Imagine: Alex is reading a book on her own when Thorin asked if he could join her. He makes one final request - would she read to him??

Author's note: Thorin managed to avoid the gold sickness and the battle of the five armies never happens.

Alex's P.O.V

So much had happened since I joined the Company of Thorin Oakenshield: the long and leg exhausting journey to the Lonely Mountain, dealing with the elves and people of Lake Town, stealing the Arkenstone from the treasury with Bilbo, defeating Smaug and rebuilding Erebor - as well as helping Lake Town repair the damage that damn dragon had caused. All seemed to be rather....peaceful now. Thorin had stepped up and became the King that he is, beginning to rule and handle all of the things that would restore the peace, as well as his home. Ever since we had killed Smaug, however, I hadn't seen the leader as he was so busy; we all had out jobs to deal with - from helping the villagers in Lake Town to cleaning up Erebor - but the dwarf king was always on the move, either locked away in his study handling the stacked up paper work or attending meets with other rulers who came to visit to make deals. I, myself, had been hurrying around to help with whatever I could, though I mostly tended to the wounded with Bilbo and Ori; the hobbit, much like myself, had agreed to stay in Erebor for a while until all was sorted. Gandalf had left for Rivendell. A memorial took place for those who were taken to soon due to Smaug's violent attack - the bodies which hadn't burnt to ashes by the fire breathing dragon were buried not too far from either Lake Town or Erebor; I had helped with digging the many graves - it was an extremely emotional experience. One of which Fili and Kili also helped with. Today was no different when it came to how busy we all were. I had checked on the wounded after having some breakfast and was in the middle of sweeping and clearing some of the paths within Lake Town, along side some of the healthy town folk, when....well I'm not too sure of what actually happened but Bard - who was next to me at the time as he also helped with the digging and sweeping - said I had seemed to faint for a split moment before managing to snap myself out of it. Thankfully, Bard had noticed how my eyes rolled to the back of my head as he stopped momentarily to look over as he told a joke; I'm sure I would have laughed as he surprisingly has some of the best jokes - he and the young princes would get along greatly. But I began to fall to the floor as I lost consciousness. Not wanting me to hurt myself by the impact of the fall, Bard lunged forward and managed to catch my limb body, holding me up as I blinked my eyes repetitively to come back to reality.

Concerned, the King of Dale stayed with me, holding a supportive arm around my waist until I was able hold myself up on my own feet - he had asked someone to bring me some water; I thanked him but told him I was fine - my attempted reassurance wasn't believed of course. Couldn't say I blamed him. Once he had made sure I had drank the entire cup of water, Bard practically ordered me to return to Erebor and rest "it's clear you've been working nearly twenty four seven" he stated, his voice lased with worry - we had become good friends since he helped the Company and I when we first met "you're making yourself ill Alex!!". I knew he was right. I had been coming out to check on the wounded every three to four hours, helping with the large clean up and assisted with the rebuild of Erebor - I had even been checking on nearly everyone within the Company, as well as Bard, to make sure they were taking care of themselves by eating warm decent meals and not staying up late so that they could get at least seven hours of sleep at night. Yet here I was, getting up through out the night to continue with my main job, only getting around two to three hours of sleep each night and missing out on meals. Knowing I wasn't going to win this, as well as the fact that the King was right, I handed over my shovel and made my way back towards the Lonely Mountain - not so lonely anymore in my opinion. Upon returning to Erebor, I ate a ham sandwich and drank some milk which the royal cook kindly and happily prepared for me - it seemed he had also noticed my meal skips - before proceeding to walk through the many hallways until I found myself in my large and royal bed chambers which Thorin had cleaned up and given me to live in whilst I stayed with them. I attempted to sleep for a bit, succeeding with two hours, until I accepted that was all I was getting; I knew I wasn't allowed to work today - King Bard's strict orders - so I grabbed a book I had found when helping with cleaning and arranging the enormous library within the mountain. It was a childhood favourite of mine - about a beautiful woman who falls in love with a cursed prince after he locks her up in his castle due to her father stealing something from him....I know, it sound more like stockholm syndrome but it's so romantic, sweet and hold a good message to all - don't fall in love with someone based on looks, but on what they are like on the inside. There personality. 

