#dwali

You hope he would turn around and look after Thorin. After all he was the one who got hurt the most. He didn’t. Dwalin remained painfully close, staring down at you.

“Aye, good then.” He nods after a few moments. “Give me your pack. I will arrange your things. You should go and have a bath.” Without waiting for your answer he lifts the heavy pack of your shoulders and walks towards the other side of the room.

Stunned you blink at him. Maybe it was hope speaking, but his actions nearly seemed to be caring. Considering that he had been the loudest one arguing against you coming on this quest. Was this eventually more than only looking out for a female? Maybe even a hint of interest? Courting?!

Your face heats up rapidly. Well, he was more than just a bit attractive. He was strong and considerate, kind and protective.

“Hey, Y/N! What is wrong? You look like you have a fever. Should Oin check you over?” Fili called across the room.

With wide eyes you stare at the young prince, feeling caught red handed. Actually there was nothing to be afraid of, or feeling ashamed for. Still…

“Oh, shut up…” you mutter, fleeing the scene towards the back door. A cool bath would be the best for now.

Bofur, who had been the first one scouting their surroundings had mentioned something of a river in the back of the garden. A cold bath would be the best thing right now.

~~~

The evening went by almost uneventful. Beorn was an amazing host. It had startled you at first that the animals around were much larger and so intelligent. They had shown you around and even prepared dinner.

It had been quite some time for you and the rest of the company to rest peacefully. Here there were no wargs, orcs, goblins or trolls sitting in your neck. Thorin had been hurt the worst, but you as well as the others felt the complete extend of your smaller wounds, bruises and the strain your muscles and bones had endured.

You decided to sleep early. Everything in your body ached, but the soft hay made up for it. It took some time to get comfortable and it had nothing to do with the familiar bedroll nearest to you, definitely not!

In the middle of the night you woke. Looking around you could spot the better part of the company. Drowsy you stand up, making your way over your companions, stepping on one or two of them and earning a few displeased grunts.

Blinking in the dim light you enter the kitchen, searching for something to drink. You bump into something warm and very muscular. Looking up you stare directly into Dwalins face.

Taking one step back you get a better look at him. He was shirtless. And hell was he muscular! You blush slightly, hoping he wouldn’t notice in the dark room.

“Why are you up, Y/N?” he asks in a low rumble.

“Just thirsty.” You mumble back still staring at his chest.

He turns around, reaching behind him and you stare at his bare back. Like streaks of silver small and bigger scars part his dark skin. You are dazed by the image and reach out, nearly touching him.

“If I could kiss away all your scars.” You say like in a trance.

A large hand catches yours and a mug falls clattering to the ground. You snap out of it, head yanking up to meet his eyes.

‘He didn’t hear that, did he?’ you think, blushing more furiously.

“You are so cute when you are half asleep like that, Y/N.” His hoarse voice washes over you, sending a shiver down your spine.

“I… well, I am-“ you swallow, trying to subdue the nervous flutter in your chest.

“I think I might falling in love with you!” you suddenly blurt out.

Silence. Even the snoring of the other dwarrows died down. You said it. Holding your breath you try to to look everywhere but at Dwalin. His grip loosens.

So it had been just an illusion then. You pull your hand out of his and hastily make your way back to your bedroll. No longer thirty at all, only highly embarrassed and dejected. Turning your back to Dwalins bedroll and forcefully shutting your eyes, ignoring the heavy footstepps and the thud of a body setting near you. You could nearly feel his gaze stinging in your neck.

~~~

The next morning came faster than you wanted it to. You hadn’t been able to sleep at all. Dark circles under your eyes and a deadly expression on your face you slump into your seat. Furthest away from Dwalin and glowering at the filled plate in front of you.

The lively conversations around you die down. Kili made an attempt to talk to you, but a loving hit from his brother made him close his mouth again.

A hollow thud from across the table made you look up. It seemed that Dori had nudged Dwalin, pretty hard, into the side. The warrior rubbed the sore spot, glancing at you.

“Y/N… I- about yesterday,” his voice trails of.

He stands up and walks around the table, stopping by your side. Inhaling he puffs out his chest and straightens his back, locking his eyes with yours.

“I am sorry.” Your heart drops, was he about to tell you of in front of everyone?! With wide eyes you clench your fists even tighter.

“Ah, no. This was definitely the wrong words to choose.” He clears his throat, scratching his neck. “Y/N, would you grant me the honour to court you?”

You gasp at his words, nodding frantically, not able to speak or hear the cheering and congratulations. Dwalin sweeps you off the chair and gently hugs you, whispering ‘Sanûrzud‘ into your ear.