I do not own The Hobbit, nor any of its characters - they belong to their rightful owners (J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson (where applicable)). This story was inspired by the three-part story Nathalie_95 wrote for imaginexhobbit.tumblr.com (it's a three part drabble for the imagine: 'Imagine Fili and Kili befriending you so they can play matchmaker to Thorin' - and it is one of my favorites). The Hayward Rose is set in an AU where *Possible Spoiler Alert* Thorin, Fili, and Kili actually survive the BOTFA (don't say that I didn't warn you). When I read the aforementioned story by Nathalie_95, I began to wonder what might happen after the BOTFA and Thorin and the central character become betrothed. After toying with the idea for a few days and figuring out how to write it, this story was born! I hope you enjoy it! Happy reading!