Imagine: the Company have defeating Smaug. To celebrate, Thorin decided to throw a celebration. This means dancing, which means slow dancing...which Kili doesn't know how to do!! So who does he turn to for help?? Alex Hunter of course.

Kili's P.O.V

Why?? Why?? Why?! It has been over two months since the Company and the people of Lake Town defeated Smaug, allowing the towns folk to no longer live in fear of the fire breathing dragon and for us to reclaim our home. As soon as peace returned to both Erebor and Lake Town, both King Thorin and King Bard agreed that, as soon as all of the paths were clear, the wounded were healed and the dead were buried with a memorial, that they should at least celebrate their victory and peace. Which was why they announced to everyone that they would be hosting a party to do just that. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good party - especially one to celebrate all we had accomplished....but a celebration means music which will lead to dancing....which also means there will be slow dancing. Slow dancing is something I can't do!! Kill an orc?? Can do. Fast dance with my brother?? Can do. Slow dance with one person?? Absolutely not!! Due to Smaug taking over Erebor before I was even born, I had never attended any serious gathering that included some sort of formal dancing which my uncle had made clear there would be. And as one of the princes of Erebor, it was apart of my duty and responsibility to mingle and dance with many people, including waltzes and slow dances in general. Basically, I was going to make a fool of myself at the first ever proper celebration that didn't consist of a birthday party where I didn't have to worry about being a prince. I was so screwed. I was going to mess up in front of everyone, including Hunter!! Alex had decided to stay at Erebor in order to help and assist with both the clean up of my home and Lake Town, as well as to help heal the wounded - turns out she was rather knowledgeable when it comes to herbs, medicines, giving stitches and patching people up in general. I couldn't deny that I wasn't completely overjoyed when Alex had agreed to stay for a while longer; she and I had grown close to one another, as well as my brother - she tend to walk beside us both when we were travelling, allowing us a lot of time to talk, joke and laugh together. I liked Alex - she was smart, intelligent, bright,  and serious about helping up, but also knew how to take a joke, actually had a sense of humour, was extremely selfless, cared about others before even thinking about herself, she was sweet, strong, brave, generous and so much more. She was all of this and she was going to watch me make an absolute fool of myself!!

As I made my way through Lake Town in order to find both my brother and our human companion, I took note of how well the town appeared. All of the paths had been cleared, all of the damaged properties had been removed and work had begun on rebuilding all of the destroyed buildings - including many homes. Tents and make shift huts were scattered around for those who had no where to stay; Thorin had opened the great hall of Erebor to them of course, allowing further tents and huts to be set up. It was good to know we had peace between Erebor and Lake Town, especially after the whole Smaug incident. As I rounded a corner within the town, I came to a halt as my eyes landed on one of the two missing people who I was looking for - Hunter. She was stood with a bunch of young children, dancing with them, holding their hands and allowing them to enjoy themselves by the tents; it was an adorable sight that had me smiling gentle at the young woman. As I continued to watch the scene in front of me, I lent against a wall, folding my arms across my chest; Alex, seeming to not notice my watching presence, fell to the ground on her back when over five of the children she was with jumped onto her - she managed to catch them all as they each laughed at the fun and joy they were experiencing. It was then, as her eyes landed on mine as she looked around, that she noticed me; Alex nodded her head as a greeting as a gracious smile formed on her lips. She really was beautiful. Chuckling as I watched her attention return to the children, I approached the group and gave a hand to the young woman as she climbed up to her feet "thanks" she smiled gratefully before turning towards the young ones "alright you lot, go find your parents" she told them; some sulked at the fact that they couldn't continue to play with the young human anymore whilst the others agreed to do as told, even pulling their friends to do the same thing. As the two of us began to walk around, we entered a conversation of how things were and if we were both okay; it appeared Alex could read me like a book "spill, what's on your mind??". 

