Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It wasn’t often that Bilbo Baggins had to leave the comforts of his smial in the heart of Hobbiton, but today was one of those days.

Sitting in the wooden seat of the wagon, Bilbo couldn’t help but groan as another sneeze racked through his body. His grip tightening on the reins as he glared half-heartedly at the pony that was pulling the wagon. Its blonde mane swaying in the wind as they made their way to Bree.

“Damn horse hair.”

Bilbo mumbled, smirking as the pony huffed and smacked his knee with its tail.

“Oh come now Myrtle, you know I'm only teasing. Still, I can’t believe I left my handkerchief at home. I swear I don’t know where my mind has been as of late.”

He said, truly glaring this time when Myrtle snorted in amusement.

Choosing to ignore the rude pony, Bilbo turned away. Letting his mind wander as he watched the trees slowly pass them by. He was used to this, the gentle breeze blowing through the trees and the clopping of hoof steps against the beaten path below. Every year he would travel to Bree to gather supplies such as books, parchment, ink and any other things he couldn’t often get in Hobbiton. It's not that he didn’t like making the journey, quite the contrary actually. He greatly appreciated the fresh air and the views of nature around him. It’s just that sometimes, it gets lonely in the silence of the open road.

When he was younger, much younger, he would make these trips with his father. At that age, he always wondered why his father would drag him along with him on these ventures. His young mind never questioning why his father always allowed him to talk on and on about this and that, only chiming in to keep the conversations going. Now he understood why he was always brought along, to ebb away the air of silence that followed the rustling of leaves and the clicking of hooves.

With a sigh, Bilbo turned away from the trees and glanced forward. The sun was beginning to set through the trees ahead. He recognized a few landmarks signaling that he was half-way to his destination. No more than another day's ride left to go before he reached the bustling town of Bree. Then he could rest, gather what he needed, and be on his way-

The flash of something out of the corner of his eye brought Bilbo out of his thoughts. Tugging on the reins gently, causing Myrtle to slow to a stop. Throwing her head back and snorting in irritation at the delay. However, Bilbo ignored this as he stared off to the side where he thought he had seen something. Silence followed as Bilbo’s pointed ears twitched every time he heard a sound. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, the noises of different critters throughout the forest still as loud as they had always been. Still, Bilbo couldn’t help but think that something wasn’t right.

Reaching down, Bilbo made sure that his mothers dagger was still sheathed at his hip. Never taking his eyes off the forest as he slowly slid off of the wagon, landing silently on the ground below as he stared through the trees. There weren’t any animals big enough to harm him within the lands of the Shire, and he had never been attacked while venturing to Bree before. Still, one could never be too careful about these things. His grip tightening on the hilt of the dagger as he stepped forward.

The sound of leaves and twigs crunching beneath his feet caused his ears to twitch as he made his way into the forest. The shadows created from the sun growing larger and larger the further he ventured inside. His brain told him to turn back, that it wasn’t safe, that he could get hurt. His heart, on the other hand, was telling him to continue. That something wasn't right, that it would only take a moment. Now he wasn't usually the type of person to follow when his heart told him to do something. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was needed for something.

That something revealed itself to him when Bilbo finally pushed past a thicket, his eyes widening and his hands coming up to cover his mouth as he gasped in surprise.

No more than 30 feet from the path were two children, cuts and bruises littering both their bodies as they hid beneath a tree. The first couldn’t have been more than a toddler. His hair was dark brown and fell past his shoulders, matted and filled with dirt and grime. His eyes were closed, appearing to be in a deep sleep. His tiny thumb stuck into his mouth as a form of comfort he knew most toddlers partook in.

The second child was holding the first close, trying his best to shield the toddler from Bilbo’s view. He was older than the first, but only by a few years, yet he glared at Bilbo with a fear and anger bred from pain and suffering beyond his years. His eyes were a striking blue that Bilbo had never seen before. His hair was golden blonde and fell to the middle of his back, matted with dirt and grime similar to the toddlers.

Bilbo was shocked, this was the furthest thing he expected.

Children?

What were children doing all the way out here?

It wouldn't do to scare them more than they already were, but Bilbo knew he couldn’t just stand there and stare. Quickly yet cautiously Bilbo stepped forward, slowly inching closer to the children. His hands out in front of him as if trying to tame a wild animal.

“Are you two alright? Do you need help?”

He asked, pausing as the blonde growled at him and tried to back up only for his back to hit the trunk of the tree.

Seeing this, Bilbo took a moment to think. He had dealt with plenty of children within Hobbiton, but it was obvious that these two had been through something traumatic. They were dirty, bruised and scared, something no child should have to be. So, thinking quickly, Bilbo lowered himself to the ground. Trying to make himself look as non threatening as possible, all while the blonde never took his eyes from him.

“What are you two doing out here? Where are your parents?”

Bilbo asked, keeping his voice as gentle as he could.

At his words, the blonde’s glare faltered for a moment before hardening once more. His grip tightening as he pulled the toddler closer. Seeing he wasn’t going to get an answer, Bilbo instead turned his focus to the younger of the two. His eyes were still closed, but now that he was closer, Bilbo could see that his face was flushed and sweat was dripping down his forehead. He was also breathing very heavily, as if he was struggling to draw in air.

“He has a fever.”

Bilbo says, noticing the blonde's eyes widen and glance down to the younger, before reaching up to gently run his fingers through the child’s brown hair.

Watching the interaction, Bilbo allowed himself a moment to think. It was obvious that they were brothers. The protective hold along with the similar facial features told him as much. They weren’t hobbits, if their small hairless feet were anything to go by. He hadn’t had a lot of interactions with human children, but from what he could guess the blonde looked to be about 7 or 8 years old while the younger looked to be 2 maybe 3 years old. At this realization, Bilbo felt his brow furrow in concern.

Who would just abandon their children like this.

Bilbo thought, looking around to see if anyone was nearby.

When he didn’t see anyone, Bilbo came to a decision. Maybe it wasn’t the best one for his reputation, but he couldn’t just leave these children out here on their own. They would obviously die if he did nothing. So, with his mind made up, Bilbo stood up and dusted himself off before taking a step forward. Only for the blonde to start hyperventilating, panic clear in his eyes as he tried to back up while holding the younger.

“Shh shh it's alright, I won't hurt you I promise.”

Bilbo cooed, his steps silent as he grew closer to the two children.

With each step he took, the blonde seemed to panic even more. However, Bilbo knew if he didn’t intervene right now he would never get the chance again. So, even though it pained him, Bilbo continued stepping towards the children. Until he finally stood in front of them, the blondes back pressed to the tree as Bilbo knelt before him.

Ever so slowly, Bilbo reached out and brought the children into his arms. At this, the blonde began to struggle. Using one of his hands to punch at Bilbo's chest while the other clung tightly to his brother. Still, Bilbo did not let go, even if his fists felt like tiny stones being bashed against him. Instead he reached up and ran his fingers through the children's hair while beginning to rock back and forth. A soft toon falling from his lips as he allowed the blonde to hit his chest.

Gradually, the blonde began to calm down. His punches getting softer and softer until they finally stopped all together. Tears falling from his bright blue eyes as he slumped against Bilbo’s knelt form, his eyes slowly closing as exhaustion finally hit him. His breathing evening out as Bilbo slowly stopped swaying, his humming coming to an end as the child fell asleep in his arms.

Looking down at the two, Bilbo let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. His chest would definitely be bruised in the morning. Still, Bilbo didn’t regret his decision as he tightened his hold on the children and stood up. Making his way through the thicket until the wagon came back into view. Myrtle waiting impatiently as Bilbo climbed into the back of the wagon. Gently laying the two children down on a blanket and covering them up. Making sure they were alright, before climbing to the front of the wagon and taking a hold of the reins once more.

“Change of plans Myrtle, we need to head back home.”

He said, causing Myrtle to shake her head and snort in irritation.

However, upon seeing the serious look in her handler's eyes, Myrtle complied. The familiar sound of clopping hooves starting up once more as Myrtle turned the wagon around and they made their way down the path once more. This time towards the familiar town of Hobbiton instead of the bustling town of Bree.

I can always visit Bree next year, I have much more important things to worry about right now.

Bilbo thought, glancing over his shoulder at the two sleeping children lying within his wagon before focusing on the road once again.

Chapter Text

The days following Bilbo’s sudden return to Bag End were some of the most stressful of his life.

By the time they had made it to Bilbo's home, not only had the toddler's fever gotten worse but his older brother had also fallen into a fever induced sleep. After setting them up in one of the guest rooms, Bilbo did everything he could to try and help them. He bathed them, clothed them, tended to their wounds, hand fed them hardy soups and a special blend of tea his mother used to make him when he was sick. Yet as the days dragged on, the children did not wake and their fevers did not break.

Bilbo had not slept since finding them, so overcome with fear that they would pass in their sleep if he wasn’t there. It was hard getting himself to leave them alone to shower and eat, let alone sleep. So, despite exhaustion wracking his body, Bilbo did not leave their sides. His thoughts alone not letting him rest for even a moment as he went from changing out the cool rags on their forehead, to helping them drink his special tea blend.

Was he meant to find them, only to watch them die of fever?

