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The sound of rain echoed outside the cavern. It was quite chilly, even though the company had found a suitable place to camp away from the rain. The fire had died down quite a bit as everyone was going to sleep, so it left poor Bilbo shivering.
He huddled in his thin blanket, desperately searching for warmth, yet none could be found. Bilbo continued to toss and turn, sleep not finding him no matter what he did. He was very close to just grabbing someone else’s blanket, but that would be incredibly rude. Bilbo had traveled with the company, for what, a couple of months? He would certainly be scolded by their fearless leader, Thorin. He had been incredibly rude to the hobbit. Bilbo debated on whether or not to move to Bofur, his new friend, but decided against it as he saw the dwarf sleeping so peacefully. He could faintly see Thorin from across the cavern, the king placed on watch.
Oh yes, Thorin could not leave the hobbit’s thoughts. His dark hair seemed so soft to the touch, and his sharp jawline so attractive. The dwarf had immediately seemed suspicious of him, even though he had done nothing. Bilbo would always catch the dwarf staring at him before he turned away quickly. He could always make out the slight red flush on the dwarf’s face.
Strange…
His keen ears picked up the sound of boots walking near him, and he sat up quickly and looked into the darkness. Bilbo was not blessed with the good sight of dwarves, but he could see the faint figure of Thorin approaching.
“Thorin?” He whispered, and added, “do you need anything?”
“Master Baggins. No, I do not require anything from you, I only came to ask you if you are fairing well,” Thorin answered, and bent down to Bilbo’s level.
“Oh-oh, yes, I am quite fine,” the hobbit said. Thorin’s eyes looked him up and down, and the king spoke once more, “are you not cold? I can see you shivering.”
“I’m fine, really, no need to worry,” Bilbo smiled softly, his teeth chattering slightly.
Thorin shook his head and took off his heavy coat, extending his arm to Bilbo, offering the clothing.
“Here, take it,” Thorin nudged his arm towards Bilbo, “you need it more than me. Dwarves are sturdy.”
Bilbo smiled and took the offered coat, wrapping it around him. It was quite heavy, but it was very warm and comfortable. “Thank you,” he said softly. Thorin nodded stiffly and sat down beside him.
“I...I have been unkind to you. I wish to apologize for my behavior,” Thorin said, his eyes clearly showing regret. Bilbo only shook his head and said,
“It’s okay. I know I’m not the most suitable for an adventure like this.”
“Then why’d you follow us?”
Bilbo paused for a moment at the words but shrugged after a while.
“I have no idea what possessed me to run out of my door like that, honestly. No respectable Baggins would do such a thing. I...I guess I felt as if I wanted to help you in some way. I heard your story, and felt so...inspired somehow.”
Thorin nodded thoughtfully and turned to the other dwarves. Their snoring and the soft crackle of the fire could be heard.
“But you had your home and comfortable life. Was there truly no other reason?” He asked, a weird expression on his face.
“I…”
There was truly another reason, and it was Thorin. He was an honorable dwarf, and Bilbo thought he deserved glory and riches. The song they had sung that night in Bag End moved his heart and made him determined. Yes, the dwarf could sometimes be arrogant, but he was a brave king, going to reclaim his home.
“I...it just felt...right,” he finally answered quietly, and Thorin looked back to him.
Bilbo smiled and looked to the cave entrance. He could see the trees and bushes around, wet with rain. It was still dark, but it would be sunrise in a few hours, he guessed.
He would see this journey to the end.
“I am glad,” Thorin glanced to the others, “that you joined our company.”
“It is an honorable cause,” The hobbit said, and smiled, “I think you are all brave, especially you, Thorin.”
His newfound bravery seemed to have spark something in Thorin, for the king’s cheeks turned slightly red. Thorin cleared his throat and said,
“It is nothing. I only wish to return us, dwarves, to our home.”
“And that is very brave.”
Thorin sighed and went to argue against his words, but suddenly felt the hobbit leaning on his shoulder. The king’s breath hitched as he looked down at Bilbo. He swallowed loudly and the hobbit smiled widely.
His father would haunt him forever for his Tookish spirit, but he did not care.
“I find I quite like you, Thorin.”
“I...I’ve grown fond of you as well.”