Alex's P.O.V

Something was troubling my dear friend. Something that plagued his mind deeply. I had noticed something was off even since Thorin and Bard, now both crowned King's, had announced that there was to be a large celebration; both those who now live within Erebor, the Lake Town folks and some neighbouring Kingdoms were to attend the gathering - I was surprised that even the Elves were coming as well. How Thorin had agreed to such a thing?? I will never know. Either way, ever since the announcement was made, Kili has been acting strange, keeping his distance from everyone - other than his brother of course. He seemed to always be deep in thought as his facial expression shows worry, anxiety and....fear?? It concerned me greatly and I was at my wits end with it! I was determined to find out what was going through the dwarves mind. "Spill" I gently ordered as we continued to venture through the rebuilding town "what's on your mind??" I asked. Kili seemed taken aback for a moment as he tried to cover himself by saying he was fine and asking what I meant. Nope. Not happening. Gripping onto the young dwarves arm, I pulled him towards a wooded area so that we could have some privacy; I pushed Kili up against a tree once we were hidden away - his eyes were wide, confusion clearly swimming within them as he stared at me. "I'd like to think we are good close friends, or am I wrong??" I asked, hoping I wasn't wrong; he confirmed my statement by furiously nodded "of course we are-". I cut him off before he could speak anymore "good, so do you really thing I wouldn't be able to tell when someone I care about has something on their mind that is upsetting them or causing them some form of distress??" I never took my eyes off of Kili as I held him against the tree - my hand firmly remaining on his chest to keep him in place; if he believed different then there was yet another serious conversation to come. To my relief, however, the dwarf who I was basically holding hostage chuckled as he rested his head back, pressing against the tree trunk he was pinned to "it....it's stupid" he...cringed out?? Whilst the worry and concern eased off, I now found myself becoming even more confused, curious and slightly amused by his reaction; I removed my hand from his chest as I folded my arms with a smile "to say it's been making you act very different lately, I doubt that". 

I patiently waited for the answer to be revealed; Kili refused to move for at least a minute, closing his eyes as if it would help with some form of....embarrassment?? This wasn't helping my confusion until finally, he mumbled something "pardon??" I raised a brow as I was unable to hear what he was trying to say; he sighed as he looked down towards the ground "I...I can't dance...slow dance that is". Did....did I hear him correctly?? Kili was acting so different - being so distant, barely talking or joking around and always seeming to look worried - because he doesn't know how to slow dance?? "You...don't know how to slow dance?? Like...a waltz??" I asked, needing the confirmation which he seem to give in the form of a nod "oh....okay" I asked him why that was such a bad thing that it would have him incredibly worried. Sighing, Kili began to explain how, as young prince of Erebor, he had certain responsibilities which included getting along with the other royals that were attending the celebration - it would help with future trades, deals and if they ever need help. As well as helps to stay on peoples good sides and not made enemies "and one of the more traditional ways to do that is by dancing, but I don't know how to slow dance which is the main form of dancing!!" he complained; I began to understand what my distressed friend was getting at with this whole situation - it helped when he continued to rant on "and because of this, I'm going to make a fool of myself in front of everyone!! I'll piss off and disappoint uncle Thorin and Fili, probably offend and traumatise the poor victim I have to dance with and I'll never live it down!!". Okay. Was he being a tad bit over dramatic with this?? Yes. But I couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards my friend as he continued to find his shoes extremely interesting; an idea came to mind as music reached my ears - to was coming from both Erebor and Lake Town. Gently, I placed two of my fingers under the dwarves chin and made him look at me - a smirk greeted him; I removed my fingers and returned to the stance I took before, folding my arms "you know, I'm rather good at dancing" I began, noticing the look of hope beginning to form on Kili's face "it's been awhile and I'm sure I'm a little rusty, but I reckon I could pull off at least a slow dance" I pretended to think on the matter, tilting my head a little so that I looked as if I was deep in thought. The look on my dear friend's face was humorous, but also adorable - the hope that was building up, the smile growing as he hooked onto what I was saying and doing; he stood up from leaning against the tree trunk. 

Finally, I decided ask the million coin question "Kili" I smirked as he listened carefully "would you like me to teach you how to slow dance??" I knew he could dance to cheerful and upbeat music - the meal with Lord Elrond was still a fond memory in my mind. Violently nodding his head, the dwarf prince repeated the word "yes" before the phrase "thank you!!" took over as he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around me as he picked me up and held me close while he spun around. We both let out laughs of joy - it really was good to have Kili back to his old self again; I missed his sudden hug attacks, as well as him suddenly picking me up to either run off to who knows where or to show me something he thought to be amazing. Each moment was very enjoyable and rather adorable - though he would probably disagree on the last part. For himself anyway. He's stated, or rather declared, many times a multiple of kind and sweet words in order to describe myself - each one earning a light pink blush to form upon my cheeks. Such words ranged between: cute, adorable, pretty, beautiful, amazing and many more. At first, I would simply deny such a generous statement aimed towards myself but eventually learnt to allow the compliments - especially as he would put up a strong and never ending argument which he would pull others into in order to help him. Surprisingly, the Company seemed rather willing to help the young prince; when I asked Kili why he announced such things, and so publicly and proudly, his answer also had me blushing and quite terribly speechless "because, while each and every word I say about you is true, it's clear you don't believe them so I plan to declare them until you do!!". He wasn't wrong - I highly doubted most of the words he used to describe me were true; that seemed to just encourage him to announce each compliment even more. It was now a daily occurrence....well until the celebration was announced and he became distant from everyone but his brother - did Fili know about his younger brother's insecurity?? As Kili returned me to my feet, he instantly asked me if I could start teaching him right that second, a huge grin decorating his handsome face - just the way I like him. Happy, cheerful and excited. 