Anyway, once I had the book in hand, I left my room once again and made my way to a place I had discovered during the clean up - it was just outside of Erebor, hidden at the side and far from Lake Town. A large oak tree stood strong, allowing the sunlight to seep through it's branches and leaves; I loved the place already. Upon reaching the described place, I sat myself on the ground, my back firmly pressed against the trunk as I opened the book and began to read; only ten minutes passed by before I found myself completely lay down on the floor, my head resting on top of my cloak that I was using as a pillow. The book was in one hand as I read whilst the other rested on top of my stomach. For once....I felt at peace. 

Thorin's P.O.V

Rubbing my forehead, I finished signing the last piece of paper that had been mounting up; I sat back in chair as I stretched my stiff body. Since defeating Smaug, I had rarely managed to find a moment of peace where I could relax; I was either dealing with the paperwork which I had just completed, meeting with visiting rulers in order to make deals and agreements for shipping's and trades, helping with the rebuilding of Erebor, as well as Lake Town, and attended the memorial night that all of the citizens of the neighbouring town and the Company had arranged. I was so tired and just wanted to rest, though there was something more important I wanted to to do - visit Hunter. Whenever I saw her which was extremely brief, Alex was busy on her feet doing a multiple of jobs and helping people; she was normally with or going to the area that the wounded had been based. Though I had sometimes noticed her assisting with both clean ups for Lake Town and Erebor. The both of us were extremely busy and hadn't properly seen nor spoken to one another since defeating Smaug; that one realisation put me in a bad mood. When I had heard that Alex was going to stay until all was well again and arranged, I couldn't help but feel overjoyed until I remembered that she would be leaving once both clean ups were done and all was rebuild. That...That broke something in me. All of a sudden, a knock on the door snapped me out of my deep thoughts; I looked up from my desk as the door opened to reveal my two nephews. I held back a sigh as they approached my desk, though it was nice to see them "what is it??" I asked as I folded my arms across my chest; Fili lifted up his hand to reveal a small envelope "Bard asked if we would bring this over to you" he explained before his brother spoke up "seemed rather urgent and serious". Raising a brow, I stood up and walked around my desk until I was in front of the two; I took the envelope as I asked how both clean ups were going "not too bad, Lake Town are finishing with the blocked paths" Kili explained "and the rest of the Company finished cleaning and arranging the first three levels of the mountain". Sounded good. "And how are the wounded??" I asked, once again folding my arms across my chest with the envelope in my hand; Fili explained how the injured and hurt were healing nicely, especially with Ori, Bilbo and Alex's help "good, good". A few seconds passed as my nephews seemed to wait for something - this earned yet another raised brow "...anything else I should know??" I asked; they shook their heads "no...other than whatever is in that letter". Seeming to realise what they wanted, I sent the boys out of my study "get back to work" I hid my smirk; they sulked as they reluctantly left the room. Shaking my head with a chuckle, I began to open the envelope and read the letter; its contents was worrying. 

'Thorin,

I wanted to raise my concerns to you about about the young lady, Alex Hunter. Early, when she was helping with clearing the paths within Lake Town, Alex began to faint. I managed to catch her before she could fall. I sent her back to Erebor and told her to rest for the remainder of the day. 

It is more than clear she has been neglecting her own health in order to help both your people and my own - especially the wounded. Without issue, she has checked on the wounded every two to three hours since the defeat of Smaug - this does not allow her to have the correct amount sleep that she needs. Additionally, I have my suspicions that she is skipping her meals. 

I hope, as you have known Alex longer than myself and know her better, that you could talk with her and make sure she is taking care of herself as she should.

Kind regards, Bard.

