The Only Exception (A Hobbit and Almighty Johnsons crossover fanfic)

Chapter 7

Watching the blond haired man laugh with Fili and Kili, the anger began to subside. She didn't know who she was more upset at. At him for making it sound like she was some bat shit crazy lady, although with her outburst she honestly couldn't blame him for thinking that. Or at herself. Their laughter stopped and Maya let out a small sigh.

At least he's in a better mood. Don't Maya. Don't do this to yourself...Just pray that when you get back...Who are you kidding? I'm going to be in so much trouble.

"Are you finished with your little outburst?"

Maya jumped letting out a little squeak at the baritone voice. Hesitantly she lifted her gaze, finally acknowledging Thorin's presence.

"I uh...I...I-"

The feeling of water hitting her made her pause. It was followed by another drop, and another, and another. In a matter of seconds water poured down from the sky and Maya slowed her steps and let out a sigh.

Of course it would rain now.

"Here put this on."

Her attention returned to Thorin holding out his robe. Maya's jaw went slack.

"Put this on, it'll help keep you warm. And get back onto one of the ponies."

She hesitantly took his offering and wrapped it around her already drenched body.

"Why-"

"I still do not trust you or your god. But your dedication to him is admirable."

A blush spread on her cheeks as she gave a small bow in thanks.

"If you do not wish to ride with him, you may ride with our burglar."

Burglar? She cocked her head at the word before scanning the company. As her eyes fell upon the smaller man who was watching them closely, he gave a sheepish smile and ducked his head. Oh, him. Shit...What was his name again? Gonna have to ask him.

She bit her lip and nodded.

"Okay. I just want to walk a bit longer."

Raising a brow, the suspicion in his eyes had once again returned and Maya was quick to make it go away.

"I promise I won't fall too behind. It's just...I'm not used to riding and I'm kind of sore."

His eyes softened a tad and gave a small nod. "Do not walk for too long. I will not sacrifice this company for one human."

Another nod and he rode to the front of the group, leaving her behind to walk in the pouring rain. The ground quickly dampened under her bare feet. Each step was cold and mushy and strangely amusing for her. She quickly bit her lip to hid the smile that pulled at her lips as she continued walking.

Being from LA, rain was rare and when there was, it didn't last long. She could only remember a handful of times of bad storms. The most recent being a year ago when she felt like she had gone through a small river as she drove out of her drive way. But it was nothing to this. The smell of wet leaves and mud. The cold yet refreshing feel of the rain water running down her hair and face. Slowly she opened her eyes, not knowing when she had closed them or when she had stopped for that matter, to find a hand extended in front of her.

Her eyes followed the hand up until she found herself looking up into a familiar face. Yet this face held no irritation or smug smirk. Just a sincere smile. She honestly couldn't help but raise a brow and eyes narrowed.

Anders rolled his eyes and let out a sigh. "You're gonna get sick standing barefoot like that. Now get on up."

Her jaw tightened as she moved her eyes between him and his hand. "Thorin said I can ride with their burglar."

"Oh. Okay then." It looked as if she might as well have slapped him across the face.

"That's not saying I'm going to. But..." She paused biting her lip as he raised a brow. "But only if you apologize."

His eyes narrowed a bit. "Apologize for what?"

"For everything! For being a jerk that first night. For not listening to me when I said something wasn't right about that village. For calling me bipolar and making it seem like you know me when you don't!" Maya tried to ignore the quiver in her voice as she spoke and the way her body began to tremble. While she wanted to believe it was just because she was cold, she knew better.

For a while Anders stared at her, completely speechless. Her heart pounded against her chest and blood rushed in her ears. The fear that she made a mistake was becoming overwhelming, when Anders finally spoke.

"Fine. I'm sorry. Now get on."

"No! I mean it. A sincere apology." A lump began to form in her throat as Anders studied her face. She had no doubt that he could see past her mask that was slipping by the second.

------------

It wasn't every day that someone had him at a loss for words. He was the god of speech after all. Sure there were loads of people who he had to apologize for. Work was probably the biggest one, apologizing to clients he stood up. Sucking up to them and using the words of Bragi to ease them into not leaving them company. Apologizing to Dawn, his brothers...well no he never apologized to them...Not really. Except to Mike. And he truly was sorry for hurting his older brother like he did. But Anders didn't do sincere, didn't do heartfelt talks about his "feelings". He preferred blunt honest truth and people seemed to just accept that as Anders being a dick. Which he was fine with. At least that's what he told himself every day.

So for Maya to demand such a thing was almost laughable for Anders and he would have laughed. Was going to, had he not seen the way she shook. He first took it as her being cold, but seeing the fear in her eyes, it clicked. She was terrified. For what reason he wasn't sure. But he was curious and was going to find out.

With a final nod, he dismounted from his pony. A move which he immediately regretted the moment his feet made impact with a squish into the mud. He hated the rain. Making a face he cursed below his breath before straightening up.

"I'm sorry." He said softly. "I could have been easier on you given what you did for me. I guess I should also say thank you. For saving my life."

Maya gave a small smile and shrugged. "You saved mine. So guess that makes us even."

"Yeah. Guess so. But you can't tell me nothing was wrong. That's bullshit, you and I both know that. I may not know you but I can tell you're lying."

"Guess that's then end of your apology. Let's go." Maya sighed as she rolled her eyes and walked past him, completely ignoring his hand.

Anders gave a hearty chuckle as he turned and watched her mount the pony before looking at him expectedly. He didn't need an invitation as he mounted behind her.

"So why are you in front?" He asked.

"Because I'm shorter and also the back of the saddle hurts after a while." She said smugly.

"So you sacrifice my arse for your own. Good to know where you'll stand in a fight." He pouted.

"Yup." She said smiling as she gave the pony a small kick.

It was the first time that they had a truly friendly conversation and Anders couldn't help but smile as he held onto the back of the saddle. He wouldn't go as far as to say he enjoyed her company, but she was curious.

His mind drifted back to the look of fear in her eyes just moments ago. Curious was the word that came to mind. Not one to ignore his need to satisfy his curiosity, Anders was now determined to get to the bottom of this girl's mood swings. The only question on his mind now was how. 

___________________________________________________________

Oh no. Anders is on a Mission. What will happen?? I had a more difficult time channeling Anders. So I hope you all enjoyed new chapter.