It wasn’t until a week after he had brought them into his home that their fevers finally broke. Bilbo had been so relieved that he may have shed some tears. However, they still did not wake until a few hours later. It was the middle of the night, during the time Bilbo would usually change out their forehead rags, when one of them reached out and grabbed his shirt sleeve. It startled him so much that he actually jumped at the sudden contact. His eyes snapping up to find the younger of the two staring up at him.

Bilbo took a moment to take in the toddler's eyes, which stared up at him through a sleepy haze. They were not bright blue like his brothers, instead they were brown. Yet not the dull brown like that of dirt or mud, but a bright brown like that of trees or wood crackling in a fire. And as Bilbo and the toddler stared at one another, Bilbo could not help but notice that the light from the nearby candle gave his eyes a certain glow to them. Making them appear almost gold in color.

“Ma?”

The toddler mumbled, his bottom lip trembling as his grip tightened on Bilbo’s sleeve.

Pain shot through Bilbo's heart at the word that fell from the child's mouth. The hope and desperation behind a single word should not have been spoken from a child so young. Immediately, Bilbo reached out and ran his fingers through the toddler's brown hair. Gently brushing it away from his face as he softly shushed the child who began to cry at the comforting touch. Though from sadness or happiness Bilbo could not tell.

Either way, the child released Bilbo's shirt and instead wrapped his tiny hands around Bilbo’s own much larger one. Pulling it down to press against his cheek as the child cried into his hand. Knowing what he wanted, Bilbo ran his thumb over the toddler's cheek. Slowly wiping away the tears that fell as he continued to gently shush the child. His shushes slowly turning into humming as he brought the child into his arms. Still rubbing his cheek as he began to rock him back and forth.

Slowly, the child's cries turned into sniffles, before finally ceasing all together. His golden eyes slowly closing as his tiny hand gripped tightly to Bilbo’s shirt, as if he was afraid Bilbo would disappear the second he let go. His breathing evening out once more as he fell into a peaceful sleep.

Minutes passed in silence as Bilbo stared down at the toddler in his arms. Sleeping so peacefully, as if he hadn’t been found beaten and fevering in the middle of the woods. As if he hadn’t been found abandoned alongside his brother. As if he hadn’t been so close to death this past week.

Tears slipped from Bilbo’s eyes as he held the child close. Wrapping him protectively in his arms as he hid his face in the toddlers brown locks before finally letting out everything he had been holding in since finding them. Sobs wracking through his body as all his worries and fears came crashing into him.

What was he doing?

How did he think this was a good idea?

Why was he so happy they were finally alright?

And why was he so heartbroken to see this innocent child cry for his mother?

Maybe it had something to do with him having lost his own parents at such a young age. Maybe it's because he understood how they felt, longing for a parent that wasn’t there. Craving the comfort only a parent could ever give. Crying himself to sleep thinking about those who were no longer with him.

Still, he knew he needed to focus and get things ready for when they woke up in the morning.

For now however, he would let himself cry. He would let it all out, because if he didn’t he knew he would break down the moment these children opened their eyes.

It was early, around second breakfast when Bilbo heard the unmistakable sound of feet quietly making their way towards the kitchen. Bilbo listened as he stood by the burner, cooking up food he hoped they would enjoy. It wasn’t until two heads peeked around the corner that Bilbo finally turned and smiled at his little visitors.

They were both dressed in one of Bilbo’s old shirts from when he was younger. Even still, it hung off their frames as if they were dresses. Their hair was tangled and their eyes were still clouded from sleep. The younger more than the older, standing behind his brother with one hand gripping his brother's nightshirt and the other rubbing at his eye to try and wake himself up.

The older seemed more alert then the younger, his brow furrowed in confusion and his eyes serious. Yet he did not glare at Bilbo like he had done when they first met. Instead, he watched him with something close to curiosity shining in his bright blue eyes.

“Good morning, it’s good to see you both up and about.”

Bilbo said, turning to place a plate of bacon and sausages onto the table alongside the rest of the food he had already cooked. Consisting of perfectly fried hash browns, scrambled eggs with melted cheese on top, toast with butter and jelly, along with biscuits and gravy with two glasses of orange juice and a plate stacked high with hotcakes.

The children stared at the food set out before them. Their mouths watering and their stomachs growling at the very smell that wafted through the kitchen. Even so, they did not move. The blonde clenching his hands into fists and stepping back in fear, glancing at Bilbo every now and then. While the younger gripped his tummy and whimpered. Tears coming to his eyes as he stared at the food, but did not step forward.

Seeing this, Bilbo felt his eyebrows furrow. What were they waiting for? They were obviously hungry, it was almost as if they were afraid to-

A thought struck Bilbo as he brought his hand up to cover his mouth. Anger filling him as he tried his best to calm himself. These poor children, they were even too afraid to eat for fear of being punished. He swore he would make whoever did this to them suffer. So, after taking a much needed calming breath, Bilbo knelt down until he was sitting on the ground. It wasn’t very proper of him, but respectability could kiss his bottom for all he cared.

“It's alright lovelies, you can eat. No one will punish you, I promise.”

Bilbo said, giving them his most reassuring smile as they both met his eye.

It wasn’t a second after that that the younger bolted to the table, causing the older to run after him in protest but it was already too late. By the time his brother had reached him, the younger had already climbed onto a chair and began stuffing his face with the many assortments of foods available. Flinching, the blonde glanced up at Bilbo to see if he was angry but was surprised to see a warm smile on his face.

So, after a moment of watching his brother eat and Bilbo not doing anything to stop him, the blonde also climbed onto a chair and began to eat. His pace quickening when he tasted how good the food really was. It wasn’t stale or hard or moldy, it was warm and soft and oh so delicious.

Slowly, Bilbo took a seat at the other end of the table. Also beginning to eat his portion of second breakfast as he watched the children enjoy their meal. His smile never faltering even as the toddler spilled things here and there. He would clean it up later, for now he was just glad they were eating.

When they had finished, both the children sat back in their seats and relaxed. Their bellies were full, their bodies were clean and their cuts and bruises no longer ached as much as before. For once they felt warm and safe. Still, the blonde couldn't help but stare at the man as he took the dishes and set them in the sink. Taking this moment to examine his rather odd appearance.

He had curly hair that appeared gold in the morning light and fell just past his ears. He was shorter than a man, even shorter than a dwarf, with big hairy feet and weird pointed ears. He hadn’t gotten a good look at his eyes while eating, but he remembered from the woods that they were green like that of perfectly polished emeralds.

After placing the dishes into some warm water to soak, the man turned and took a seat at the table once more. His bright green eyes meeting those of bright blue.

Yep, definitely emeralds.

The blonde thought, tilting his head.

“Now, you both don’t know me but my name is Bilbo, Bilbo Baggins. Now, you don’t have to tell me right away what happened, but I was wondering if I could know your names as well.”

Bilbo said, giving them both a kind smile.

The blonde hesitated for a moment, glancing at his baby brother who was too busy chewing on a biscuit to notice anything else. When he had woken up, the blonde couldn’t remember where they were. The last thing he remembered was trying to get away from the strange man before everything went black. He had noticed right away when he woke that both he and his brother were clean and their wounds had been taken care of. They had even been put into new clothes and if he thought hard enough he could even remember glimpses of golden hair and emerald eyes through a fever induced sleep.

With this in mind, he couldn’t find a reason not to at least tell the man their names.

“Fili.”

The blonde said, looking away from his brother and back to the man who smiled so kindly at him.

“My name is Fili, and this is my brother, Kili.”

Fili said, pointing at his brother who glanced up from his now soggy biscuit.

“Fi!”

Kili squealed happily and held out his soggy biscuit for his brother to take.

Which he reluctantly did, setting it down on a nearby napkin.

Chuckling, Bilbo smiled and stood up. Pulling out a handkerchief from his pocket as he walked around the table and began to wipe at Kili’s drool-covered face.

“Well, it is lovely to meet you Fili and Kili.”

He said, putting away the handkerchief once he was finished.

“Now, would it be alright if I asked what two human children were doing out in the woods by themselves?”

“Human!? We're not human, we're dwarfs!”

Fili said with a huff, puffing his chest out to make himself seem bigger.

“Dwaf!”

Kili said, clapping his hands with a smile.

Bilbo looked at Fili, surprised not only by the sudden outburst but by the fact that they were in fact dwarves.

“Oh dear! I’m sorry, I didn’t realize. I haven’t met many dwarves in my life, so it was hard for me to tell the difference.”

Bilbo apologized, causing Fili to cross his arms and nod in understanding.

“And what are you? A small elf?”

Fili said, his voice filled with disgust but his eyes holding quite a bit of curiosity behind them. Hearing this, Bilbo couldn’t help but laugh.

“No my dear boy, I am a hobbit of the Shire.”

Bilbo answered, trying his best not to laugh further at the pout of confusion on Fili’s face.

“Here, why don’t you both tell me a bit about dwarves and in return I will tell you all about hobbits.”

Bilbo said, hoping that by asking them about their race he could get some idea about where they came from, what happened to them and how to get them home.

So, that's what they did.