My eyes were wide as I read the letter. I couldn't believe Alex was doing this to herself!! Who am I kidding?? It's Alex!! She puts everyone in front of her, even if she doesn't know them!! I should have realised this and checked on her. I needed to find Alex!! Making my way out of the study and through the mountain, I soon reached the room I had ordered to be prepared for her and knocked on the door; there was no reply which made my worry increase - I opened the door and peeked inside to see no one was there. So where was Alex?? Bard's letter said he had sent her back to rest, yet she wasn't in her bed chambers; I began to ask around if anyone had seen the young woman. A very rare few had within Erebor - that was until I bumped into Gloin; I asked him the same question, to which he thankfully nodded "I saw her heading towards the side of the mountain". A soon as I heard the words, I thanked my friend before rushing off; I knew exactly where Hunter was - she was at my favourite place within Erebor. The old oak tree. It was my favourite place to spent my free time when I wished to relax or have some alone time before Smaug attacked and took over. Eventually, I found myself walking the familiar path until I caught sight of the symbolic oak tree; I scanned the area until my eyes landed on the missing human - she was lay on the ground, next to the tree as she read a book. A smile formed on my lips at how peaceful and relaxed the young woman looked, though I could see the slightly dark bags under her eyes whilst the rest of her face seemed rather pale; I wanted to take the sight away and make her look and feel like she did before all of this busy work came about. Approaching the tree, I stopped until I was only a step away from the human; my shadow cast over her which made her look away from the book in her hand and up at me. A smile instantly formed on Alex's face as her eyes landed on me - it made my heart warm in my chest "hey Thorin" she greeted; I knelt next to the twenty five year old as I returned the greeting. Alex asked if I were alright and how all of the meetings and paperwork was going - how did she know about that?? I briefly explained how all was good and that I had completed all of the paperwork only ten minutes ago "though I'd like to ask why Bard felt the need to send me a letter because you've not been looking after yourself??". Alex sighed as she rested the book on her stomach, careful to not lose her page "I...I'm fine honestly" she tried to insist; I raised a brow "you fainted Alex!!That tells me you're not fine!!". How could she try to reassure me that she was okay when she had passed out?! "I also know you haven't been sleeping because you've been checking on the wounded every two to three hours" I informed, earning yet another sigh "I'm sorry" she looked away from me "...I...I just want to make sure everyone is okay....and that you and the other rebuilt Erebor so that you had your home again". 

The words I heard leave the young woman's mouth hit me like a ton of bricks. Alex was willing and wanting to put her own health at risk just so that everyone else who was around her was healing well, eating decent sized warm meals, drinking enough water to stay hydrated through out the day, heck she was even telling people to stop working and to get some sleep when she saw they still handling a job late at night!! I honestly didn't know what to say but  I also didn't want to leave her. My eyes landed on the book that she had rested on her stomach when an idea popped into my head, as well my exhaustion caught up with me within that moment "...mind if I join you??" I asked, seeming to surprise Alex as she returned my gaze once again "this used me be my favourite place before Smaug attacked all those years ago" I explained. A graceful and understanding smile appeared on the twenty five year old's face as she nodded her head "of course, you look like you could use a break anyway" she moved over a little bit so that I had room to either sit or lie down next to her; that was when yet another idea came to mind - it was more of a risk though. Taking my place beside Alex, I lay down before moving so that a part of my body was resting on the human's side, my head resting on her shoulder before I closed my eyes.

