-I know that, but, why did you do it?"

"I don't know."

I bite my lip nervously pushing to dare ask the now looming question "Did you mean it? 

Thorin is silent and I feel the dread and sadness begin to creep up on me. I knew it was too good to be true. I can only hope this is some dream I will wake up to on the roof. I fear that his affections are just my imagination, but as Thorin's thumb gently strokes my cheek I open my eyes to meet his. Smiling back at me with his adoring gaze he says, "Every bit of it."