For hours Fili talked about dwarves and their homeland. About mining and crafting and dragons and kings under mountains far far away. About their family, their mother who’s a princess with her long dark hair and bright blue eyes. About their uncle who works as a blacksmith but is really a king of their people and how they both were princes to that long forgotten kingdom far far away.

All while Bilbo answered any questions the two had about himself as well. About what he was, where they were, why they lived in holes in the ground, why he had pointy ears and why his feet were so big. Until they had finally tired themselves out, falling asleep in Bilbo’s lap as they all sat in the living room.

From what he had gathered that didn’t sound like a fantasy story, they had been stolen from their home in The Blue Mountains far to the west by a group of men set on selling them in Bree. They had been traveling for months, as Fili said, before they had managed to escape to where Bilbo found them.

When Bilbo asked what the men had done to them, Fili would grow quiet and his hands would tremble as if the very memories alone sent fear through his body. So, they skipped over the details and instead talked about why hobbits ate seven meals a day. Even still, Bilbo couldn't help but feel sorry for these poor little dwarflings and the horrors they must have endured over the long months they had been held captive.

Looking down at the two sleeping children in his lap, Bilbo couldn’t help the ache he felt in his heart. To be so far away from home, in such an unfamiliar place. The way they described their family, with so much love and adoration, to be so far away from them must be a torture that Bilbo couldn’t even comprehend. So, it was in that moment as he stared down at the two sleeping dwarflings that Bilbo Baggins made a promise to himself.

He would get these children home, no matter what it took.

Chapter Text

“Boys?” Bilbo called, peeking into the guest room that had recently become the two dwarflings bedroom.

Fili was sitting in the middle of the room reading a children's book to Kili, who was laying in his lap. His thumb stuck in his mouth as he looked at the pictures. They were surrounded by pillows and blankets that they had scavenged from around the house and made into a fort. Their heads barely visible passed the many fabrics. However, upon hearing Bilbo’s voice, Fili stopped reading and looked up to meet his eye.

“Yes Mr Baggins?”

Fili asked, causing Kili to glare at him for pausing in his reading until he spotted Bilbo in the doorway.

“Biba!”

Kili squealed and stood up, waddling over to Bilbo and reaching his arms out to be picked up. With a smile, Bilbo bent down and brought the child into his arms. Lifting him up with a soft huff and walking further into the room as Kili giggled, while Fili watched from his spot in the middle of the room.

“I know this is sudden, but you will be meeting some new people today. They are dear friends of mine and have been made aware of your situation. They have agreed to watch you both while I gather some things for you from the market.”

Bilbo explained, causing Fili to grow nervous.

It had been a few days since waking up in Bilbo’s home and in that time both Fili and Kili had grown close to their caretaker. They hadn’t left the house yet, but neither of them minded. The smial, as Bilbo calls it, is very big and has plenty of space for them to play. So, they hadn’t really had a need to leave before now.

However, Bilbo did have a point, he didn’t have suitable supplies for children their sizes. Even though he had mended some of his old clothing to try and fit them, it still hung off their frames and didn’t fit quite right. So logically, it made sense that Bilbo had to go to the market.

Still, Fili couldn’t help but feel a little nervous about leaving the house.

What if those bad men come back and try to steal us again?

What if Bilbo has finally grown tired of us and is abandoning us?

What if these “dear friends” try to sell us like those men wanted to do?

Thoughts like these ran through Fili’s mind as his hands began to tremble, his breathing becoming heavy and his eyes beginning to water.

Bilbo noticed this right away and quickly set Kili back onto the ground. Allowing the toddler to run off and play with a few of Bilbo’s old toys, completely unaware of his brother's inner turmoil. Walking into the middle of the room, Bilbo sat in front of Fili and took both his trembling hands into his own causing the boy to flinch.

“Fili, I know you are scared but I promise I would never put either of you into a situation that would cause you harm. I know you haven’t known me for long, but I care about you boys and the last thing I would ever want is for either of you to get hurt. I have known these people all my life and there is no one I would trust with you both more than them.”

Bilbo said, giving Fili’s hands a gentle squeeze.

Fili stared into Bilbo’s emerald eyes, trying to find even the smallest hint of a lie behind his words. However, all he saw was warmth and an emotion that reminded him so much of their mother. The need to protect those you care about. Seeing this, the trembling in Fili’s hands slowly decreased and his breathing began to even out.

In his mind, he knew Bilbo would never do anything to hurt them. He was much too kind and cared about them just as much as they cared for him, maybe even more. He fed them, clothed them, cared for them, read to them in the dead of night and comforted them when the darkness of their minds became too great. If there was anyone Fili trusted to not hurt them, it was Bilbo.

So, taking a deep breath, Fili slowly nodded.

“Alright Mr Baggins, if you say so.”

It was a few hours later that the boys were ready to leave.

They had taken a bath, much to Kili’s annoyance, and had each been put in a new pair of mended clothing. Their hair was brushed and held out of their faces by a leather strap, all in all making them look like adorable little gentlemen.

“Alright boys, are you ready?”

Bilbo asked, smiling down at the two children who were staring at the door.

“Ya go go go!”

Kili squealed, jumping up and down in excitement.

Fili however, seemed a little reluctant. His hands were fidgeting nervously and he kept glancing back over his shoulder as if he was contemplating running further into the house. However, before he could, Bilbo reached out and ran his fingers through Fili’s hair. Immediately Fili stopped fidgeting, leaning into the touch as he looked up at Bilbo.

“You can do this.”

Bilbo said, giving him a gentle smile.

Seeing the confidence Bilbo had in him, Fili took a deep breath, looked towards the door and nodded.

With that, Bilbo stepped forward and opened the door.

Light flooded into the room from the afternoon sun, blinding the children for a moment. When their vision finally cleared, their mouths hung open in awe at what they saw. Outside the doorway was the most beautiful place the boys had ever seen. It was so open, filled with greens of so many different shades as far as the eye could see. With vast hills lined with smials of all shapes and sizes, each holding their own little gardens filled with different flowers and vegetables the boys had never seen before. Hobbits sat outside and chatted while their children played nearby. All in all, it was a beautiful sight. So full of warmth and comfort, and reminded Fili so much of the feeling of home.

Taking a hold of their hands, Bilbo led the boys down the steps towards the gate surrounding Bag End. Reaching out to unlatch the gate, before leading them out and onto the path. Their sock covered feet picking up dirt as they began to walk down the path. Bilbo felt guilty for not being able to give them better things to cover their feet, however shoes were not something one found in Hobbiton. The socks they wore were made out of an old shirt and would have to do until he returned from the market with the materials he would need to make them a good pair of shoes.

As they walked, the boys stared at the land around them in wonder. With Kili reaching out to touch every flower he saw, while Fili stayed close to Bilbo’s side while looking around. Trying their best to take in as much as they could before reaching their destination.

It wasn’t long before they reached a smial with a mailbox labeled “Number 3”. It was surrounded by an old wooden fence, with many flowers growing along the wood. It looked a bit smaller than Bag End, with a big yellow door instead of a dark green one and a chimney poking out of the top.

Reaching out, Bilbo unlatched the gate and stepped inside as the boys followed him. Their eyes taking in everything as they walked up to the door, where Bilbo slowly lifted his hand and gave three firm knocks. It was silent for a moment, before a noise of something crashing to the ground came from behind the house causing Bilbo to chuckle.

“I’m guessing they are out back.”

Bilbo said, taking a hold of the boy's hands as he led them around the house. The closer they got, the more noise they could hear. The sound of laughter getting louder and louder until the source of the noise finally came into view, causing Fili’s eyes to widen.

Behind the smial was a large backyard, one side consisting of a large garden while the other opened up to a large field alongside a big hill. Where four children ranging from Fili’s age all the way to Kili’s age looked to be sword fighting with sticks, their laughter echoing over the open space.

“Mr Bilbo, I was wonderin when you lot would show up!”

Someone said, causing Fili’s eyes to dart away towards the sound of the voice.

Standing in the middle of the garden was a hobbit with curly brown hair and brown eyes. He had dirt covering his face, and his hair was all messy. However, he had a big smile on his face and his eyes seemed to light up at the sight of Bilbo. He was wearing brown trousers, a white shirt covered in dirt and brown suspenders.

Beside him stood a woman with curly blonde hair and bright blue eyes, her smile equally as happy as the man’s. She wore a light blue dress with yellow designs along the bottom. However, what caught Fili’s eye was the size of her stomach. It was huge, the only other time he had seen someone's stomach that big was when Kili was still in his mothers stomach.

Which by the way, he still did not understand how Kili managed to get in there in the first place.

“Good afternoon Hamfast, Bell, it’s wonderful to see you both. I’m sorry if we are late.”

Bilbo said as the two approached them as Hamfast waved off the apology.

“Nonsense, you’re never late Mr Bilbo. Sides, even if you were you would have plenty uh reason to be.”

Hamfast said, stopping once he reached them to kneel down in front of the boys causing Fili to take a step back.

“Welcome boys, my name is Hamfast Gamgee at yer service, and this here is my wife Bell.”

Hamfast said, gesturing to the woman who stood beside him. Her smile was warm and loving as she waved at the boys.

“I am Mr Bilbo’s gardener, he’s told us much about you both.”