Not able to find it in me to say no, I nodded my head before being gently pulled and dragged into Erebor and through the many hallways until we reached Kili's chambers. As soon as we entered the large and rather grand room, its owner closed the door and....locked it?? I sent him a raised brow due to his actions which he seemed to understand "Fili walks in whenever he wants - which I don't mind" he rushed the last part out before sighing "but...I'd rather he not know about this, he'd never let me live it down". Understandable. "We'll have to make due with no music, though that might make it a little more difficult" I stated as we stood in the middle of the room. Kili pushed a small table out of the way so that we had more space; he seemed to think for a moment "...what if you hum a tune?? Or sing a song??" he suggested. I was taken aback by the request before shrugging, knowing how difficult it was to dance without music - you moved to the rhythm after all. As I thought of a song that would suit a slow dance, I asked if he knew how to ask someone to dance; turns out he did as the dwarf took my hand and placed a gentle kiss upon my knuckles "may I have this dance, fair maiden??" he asked. I let out a small chuckle at his antics, though I didn't say no and took his hand "you may, kind sir". Both amused by our way of our chosen speech, I guided Kili's hands so that they were positioned correctly - one on my waist and the other grasping my free hand. Did Kili's cheeks suddenly turn a light shade of pink?? Well, I wasn't going to say anything. 

Kili's P.O.V

I was used to holding Alex. From hugs to picking her up - it was an amusing and bonding thing I did which she never complained or protested against. She would even smile and laugh during those familiar moments. But now, with her taking control of where my hands go, I couldn't help but feel my cheeks burn. It was always me who took the lead when it came to physical contact - very rarely was it her. "So...some music??" I asked, trying to focus on the lesson at hand and not where my own were; she chuckled before explaining that she'd hum a tune so that she could still tell me what to do and how to dance "once I think you've got the steps down and I don't have to correct you, I'll chance it to an actual song". Nodding, I allowed the young human to guide me, telling me where to move my feet before she began to hum a tune that I had never heard before; she had a rather soothing tone to her hum which made me less embarrassed and rather relaxed. We swayed to the rhythm of the tune, Alex sometimes telling me what to do before I could step on her feet. It was difficult at first - I tripped over my own feet, stepped on Alex's, bumped into her and honestly...I'm pretty sure I lost some of my dignity; there were many times I wanted to just give up and stop all together. Except, whenever I was about to say the horrific words, Alex would show her dazzling smile and pull me to continue; how could I say no to her?? Or give up when she was the one helping me?? So I persevered and we continued to dance together; we were at it for quite some time until finally, the sentence I was waiting and praying to hear was spoken. "Alright, I think it's time for some more actual music....or the best I can come up with at least" Alex stated, earning a grin from myself; I was good enough for an actual song!! We stood in the beginning stance as I placed my hand on her waist - Alex rested her own on my shoulder as we joined out free hands together; the young woman started to sing a song - one I had definitely never heard before. As we began to dance to the melody, I couldn't help but stare down at the woman I was dancing with - even though I was a dwarf, she was only an inches shorter than me. She had such a gentle and beautiful voice - why was this the first time I'm hearing her sing?! As we danced to her melody, I felt as if I had fallen into a trance as my feet seemed to have a mind of their own; it was just me, Alex and her beautiful voice controlling out bodies as we danced together.