Alex's P.O.V

My eyes widened as Thorin suddenly lay half of his body on top of mine, his head finding its place on my shoulder. This wasn't like the King under the Mountain. He was never one to be so....physically close. Had be become good friends?? Yes. Was I over the moon by it?? Absolutely. And to be honest....I wasn't about to protect to what he was doing. I looked down to the dwarves face to find his eyes closes which allowed me to analyses his face - he looked completely exhausted which made me realise something. Just like me, Thorin hadn't been looking after himself. "You haven't been eating either...have you??" he asked, his eyes remaining closed; I was startled by the question - how the hell did he know?! As if he could read my mind, Thorin spoke up once again "you feel much skinnier" he explained as he gently draped his arms over my stomach which made me move the book "I had wrapped my arms around you when I helped you out of the barrel after we escaped from the elves in Mirkwood...you weren't this skinny and bony". He was right of course. "What about you?? You've lost weight too, you're always busy, you're seen going to your room until early in the morning before leaving three hours later" I stated - I had asked around and had seen this myself "you don't look after yourself just as much as I don't". Finally, Thorin opened his eyes as he looked up to me "then we both need to change the way we're treating ourselves, though I am a king which makes it more difficult for me" he reasoned; that statement was perfect....until he reached the word "though" and so one. I chuckled as I shook my head "and here's me thinking you finally understood my opinions on royalty and those who have major responsibilities" he sent me a look of confusion "Thorin, I don't care if you're a king or if you're a pauper" I reminded "you are still a person who needs to take care of himself, especially if people rely on you to make important decisions". He listened carefully to the words I spoke "and the fact that you're someone I care about means I'll make sure you do so until I know you will willingly and without an issue" that was a promise; Thorin was clearly taken back by my determined statement as he stared at my serious yet gentle face. 

"You'll make sure of it, huh?? How so??" he asked with a smirk, seeming to test my words; I chuckled, rather amused - he really could be like his nephews some times - as I thought on a reply. "Well....to make sure you eat and drink a good amount, I guess I'll join you for your meals" I figured; Thorin held his smirk as he seemed to think "would you be doing the same to make sure I sleep as well??" he asked. I stared at him in the eyes, still rather amused by his question but showed some seriousness "if that's what it takes, yes". The king slowly nodded his head, understanding what I was staying as he returned his head to my shoulder - though he left his arm draped over my stomach "what book are you reading??" he asked, dramatically changing the subject; I fondly rolled my eyes as I told him the books title - he seemed to think for a moment "I don't think I've read that one". I smiled as I lifted the book to continue my previous activity when Thorin's voice once again stopped me, though I hardly minded "could you...read to me??" he asked; I couldn't deny I was surprised by his request, but as I looked down at his face - eyes closed once again, a small smile tracing his lips - I couldn't bring myself to so no either. Not that I wanted to or was going to anyway. "Sure" I smiled before deciding to start the book from the very beginning - I had only reached chapter six anyway. Subconsciously, I began to run my fingers through Thorin's long and soft hair, careful not to disturb the braids, as I read in a low, hushed and soothing tone - just loud enough for the dwarf to hear. I felt him circle his index finger on my stomach through my dress - the corset I normally wore was destroyed during the battle against Smaug, though it was a little comfier. I called the damn thing the organ crusher for a reason after all. 

Hours passed by before Thorin and I decided to go to get some dinner with the rest of the Company. We had lay under the oak tree, cuddled up together as I read for most of the day. One of the most relaxing day I had ever experienced and I could tell the dwarf king would agree. Of course, they all asked where we had vanished off too; we both had a believable excuse - I was ordered to rest and Thorin was in his chambers catching up on sleep. I was actually a little bit worried that the others would be annoyed with us both having a day off from working and helping; it was a surprise with they each smiled and showed their clear relief. Turns out word had spread that I had fainted and they had all become worried for me. And they had each noticed how Thorin wasn't sleeping and was rarely eating so they were happy to know he had caught up on his missed sleep. I stood up from my place at the table once I finished my delicious food "I'm going to go check up on the wounded" I announced, earning many nods as this was what I normally did; I went to leave when Thorin grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards him - close enough so that he could whisper into my ear without anyone else hearing. "I guess I'll see you tonight in my chambers" he smirked - I knew what he was doing and I couldn't help my cheeks turn a light shade of pink; I tried to cover it with a smirk of my own "indeed you will". And with that, I left the dining room with a confident skip in my step. Was I dancing on the inside for being able to make the King under the Mountain blush and catch his breath in his throat?? Absolutely!! And if in two hours time, I made my way to Thorin's sleeping chambers?? No one else but himself and I needed to know. After all, I do whatever it takes to make sure people are okay and healthy - especially for those I care about.