Hamfast continued, watching sadly as the boys hid their faces in Bilbo’s pant leg. Gently, Bilbo ran his hands through their hair, coaxing them to look at him.

“It’s alright boys, remember what I told you. Hamfast and Bell are some of the kindest people I have ever met, they won't hurt you.”

Bilbo said, giving them a smile.

At this, Fili took a deep breath and stepped forward. He needed to be brave, he was the oldest after all and the prince of Erebor. Princes aren’t scared of anything, even if he was a little scared at the moment. With this in mind, Fili looked up to meet the strangers eyes before dipping down into a bow.

“Fili, son of Vili, at your service.”

Fili said, remembering the words his uncle taught him to say when introducing himself. Seeing his brother do this, Kili immediately copied him. Stepping out from behind Bilbo and bowing a little too low. So low in fact that his hands touched the ground and his little bottom was in the air.

“Kiwi sers!”

Kili said, causing both Fili and Bilbo to bite their lip to stop themselves from laughing.

“And this is my brother Kili, also at your service.”

Fili said, straightening up and reaching out to also straighten out his brother who’s bottom was still in the air. Seeing this, Hamfast and Bell couldn't help but coo at the two adorable children before them.

“Aww such manners, it’s lovely to meet you darlings! Why don’t I go get some snacks while you both play with the kids! Oh Hamfast dear, they’re going to get along so well!”

Bell rambled, already running inside to get some snacks for the kids.

Watching her leave, Bilbo couldn’t help but laugh.

“I see Bell is doing quite well.”

Bilbo said, causing Hamfast to laugh as well.

“You know her Mr Bilbo, what with the wee one coming any day now her minds been in a right tizzy about everything.”

He said, causing Bilbo to give him a guilty smile.

“I am sorry to ask this of you both, it would only be for a short while and I would be right back to-”

“Nonsense Mr Bilbo, you go do what you gotta do, it's no trouble at all! Now off with you, the quicker you finish the quicker you can come back for Tea!”

Hamfast interrupted, giving Bilbo a gentle pat on the shoulder before turning and following his wife inside in case she needed any help. Once they were gone, Bilbo turned and knelt down to talk to the boys.

“Alright boys, I have to head into the market for a bit but I will be back by Tea Time, I promise.”

Bilbo said, receiving nods from each of the boys.

Glancing over his shoulder at the group of children playing in the field, Bilbo couldn’t help but smile as he motioned the boys to go on ahead. Also noticing the children in the field, Kili immediately bolted for the field. His excited giggles echoing around him as he ran.

“Kili!”

Fili yelled, worried for his brother’s safety.

Before he could run after him however, Bilbo’s hand upon his shoulder stopped him. Looking up at their caretaker, Fili paused when he saw the gentle smile on his face and took a second to calm down. With a slow motion of his head, Bilbo signaled Fili to look in the direction Kili had gone. Looking to where Bilbo wanted him to, Fili noticed Kili had made it to the group of children.

Instead of telling him to leave or ignoring him, the group immediately stopped rough housing at his arrival. One of the older ones walking over to ask if he wanted to play. When he nodded they broke their stick in half and gave him one. After he had his own stick, they continued their game of sword fighting. This time being more gentle and mindful of the toddler now playing with them. Their laughter echoing through the field as they played together.

Fili watched with wide eyes, surprised at the kind treatment they had shown his brother.

“You don’t have to worry Fili, you both are safe here.”

Bilbo said, causing Fili to look up at him once more.

Tears blurring his vision, the last of his worries melting away at the warmth and love behind Bilbo’s eyes. With a new resolve, Fili turned forward once more and broke into a run. Running towards his brother and lifting him into his arms, causing the younger to laugh. His sudden appearance causing the other children to laugh as well and ask him to join them, which Fili readily agreed to.

With a smile, Bilbo turned and left Hamfast’s smial and made his way down to the market. Looking around, Bilbo ignored the stares he felt on the back of his neck, and did his best to ignore the not so subtle whispers of gossip the other hobbits said behind his back.

Did you hear that he came back early from his trip?

Why do you think that is?

I heard he was seen carrying two children into his smial the same night of his return.

Really!? It wouldn’t surprise me if they were his children from a secret lover somewhere in Bree, I mean who goes all the way to Bree for stupid parchment?

A bachelor, ha! Don’t make me laugh, he probably opens himself up for more people there then anyone could count.

Probably because no one here would ever couple with the likes of Mad Baggins.

Clenching his hands into fists, Bilbo bit his tongue and ignored the things others were whispering about him as he pulled out a letter he had written a few days before. He had much more important things to worry about then some stupid rumors. Looking around, Bilbo smiled when he spotted the postal stand and made his way to it.

“Excuse me, I have a letter that needs to be delivered to the Thain.”

Bilbo said, handing his letter to one of the postal hobbits who took it with a smile.

“Right away Mr Baggins, is it urgent?”

“Yes, it needs to be delivered as soon as possible.”

“Will do, I will be on my way to deliver it by tonight.”

“Thank you.”

Bilbo said, giving him a smile before turning and leaving the stand.

His thoughts straying to his two little dwarflings and what they would need for the time being. At least until his letter addressing the need to get them home is seen and actions are taken to ensure their safe return home.

For now, Bilbo would enjoy every second he got with his dwarflings before they are returned to their family in The Blue Mountains.

Chapter Text

It was a cool day outside, autumn approaching fast as the days grew shorter and the nights grew colder.

For now, Bilbo and the boys were enjoying the cool weather outside. Bilbo himself was doing a bit of light reading from his spot on the bench in front of Bag End. Glancing up every now and then to check on the children to make sure they weren’t doing anything too reckless. When Bell had gone into labor the night before, Bilbo had insisted on watching Hamfasts children for him while he helped his wife.

Currently, they were all playing in the yard. Acting out scenes from one of Fili’s stories about their home land. With Fili, Halfred and Daisy all acting as the dwarven warriors and Hamfast's eldest son, Hamson, acting as the dragon. All the youngers trying their best to defeat the older by tackling him to the ground.

On the other side of the yard was Hamfast's youngest daughter, May, picking flowers and putting them into Kili’s long hair. All while said boy doodled on a piece of parchment with charcoal Bilbo had given him. The sound of May’s excited giggles reaching Bilbo’s ears each time she found a new pretty flower to add to her colorful collection atop Kili’s head.

With a smile, Bilbo was about to continue reading until the sound of approaching footsteps broke his concentration once more. Looking up, Bilbo noticed one of the postal hobbits walking up the dirt road towards his smial. Quickly, Bilbo set his book onto the bench and walked briskly to his gate. Trying his best to hide the nerves he was feeling as the postal hobbit grew closer and closer with each passing second.

“Afternoon Mr Baggins, I got that letter you’ve been waitin on!”

The postal hobbit said, reaching into his bag and pulling out an envelope with the Took family seal on the front.

“Thank you, good sir.”

Bilbo said, slowly taking the envelope and giving the man a smile as he continued on his way.

Turning back to his smial, Bilbo tried to calm the trembling in his hands as he took a seat on the bench once more. His book long forgotten as he stared down at the envelope in his grasp, not knowing whether his hands were shaking because of excitement or nerves.

Bilbo had been anticipating the response from the Thain ever since he sent the letter a week ago. He could see the longing in the boy's eyes anytime they talked about their home, and Bilbo was excited to tell them they would be with their family soon. However, he was also dreading it, because then he would never be able to wake them up in the morning for breakfast or read to them at night before bed. He wouldn’t be able to see their smiling faces anymore when he made them little snacks or gifted them the thick leather shoes he had made for them a few days before.

He would be left here, alone, without his two little dwarflings that he had come to care about so much.

Shaking his head, Bilbo tried to rid himself of those thoughts. He shouldn’t be thinking this way, so selfishly. Those boys deserved to be with their family, and Bilbo was not going to keep them from that. So with a smile, Bilbo ripped into the envelope and began reading the letter within.

Dear Bilbo Baggins,

I regret to inform you that we may be of no help to your young guests. There are currently no rangers patrolling within the Shire and will be none until the beginning of Spring. As you know, us hobbits are not fit for traveling such long distances like to the Blue Mountains. We also would not be able to protect ourselves let alone young ones while traveling to such places, otherwise I would gather a party to return them to their home. I am sorry, but there is nothing we can do for them.

From,

Fortinbras Took II

Bilbo stared at the letter, his hands trembling as he read the words over and over again.

No rangers within the Shire? There are always rangers within Bree that could be contacted and informed on the situation. Not fit to travel such long distances? What rubbish! Hobbits are made to travel for Yavanna’s sake! And there are plenty of well trained hobbits within the Shire who know how to protect themselves and others! Ever since the Fell Winter, that has been made a priority of their military for crying out loud! How could the Thain just dismiss his dwarflings when he knew there was every opportunity to help them laid out within his own words!

“Mr Bilbo?”

A gentle voice broke Bilbo out of his enraged state as he looked up.

Standing at his gate was Hamfast, with a worried look in his eyes as he stared at Bilbo.

It was then that Bilbo felt the tears of frustration rolling down his face. Dripping off of his chin and landing on the letter held tightly within his grasp. So tight in fact, that the page had begun to rip. Then he noticed a dull pain in his lip that was beginning to burn the more time passed. The metallic taste of blood filling his mouth from where he had bitten through the soft flesh of his lip in his anger.