Eventually, when Alex's chosen song came to an end, our dance did soon followed; I was holding the woman in my arms, her back arched as my hand supported her up. "Well....looks like you're ready for the celebration" Alex smirked as we remained in the finished stance; I couldn't help but stare down at the human I was holding with amazement and awe. I noticed my gaze seemed to force her cheeks to turn a light shade of pink; I helped her so that she was standing normally once again - though my hands remained behind her back whilst her own were resting against my chest. "Em....thank you Alex, this...it's reassuring that I now know how to slow dance" I smiled, my voice low - close to a whisper; she returned the gentle smile before lowering her head so that I couldn't properly see her face "anything to make you go back to your usual self....I didn't like how distant you'd become" she admitted. Her statement surprised me; I felt a pang of guilt form in my chest. Before I knew it, I had pulled her closer, embracing her tightly as I pushed my face into her soft mixture of blonde and brown hair. "I'm sorry, Alex...I promise I won't act like that again...at least not towards you" I swore both to her and myself "I...you're one of the very last people I would ever want to upset or hurt" I admitted. I felt Alex return the hug, wrapping her own arms around me and resting her head against my chest, seeming to close her eyes as she listened to my words. Hesitantly, we began to part - though only by a little bit; she smiled at me as we gazed into each other's eyes. Suddenly, as if her previous melody took control of my body, I began to lean towards her, lifting one of my hands up until it was cupping the side of her face gently. Alex's eye lids fluttered shut as I eventually pressed my lips against hers - her angelic lips were soft and gentle, much like the passionate kiss we were sharing; her arms snaked up and around my neck, pulling my head down to deepen the kiss as she ran her fingers through my hair. I've kissed quite a few fair woman - both dwarves and humans - and I had never felt the way I do right now as our lips moved against one another; I was going through a multiple of emotions - happiness, anxiety, amazement, slight fear and....something that I had never felt with any of the previous women. What was it?? I wasn't too sure, though I knew I had felt this strange and new emotion for Alex and had done for quite some time - it had seemed to strengthen once I connected our lips. Especially when she didn't push me away or pull herself away - that was always a good sign. But I wasn't the only one who seemed to release all of my feelings and emotions; it was as if I could feel all she was letting out through our kiss - joy, worry, anxiety, relief, compassion and also some fear. It was as if...we felt the same things for one another. 

Hesitantly, our lips parted as our lungs screamed for air; my forehead rested against hers as we panted. "That was...whoa" I breathed out as I grinned stupidly; Alex chuckled at my attempt to speak - though she didn't disagree. Before either of us could speak, we suddenly heard someone calling out the name of young woman who was still in my arms - it sounded like Ori "I em...I better go see what he wants" Alex stated as she regrettably stepped away from me; I freed her from my arms, even though I didn't want to "alright, I'll em...I'll see you at dinner" and with that, she unlocked the door and left - sending me a small smile as she closed the door. Sighing, I suddenly felt extremely....lonely. I missed the warmth against my body, but my lips were still tingling. I overheard Alex, through the large wooden door, give Ori some kind of excuse for why she was outside my room. Needing time to think, I made my way over towards my large king sized bed and lay down; my mind was swimming with thoughts that confused me - I needed to work on just thinking about one or two things. Alex Hunter and what just happened.

Alex's P.O.V

What. Just. Happened?! Kili....Kili kissed me?! One minute we were ending our dance and the next, his lips were one mine!! And I didn't push him away or move myself!! I completely lent into his gentle touches, even going as far as to wrap my own arms around him in order to continue the intimate moment for as long as possible. As I closed the door to his chambers, I felt my cheeks burn bright as I took a few deep breaths. Whilst I couldn't believe what we had just shared, I....I didn't regret it either and found myself smiling happily. All of a sudden, I noticed Ori approaching me from down the hallway "hey Alex, I need some help with some of the more wounded" he stated once he was close enough for me to hear him without having to yell; he seemed to realise where I was "em...why are you standing outside of Kili's bed chambers??" he asked. Lucky for me, I've always been light on my feet - including when it comes to making up explainable excuses "he has a headache so I made sure he got to his room alright, told him to get some rest" I smiled; Ori, knowing how experienced I was when it comes to people's health's, brushed off my statement, seeming to believe me. Relieved I was able to get away with my lie - I didn't like it but I knew how much Kili wanted to keep out little dance lesson private....along with another thing - I followed Ori as he led me through Erebor until we entered Lake Town; we followed the main path until we reached the large tent that all of whom were injured during Smaug's attack stayed so that the healers could watch over them. Right now, a few of those survivors were dealing with some minor fevers that needed to be supervised - in case their temperatures rise higher that they would like; I collected some bowls of cold water before setting one down by the beds of each fevered patient - I sat down next to the last patient and rinsed a cloth before placing it onto the elder man's forehead. It should help with keeping his temperature down for the time being. Looking over, I noticed Ori and a couple of the healthy towns folk do the same. 

All the while I did this, my mind refused to focus on anything other than the youngest dwarf prince and our special shared moment; I...I found myself missing the feeling of being physically close to him. The way he held me tightly and securely....I felt safe. And that was a very rare and foreign feeling, one I had forgotten...until twenty minutes ago. And his lips, the way they danced with mine; the way his stubble brushed and grazed my face - it scratched a little but was overall rather...nice. Pleasant even. A feeling I hope to feel again. Unable to contain my hopeful smile, I took a deep breath before continuing to help the elder patient by wetting and rinsing the cloth once more, returning it to his forehead before leaving to check on all of the other wounded - many had been healed whilst some still needed to take medicines and herbs. After all, there was still much to do.