“Hamfast, I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

Bilbo said, trying to compose himself as he gave Hamfast the best smile that he could muster.

However, it probably looked more like a grimace now that he thought about it. The concern in Hamfast's eyes growing as he pushed past the gate and stepped inside.

“It’s alright Mr Bilbo, no harm done. Are you alright?”

“Oh don’t you worry about me. Now, how is Bell doing?”

Bilbo asked as he stood from the bench once more, folding the letter and stuffing it into his pocket.

Hamfast gave him a knowing look, before a bright smile overtook his features.

“Oh Bell is doing just fine! Already trying to walk around she is, the stubborn lass!”

Hamfast laughed causing Bilbo to smile.

“And the baby, are they healthy? Is it a boy or a girl?”

“The babe is doing just fine as well, a healthy baby boy!”

Hamfast said, pride leaking from every word as he smiled. The last of Bilbo’s previous anger seeping away at the happiness behind Hamfast's eyes.

“Oh that’s wonderful, we must tell the children!”

Bilbo said, waving his hands about in excitement as he walked further into the yard with Hamfast following close behind as they approached the children. Who had all forgotten the main enemy of their game and were now trying to tackle each other. The first to notice their arrival being Daisy, who was sprawled on top of Fili who was pinned face down to the ground.

“Papa!”

Daisy yelled, her red curls bouncing as she hopped off of the blushing boy and ran over to her father.

As she yelled, the other children also stopped their roughhousing to look in the direction she had gone. All of them immediately bolting for their father as well, questions flying through the air as Hamfast brought his children into his arms.

“What took you so long!”

“Is Momma okay?”

“Did she have the baby?”

“Is it a girl or a boy?”

“What’s their name?”

“Alright, alright calm down little ones! Your mother is fine, already trying to run about she is! And the baby is alright as well, ended up bein a healthy baby boy.”

Hamfast said, causing the children to cheer.

“What’s his name Papa?”

Halfred asked, excitement clear in his big brown eyes.

“His name is Samwise, a big strong name for the little tyke. Now thank Mr Bilbo for watchin y’all and come along, your mother is waiting for us and I'm sure y’all are eager to meet your new brother.”

Hamfast continued, ruffling Halfred’s red hair as all of the children turned and thanked Bilbo for letting them stay the night. Before leaving they all said their goodbyes to Fili with Daisy poking fun at his messed up hair, causing a red faced Fili to chase after her. Her laughter echoing about as she ran out the gate, her siblings following after her as they made their way home.

All except for one.

“Come on little May, we gotta go meet your new baby brother.”

Hamfast said, picking up May who was still putting flowers into Kili’s hair.

“Nuh nuh papa fower fo kiwi.”

May whined, waving bye to Kili as Hamfast carried her away.

Before he left, Hamfast turned to Bilbo and gave him a warm smile.

“Thank you for watchin them on such short notice Mr Bilbo.”

“It was no trouble at all Hamfast, they were little angels.”

Bilbo said, causing Hamfast to laugh before his smile slowly turned into a sad look of understanding.

“They refused to help, didn’t they?”

Hamfast asked, causing Bilbo’s eyes to widen.

Hamfast wasn’t dumb, he could easily recognize the look of betrayal and heartbreak in Bilbo’s eyes when he was reading that letter. The seal of the Took family easily told him it was from the Thain, and the only reason Bilbo would have to send word to the Thain was regarding the two little ones in his care.

Turning around, both Hamfast and Bilbo glanced back at the two boys who were currently trying to get all the flowers out of Kili’s hair.

“Yes, he said there are no rangers within the Shire and he refuses to put any hobbits in harm's way to return them home.”

Bilbo said, tears filling his eyes once more at the thought of the two never seeing their family again.

“You know, you could always take them yerself.”

Hamfast suggested, causing Bilbo to look at him like he had lost his mind.

“Don’t you give me that look Mr Bilbo, you are one of the smartest hobbits I’ve ever met. You know maps and directions better than anyone, I’m sure you could get them home no problem.”

He continued, causing Bilbo to blush from the complements.

“It’s not the directions I'm worried about, it’s getting them there safely that is the problem. I don’t know the first thing about defending myself let alone two children.”

Bilbo said, glancing down at the ground to hide the guild eating away at him.

“Nonsense Mr Bilbo, I have seen you at the annual festivals! You’re the sharpest rock shooter this side of Hobbiton! Sides, you still have yer mom's weapons right? She taught you how to use 'em once, I’m sure your body remembers how to do it again!”

“That was when I was a tween, it has been years since I have practiced.”

Bilbo said, trying to be logical about this but the sad look in Hamfast’s eyes was making it very difficult for him.

“Look Mr Bilbo, I know you don’t have a lot of confidence in yerself but I do. Those boy’s need you, otherwise they may never see their families again.”

Hamfast said, reaching out to squeeze Bilbo’s shoulder in reassurance before turning away.

“I believe in you Mr Bilbo, I know you will make the right choice for yer boys.”

Hamfast finished, adjusting a now sleeping May in his arms as he pushed past the gate and made his way to his smial.

Bilbo stood in that spot for what felt like forever. His thoughts running wild as his brain and heart fought against one another. One trying to be logical about the whole situation, while the other wanted to do what it knew to be right and get those boys home. Turning around once more, Bilbo watched as Fili finished getting out all the flowers from Kili’s hair. Seemingly scolding Kili for something Bilbo could not hear, before the serious look on his face disappeared and he began tickling Kili making the toddler laugh.

At that moment, seeing those two little boys and how happy they were together, both Bilbo’s brain and heart came to an agreement. Even if he wasn’t sure he could do it, he made a promise to those boys.

A promised to get them home, and that's what he is going to do.

Chapter Text

Once receiving the Thain's response, Bilbo sent a letter of his own to the man. Telling the Thain that he would be taking the children to The Blue Mountains on his own, since he saw fit to give them no help. Giving him clear instructions that Hamfast would be taking care of his smial while he is away. He also said that if he were to not return, everything would go to the Gamgee family, including Bag End itself.

In response, the Thain quickly sent his own letter begging Bilbo to reconsider and trying to reason that he could ask someone to take the children to Bree to find someone else to watch over them. However, Bilbo would have none of it. He would not be allowing his boys anywhere near Bree, since that was where they were meant to be sold off. He also wouldn’t just abandon them because some old hobbit didn’t deem them worth the time or resources, even if that old hobbit was his great grandfather.

After making a list of everything the boys and himself would need, as well as mapping out their route to the Blue Mountains, Bilbo told the boys of his plan to get them home and they both were ecstatic. With Kili running around, not truly understanding what he was excited about and his brother clinging tightly to Bilbo as if he was drowning and Bilbo was his life line. Tears of joy and appreciation falling from the young dwarfling’s eyes as he thanked Bilbo over and over and over again. All while Bilbo held him close, his own tears falling from his eyes as Fili sobbed into his chest.

It took Bilbo quite a while to gather the supplies needed for their journey, but now two weeks later they were ready to leave. Their packs filled with food, clothing, blankets, maps and many other things Bilbo knew they would need on the journey.

After getting dressed in a pair of long dark brown trousers, a long sleeved white shirt with a gray short sleeved tunic on top and a leather hunting vest, Bilbo took a moment to glance around his room. The afternoon light shone through his window, casting the room in different shades of yellows as his eyes finally landed on his mothers glory box at the foot of his bed.

Walking over, Bilbo knelt in front of the box that had sat untouched since her passing. Running his fingers along the intricate carvings across the box, Bilbo couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of the old thing before slowly unlatching it. Opening it with a deafening squeak as he stared down at the contents within.

A forest green traveling cloak laid before his eyes, detailed designs of golden vines stitched across the bottom with two sets of daggers laying on top. Still sheathed within their holsters, each pair attached to their own strap held to a leather belt. Reaching out to run his fingers along the well worn green fabric and delicate gold stitching laced throughout the leather, Bilbo took a moment to take in the sight of them after so long. The last time he has seen them was years ago, during the Fell Winter when his mother had last taught him how to use them.

Gently, Bilbo pushed them aside to reveal a hand crafted bow laying across the bottom of the box. The two leather arm guards lay beside the leather quiver filled with arrows, just waiting to be used once more.

Reaching inside, Bilbo took the leather belt into his hands and fastened it around his hips. A leather strap falling from the belt past his hips and down each of his thighs. Both holding two sheathed daggers secured tightly in their holsters. Reaching down, Bilbo quickly fastened the daggers to his outer thighs from the leather strap hanging from the holsters. Well hidden, but easy to access in case he needed to pull them out quickly.

Once that was finished, Bilbo reached back into the box to retrieve the forest green cloak. Quickly snapping it out a few times to rid it of the dust it had collected, before flinging it over his shoulders. Clasping it together at his collar bone using a pin that used to belong to his mother of a tree with its branches and roots creating a circle around it.

Last but not least, Bilbo looked down to the bow, guards and quiver full of arrows. His fingers brushing against the hand carved designs of vines running along the wood, before finally gripping both the bow and quiver firmly in his hands and pulling them out of the box. Sliding the quiver over his head until it laid firmly across his back and doing the same for the bow. Once they were secure, Bilbo reached inside the box one last time to retrieve the arm guards. Using his teeth to quickly fasten them tightly to his arms. Twisting his wrists to make sure they were tight enough, before finally shutting the empty glory box and stepping out of the room. Glancing back one last time, before continuing down the hall.

The sound of laughter coming from the boys room caused him to smile as he peeked inside to find Fili putting Kili’s shoes on him. Or well, trying to at least. The toddler himself was running around the room with only one shoe on, trying his best to escape his older brother as he chased after him.

“Are you boys ready?”

Bilbo asked, walking into the room.

“Almost Mr Baggins, just gotta-”

Fili said, jumping at his brother only to land flat on his face as the toddler dodged him once more. His laughter growing louder as he ran towards Bilbo, who scooped him up into his arms.

“Up you go, you little rascal.”

Bilbo said, carrying Kili towards his brother as the toddler giggled.

Standing next to Fili’s defeated form, Bilbo reached down and took Kili’s shoe from his brother before quickly slipping it onto Kili’s tiny foot with ease, causing Fili to pout.

“There we are.”

Bilbo said, causing Kili to look up at him with an innocent smile, as if he hadn’t just ran his brother ragged over a shoe.

“Wow Mr Baggins, you look amazing!”

Fili said, his eyes shining with amazement as he finally took note of his caretaker's new attire. His mind immediately comparing Bilbo’s appearance to the warriors from the stories his uncle used to tell them. How the warriors could strike fear into the hearts of their enemies and command respect with a single glance. Looking at him now, Fili couldn’t help but think that Bilbo looked way cooler than any warrior he could have ever imagined.

“Thank you Fili.”

Bilbo said, reaching down to gently run his fingers through Fili’s long blonde hair that was tied back with a leather strap. Reaching up to do the same to his brother, who’s hair was in a similar fashion.

“Are you both ready?”

Bilbo asked, as Fili quickly stood and began to bounce around in excitement, with Kili trying to copy him while still being held in Bilbo’s arms.

“Oh yes Mr Baggins! It’s going to be a grand adventure! It has been so long, I can’t wait to see our Amad and Uncle again! And I can’t wait for you to meet them! You will like our Amad, she likes to read and cook and is really kind but can be strict just like you!”

Fili said, jumping around as he rambled on.

“Unkuh!”

“Kili is right, you will like our uncle too Mr Baggins! He can be strict and scary sometimes but he is very kind and hard working but always makes time to play games with us! It’s going to be amazing!”

Fili said, causing Kili to clap his hands in excitement.

Seeing them so happy, Bilbo couldn’t help but smile. Even if something were to happen to him, even if he would never be able to see them again after this trip, Bilbo would be forever grateful that he got to spend these precious moments with them. That he got to see their beautiful smiles and hear their contagious laughter echoing through the halls of his home.

“Well then, we better not keep them waiting any longer.”

Bilbo said, setting Kili onto the ground.

At this, both the boys bolted out of the room. Their new winter coats flowing from their speed as they ran to the front door. Their laughter and little footsteps fading away as Bilbo stood in the middle of the guest room that had become their bedroom. His old toys strewn about and their bed unmade from their excitement for the adventure ahead of them.

Memories of the first time he had brought them here flashing through his mind, causing him to turn away and quickly leave the room. His body refusing to look back, knowing if he did he knew he would begin to cry and he did not need the boys to see him in such a state.

Walking into the hallway, Bilbo gathered up the packs leaning against the wall filled with everything they would need on their journey. Continued down the hallway towards the front door once they were securely placed in his arms.

His pace slow as he looked at the walls of his smial, trying to commit everything to memory since he did not know the next time he would see them. Anything could happen while on this venture, and if that meant Bilbo never returning to his precious home, then he was not going to forget a single detail.

Reaching the front door, Bilbo followed the boys outside. Turning around to shut and lock his door, in case any nasty hobbits got any ideas while he was gone. More specifically a certain hobbit by the name of Sackville-Baggins. Once the door was locked, Bilbo ran his hands along the wood. Committing the color and texture of the new paint to memory, before finally turning away and walking down the steps to his gate. Where not only two ponies were waiting, but the Gamgee family as well.

Each child taking their time to say goodbye to their new friends. Even if they hadn’t known the boys for long, their friendship was true and Bilbo knew it would last a lifetime no matter how far away from each other they were.

Pushing past the gate, Bilbo let the boys have a moment with their friends as he loaded the packs onto the backs of the ponies. One familiar, with her blonde mane and orange coat and the other not so familiar with a similar orange coat and brown mane. Myrtle’s skeptical eyes watching his every move as he loaded them with supplies.

“Don’t give me that look, I must do this. Hamfast is right, even if I don’t believe in myself I can’t just keep those boys from their family.”

Bilbo mumbled, turning away as the pony huffed at him.

“It was lovely to meet you boys, we hope to see you again soon.”

Bell said, little Samwise sleeping peacefully in her arms, unaware of the happy tears falling from his mothers eyes as she rubbed Fili’s cheek.

“You boys be careful and be sure to take good care of Mr Bilbo.”

Hamfast said, giving the boys an encouraging smile.

“We will.”

Fili said, with a look of determination as he bowed deeply.

With a smile, Bilbo walked forward and set his hand on top of Fili’s head causing the boy to look up at him.

“You be careful as well Mr Bilbo, you come back to us ya hear? In one piece at that.”

Hamfast said in a serious tone, before his expression melted into a warm smile. Reaching out to bring Bilbo into a hug, which the hobbit returned with just as much strength and care.

“I will, I promise.”

Bilbo said, his lip trembling as tears began to cloud his vision. Reaching up to quickly wiped them away before the children could see as he pulled away. Stealing his face into a warm smile as Hamfast gave him a firm nod. His eyes telling Bilbo all he needed to know.

You are doing the right thing, they said.

“Alright boys, it's time to go.”

Bilbo said, looking down at Fili who nodded.

Walking over to the ponies, Bilbo lifted Fili up and set him securely onto Minty. His hands gripping tightly to her dark mane as Bilbo had taught him. The horse snorting gently before glancing back at Fili with a knowing look as Fili smiled nervously at the horse.

Turning around, Bilbo looked around for Kili only to find him and May clinging tightly to each other in a hug as her father tries his best to unlatch them from each other.

“Kili dear, it’s time to go.”

Bilbo said, with a chuckle.

With a pout, Kili slowly let his friend go as she reached up and gently patted his head.

“Bah bah Kiwi.”

May said with a smile.

“Bah bah Mae.”

Kili responded, smiling as well as he ran over to Bilbo who was already seated on Myrtle.

With Hamfasts help, Kili was lifted up and set in front of Bilbo atop of Myrtle. Quickly, Bilbo wrapped his arms around the toddler. Holding not only his own set of reins but Minty’s reins as well, since Fili was too young to steer a horse on his own. Once the boys were situated, Bilbo gave them each a smile.

“Ready?”

Bilbo asked, receiving nods from each of them.

“Alright then, lets-”

“Oh! One moment Mr Bilbo, I almost forgot!”

Hamfast suddenly said, walking up with Daisy in his arms.

Confused, Bilbo watched Hamfast carry Daisy over to where Fili sat atop Minty.

Once he was close enough, Hamfast lifted Daisy up until she was face to face with Fili. Who stared at her with a confused smile until his face morphed into a state of shock as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. His face turning 10 different shades of red as he hid his face in his hands, causing Bilbo and Hamfast to laugh as Daisy was set back onto the ground.

With a giggle, Daisy ran back over to her mother as Hamfast followed. Waving goodbye to Bilbo over his shoulder as the Gamgree’s made their way home.

“Alright then, now we may go.”

Bilbo said, giggling at Fili’s embarrassed pout.

With a snap of the reins, they were off.

The shadows of Bag End falling into the distance as they made their way out of Hobbiton and towards the Blue Mountains where Fili and Kili’s family lay waiting for their little dwarflings to return home.

It wasn’t until they were far out of Hobbiton near the edge of the Shire that the first sneeze racked through Bilbo’s body, causing him to grumble as he realized the one thing he had forgotten back home.

His handkerchief.

Chapter Text

During the start of this adventure, far to the west within the Blue Mountains, a different kind of venture was coming to a close.

Months before, when Thorin had returned home late one night from working in the forge, the last thing he expected to find was a frantic Dis yelling about the boy’s having not returned home from playing. Thorin hadn’t been too worried at the time, surely they had just lost track of time and didn’t realize how late it had gotten. Nevertheless, Thorin told his sister he would go out to find them and bring them home for a good scolding.

However, when he found all their usual playing spots empty, he began to grow worried. Asking around if anyone had seen them, only to receive confused looks and answers of “Not since earlier that day.” The repetitive answers causing Thorin’s worries and fears to grow as the hours ticked by with no sight of his nephews. Leading Thorin to realize that this was no childish negligence of time, that his nephews were not just staying out past curfew to scare their mother.

They were missing.

Word of their disappearance traveled fast through Ered Luin and everyone did whatever they could to help. Not only because they were the princes, but because all dwarflings were precious to their people. To sit back and do nothing while a dwarfling could be lost or hurt somewhere was a crime in itself. They searched far and wide for the two princes, going as far as the Misty Mountains in their pursuit to find them. However, as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months with no word of their whereabouts, the people began to lose hope. Their hearts breaking at the thought of the princes never returning to them.

Thorin however, would not even entertain the thought of never finding his nephews. He had organized his own search party consisting of Dwalin, Gloin and many more dwarves who were determined to see the princes return home. At the time, he had every intention of going with them, until Balin convinced him otherwise. He told him that not only did his people need him, but Dis did as well. She had just gotten over the loss of her One only her sons to go missing, so even if she refused to acknowledge it, she was in pain and needed her brother more than anything right now.

So, with this in mind, Thorin chose to stay behind and he sent the party out the next day. Confident in their ability to find his nephews and return them home safely.

Oh how wrong he had been.

It wasn’t until a few weeks had passed that the group returned, walking into the Council Hall where Thorin and Balin were discussing trading deals with a few of the other council members. Thorin had dismissed the members as soon as he saw the search party arrive, calling the meeting to a close as the group dispersed. Once they were gone, the search party took their places at the long wooden table. All refusing to meet Thorin’s eyes as he looked between each of them, his worry growing as the silence stretched on. Confused, he turned to Dwalin who also refused to meet the eye of his shield brother.

“Dwalin?”

Thorin asked, his voice firm yet holding a hint of desperation behind it as it echoed off the stone walls of the council room.

Slowly, Dwalin lifted his head, taking a breath before meeting Thorin’s eyes. The despair and heartbreak residing within the war-hardened warrior’s eyes caused Thorin’s breath to stall in his lungs. However, it wasn’t until his friend began to recount their findings that his breath was truly stolen from him once and for all.

Dwalin explained that while searching, they had stopped at every village they came across, no matter how small. Asking anyone who would listen if they had seen the two dwarflings. Each time receiving the same answer over and over and over again.

No.

Their confidence slowly began to dwindle the more days that passed and the further they got from Ered Luin. Until they finally arrived at a small village called Bree, east of the Shire and south of Fornost in Eriador. It was rather bland, similar to all the other villages they had stopped to search. The only difference being that not only Men resided within the village walls, but a race known as hobbits as well. Unremarkable creatures in Dwalin’s opinion, a soft and rambunctious lot who seem to not have a fighting bone within their body. Still, they took the day to ask around if anyone had seen the two missing dwarflings. Receiving the now expected answer of “no” each time they asked.

Until they had finally gotten an answer that was different.

Even so, Dwalin would have much rather preferred the repetitive “no'' than the answer they had received.

When dusk had fallen, the group chose to stop at an Inn called The Prancing Pony for the night. Most, if not all of them, knew they would not be able to sleep with the disappointment of their search still hanging in the air. So instead, they all made their way into the tavern to hopefully drown away their sorrows of the day. Once they had all settled at a table, the owner of the Inn had come up to them claiming to have information that could help in their search.

Apparently, a few nights before, a group of human men had come in and gotten themselves a little too drunk. Sputtering off nonsense about dwarflings and how much money they were going to get for selling them off. The Innkeeper had written it off as drunken ramblings, until earlier that day when he heard about their group searching for two missing dwarflings.

The Innkeeper had tried to describe what the men looked like to the best of his ability while also apologizing for not being able to help. By the time he was finished, the group of dwarves had already rushed out the door in search of the men. They had scoured Bree for 3 days in search of the men, but could not find anyone who fit their description. So, with heavy hearts, they left Bree and traveled back to The Blue Mountains to inform Thorin on what they had discovered.

Once Dwalin was finished, the council room fell into an uncomfortable silence. The look of horror plastered across Balin’s face causing the reality of the situation to finally sink in to them all. Their own looks of guilt and sadness crossed over their faces and most would have begun to cry had it not been for Thorin. Who sat at the head of the table motionless, a vacant expression across his face as he stared at Dwalin. At a glance, one would think he was the epitome of calm and collected, but if you looked close enough you could see the subtle tightening of his jaw and the despair and pure rage that filtered through his eyes.

The tension in the room continued to grow until he finally stood up, ignoring the concerned glances of the others as he turned and made his way towards the door.

“Thorin-”

Balin began, but was cut short when Thorin glared over his shoulder. His bright blue eyes now as dark as the night sky as he glared at the other dwarves before him. A glare so powerful, it sent a spark of fear through the hearts of every warrior within the room.

“Ready another search party, they leave on the morrow.”

Thorin says, his voice leaving no room for argument as he finally left the room.

The walk home is quiet aside from the usual chatter of dwarves returning from work and the laughter of children as they ran around playing. Still, Thorin could feel the stares of pity being directed at him from the other dwarves. Could hear them whispering to each other about how much pain he must be in. How much it must hurt to never be able to see his nephews again.

And yet, he was numb to it all.

His mind shutting out everything around him as memories of his nephews flashing through his mind. Memories of Fili’s first words, of teaching Kili how to walk and showing Fili how to hold a sword. How he hadn’t gotten the chance to tell them how happy they made him and how much he loved them, despite how he may act sometimes. How he didn’t even hug them the day they had gone missing. How he didn’t even get to say goodbye before they were taken from him.

As Thorin made his way home, ignoring the stares and whispers of those around him, he tried his best to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall as Dwalin’s words continued to echo through his mind. 

Sold off.

His boys had been sold off.

The sound of her brother returning home filled Dis’s heart with a hope she had not felt in many months, not since her boys had gone missing. She had heard word that the search party made by Thorin had returned earlier that day, earlier than expected. Which meant they might have found her boys. Turning around, Dis quickly made her way out of the kitchen. Her steps fast as she ran into the living room with a smile on her face. Only for her smile to falter and her heart to fill with dread at the vacant expression on Thorin’s downturned face.

“Thorin?”

She asked, her voice full of hope that did not reach her heart.

Silence followed, causing the dread in Dis’s heart to grow. Stepping forward, Dis reached a trembling hand out to her brother who still refused to look at her.

“Thorin, did they…did they find them?”

She asked, already knowing the answer.

Finally, Thorin lifted his head to meet his sister’s eyes. His mouth was set into a firm line, his brows furrowed in what could have been anger had Dis not known her brother well enough. The look of anguish and heartbreak hidden within Thorin’s eyes told Dis all she needed to know as her resolve began to crack. She had never seen her brother look so…so, broken.

Clenching her fists Dis took a deep breath and steeled her expression, before turning away from her brother. Shaking her head as she made her way to the kitchen. Reaching out to continue kneading the dough she had been making before Thorin arrived, if only to distract herself from the trembling in her hands.

“No, no…I don’t believe this, I will not believe this.”

She said, her eyes as harsh as a winter storm and her features as hard as stone as she continued to work.

“Dis.”

Thorin said, his voice firm as he stepped into the kitchen.

“No Thorin, I will not believe this! My boys are out there, it is just a matter of time before they return home!”

She yelled, beginning to knead the dough with a bit more force then needed.

“Dis, I know you don't-”

“Off with you now Thorin, these pastries aren't going to make themselves.”

Dis said, ignoring whatever it was her brother was going to say.

“My boys are going to be very hungry when they get home so I need to get these done as soon as possible-”

The feeling of arms wrapping around her from behind caused Dis to pause what she was doing. Finally being forced to take note of the trembling of her hands, the heaviness of her breathing and the tears that were blurring her vision. Threatening to fall at any moment if she wasn’t careful.

“Namad.”

Thorin said, his voice cutting through the silence as his arms tightened around his sister's trembling form.

The desperation in her brother's voice and the feeling of tears dropping onto the back of her neck are what finally broke her. A sob wracking through her body as she finally allowed the tears to fall after so long of trying to keep them at bay. Not just from that moment, but from the months of useless searches. The months of sleepless nights spent staring at the front door. Praying to any Valar that would listen that her boys would walk through the door and into her waiting arms. Telling her of some fantastical excuse for their going missing and for making her so worried. Months of disappointment each night Thorin returned without her boys by his side.

Falling to her knees, Dis felt the tears roll down her cheeks as she buried her face into Thorin’s chest and cried. His arms tightening around her as she sobbed into his chest. His own tears blurring his vision as he reached up to run his hand through her hair. Like she often did with the boys when they needed comfort on stormy nights. Like he had done to her so many times when they were growing up.

“I’m sorry Dis, I’m so so sorry…”

Thorin said, his grip tightening on his sister as he let her cry.

The sound of her heartbroken sobs echoing through the streets of Ered Luin for every dwarf to hear. The cries of pure heartbreak and that could only come from a mother after losing her children. All while Thorin held her tightly to his chest, his own tears mixing with her own as they cried well into the night.

Chapter Text

The days passed by in a blur, the road seeming never ending as Bilbo and the boys traveled west towards the looming mountains far in the distance. Taking a break each day for lunch and to let the boys stretch their legs, before continuing on well into the night. Then they would stop to set up camp, only to pack up and leave the next morning to continue on their seemingly endless adventure.

By the third day, it had become a nice routine.

Currently, Fili was setting up their sleeping rolls while Kili went around gathering sticks in his tiny arms for a fire. Never straying too far from sight as Bilbo unloaded the ponies and tied them off to a nearby log. Once Kili had gathered enough sticks, with Fili’s help getting more useful pieces, a fire was started and dinner was soon served. The calm atmosphere filled with laughter as Bilbo made up fantastical stories from his mind, full of friendship, family and love.

This was always Fili’s favorite part of the day.

The stories Bilbo told always made his mind wonder and his blue eyes shine as he imagined himself as the hero of his caretakers tales. As the handsome prince who fought off evil beasts to protect his family and the ones he loves. Of being the one to save the day and ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after. It made him think of things he had not allowed himself to think of in so long. Made him wonder if he would ever be known as a hero in one of Bilbo’s stories. If he would ever see his family again and if they would one day praise him for his bravery and skill. If he would ever find someone to love and protect and live happily ever after with, like his Amad had with his Adad.

However, as soon as the thought crossed his mind, Fili couldn’t help but frown.

It wasn’t often that he thought of his Adad, not that he didn’t care or love him, it’s just that he didn’t remember him very well. He had died when Fili was very young, before Kili had even begun to walk. Sometimes, he would get hints of moments, memories his five year old self deemed unimportant but now meant more than anything to the boy. Flashes of blonde hair similar to his own, of bright brown eyes similar to Kili’s, of large hands running through his hair as a deep voice sang him to sleep, of his mother’s bright smile and lovestruck eyes as she danced with a faceless figure in front of the fireplace.

Still, even those memories had begun to fade with time, other memories replacing them as time went on. Of his mother braiding his blonde hair before breakfast, of Kili’s bright brown eyes staring up at him as he took his first steps, of his Uncle's deep voice singing him to sleep. Of his mother dancing with him by the fireplace, her smile still bright but the love that had once been in her eyes now dulled to a memory of her own.

How long had it been since he last saw her face?

Since she last braided his hair before breakfast or danced with him by the fireplace?

Since she last smothered Kili’s face in kisses or tucked him into bed?

Since she last held them in her arms and told them she loved them?

Days, weeks, months…he did not know.

All he knew was that it had been such a long time since he had seen her face. So long, that he was afraid he would forget what she looked like. That he would forget the color of her hair or the sound of her voice. So long, that he was afraid the memories he did have of her would fade with time much like the memories of his father had done.

A sudden movement from beside him woke Fili from his thoughts. Opening his eyes, he realized he was lying on his bedroll with his brother sleeping peacefully by his side. The firelight dancing off of his brown locks and illuminating his soft features as he breathed deeply. A soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he slept, losing himself in pleasant dreams filled with warmth and love and memories of times long forgotten.

Oh, how Fili wished he could dream of such things.

How he wished he could lose himself in pleasant memories of his mother and uncle.

How he wished he could go back to being that carefree child he had once been so long ago, before this all happened.

But no, this was his punishment.

Punishment for not listening to his mothers warnings.

Punishment for getting them into this situation in the first place.

Punishment for being useless in the face of danger and doing nothing to stop it.

Tears filled Fili’s eyes as he stared at his sleeping brother. The voices in his mind repeating everything he had done wrong, everything he could have done differently. Telling him that this was his fault, that he had no one to blame but himself. That he deserved what happened to him for not being able to protect his brother. That he was weak and useless and not worthy of being called a prince. The princes from Bilbo’s stories would have never let this happen. They would have fought to their last dying breath to protect the ones they love.

Something Fili failed to do.

“Fili dear, are you alright?”

A gentle voice startled Fili out of his thoughts.

With tears still blurring his vision, Fili glanced past his brother to the other side of camp. Since it was so late, he couldn’t see much in the darkness that surrounded them. However, the fire was still roaring high, casting enough light for him to be able to see Bilbo past the flames. He was sitting against a tree, his daggers and bow laying next to him on the ground. The map he had been using to guide them was placed in his lap, most likely from him rereading it to make sure they were on the right path, as he stared at Fili with concern.

When Fili didn’t respond and only continued to stare, the worry in Bilbo’s eyes slowly turned into understanding. Setting the map aside, never once taking his eyes off of the crying child, Bilbo straightened up before gently patting his lap.

“Come here dear, it’s alright.”

He said, his voice soft and eyes shining with warmth as Fili sniffled.

Sitting up, Fili tried his best to wipe the tears from his eyes as he stood up, careful not to wake his still sleeping brother. Using the firelight to slowly guide him through the darkness as he made his way to Bilbo. However, once he stood in front of the hobbit, Fili couldn't help but falter for just a moment. His insecurities getting the better of him, before the warmth in Bilbo’s eyes convinced him to finally climb into the hobbit's lap. The warmth from the nearby fire and the feeling of Bilbo’s arms wrapping around him calmed Fili immensely.

“What’s on your mind Fili?”

Bilbo asked, reaching up to run his fingers through the child's hair.

Fili didn’t know how to respond, there were so many things running through his mind that it was hard for him to keep track. Yet, he knew if he spoke his worries out loud then it would make them real, and Fili didn’t know if he was ready for his worries to become real. Still, he couldn’t seem to stop himself as the words tumbled from his mouth involuntarily.

“I’m so sorry Mr Baggins.”

Fili said, his voice breaking into a cry halfway through.

Leaning back, Bilbo reached out and gently cradled Fili’s face in both of his hands. Lifting his face ever so slightly so that they were eye level with each other, while using his thumbs to gently wipe away the tears that were rolling down the boy's cheeks.

“Fili, what could you ever have to be sorry for? You have done nothing wrong.”

Bilbo said, his voice concerned and his grip tightening ever so slightly on the boy's cheeks when he felt him begin to tremble.

“You don’t understand Mr Baggins, it's…i-it's my fault we’re here.”

Fili said, his cries increasing the more that he spoke.

With a gentleness only a parent could muster, Bilbo reached up to brush Fili’s hair away from his face. Before leaning in the place a delicate kiss upon his forehead, causing Fili to cry even harder.

“Fili, none of this is your fault. Why would you ever-”

“But it is!”

Fili yelled, his sudden outburst startling Bilbo as the boy began to fall into panicked ramblings.

“I-It was my fault we were captured in the first place. Amad always told me to never stray too far from home, to never stay out past dark and I…I didn’t listen.”

Fili said, his voice growing softer the longer that he continued.

Bilbo chose not to say anything, he had known there were things on Fili’s mind that he hadn’t been ready to share. He had been the one to clean Fili’s wounds when they first arrived at his home. He had seen the bruising on his wrists that could only be formed from being held by rope. Had been the one to wash away the dirt and grime from the slashes across his back. He had been the one to comfort him when he woke screaming and crying in the middle of the night for weeks afterwards. He knew that there were things that Fili refused to acknowledge, refused to admit affected him, and he knew he would eventually break.

And right now, it turns out he was right.

So he didn’t say anything, instead choosing to let the boy continue, letting him get out everything he had been holding in for the past few weeks that Bilbo had known him.

“Kili and I were having so much fun that I didn’t realize how late it had gotten, nor how far into the woods we had wandered. By the time I had, the sun was already setting and I-I couldn’t recognize the way home. We wandered for hours and hours trying to find our way out of the woods, until we found a group of men out camping. T-They said they would help us, but they lied. They tied us up and threw us in the back of a wagon. I-I tried to fight them…but I couldn’t do anything.”

Fili said, his sobs growing louder as his grip tightened on Bilbo's shirt. Reaching up, Bilbo guided Fili’s face into the crook of his neck and began to rock back and forth. Using the soft motion to try and calm the boy down.

“We rode for so long, further and further away from our home. By the first week Kili had started crying, saying how he wanted our Amad and Uncle. I tried to comfort him, but it got so bad that the men started threatening to hurt him. I-I couldn’t let them, so I started acting out to distract them from his crying. Anytime he would cry I would act out so that they would punish me instead of him.”

At this, a sick feeling settled in Bilbo’s stomach as he prepared himself for what Fili was about to say.

“T-They would tie me to a tree and use a piece of leather to smack my back. I-It hurt so much, it was the worst pain I have ever felt and I was always so scared. After they would finish, they would untie me and leave me laying there on the ground. My throat was always raw from screaming and my body too weak to run away. I always wondered afterwards if it was worth it, but then I would see Kili. He would waddle over to me and lay down to cuddle by my side. The worry in his eyes and the tears streaming down his cheeks always reminding me of why I did it…a-and I couldn’t come to regret it.”

Fili said, his words breaking Bilbo’s heart as tears of his own rolled down his cheeks. His grip tightening on the boy as he tried to hold back his own cries.

“Eventually, I got used to the pain. So used to it that after they left me untied, I had enough strength to take Kili and run. We ran for days, further and further into the woods and farther and farther away from those men, until I was sure they weren’t following us.”

At this Fili paused, his sobs turning into sniffles as Bilbo felt him smile from where his face was hidden in his shoulder.

“A-And then you came.”

He said, his voice no more than a whisper as Bilbo’s eyes widened.

“I-I don’t remember much from that day, I just remember being so tired and so scared. T-Then you appeared and asked where our parents were. Y-You sounded so nice and your eyes were so kind and I just remember you bringing us into your arms and running your fingers through my hair like our Amad used to. I-It was so nice and comforting and I just remember realizing how long it had been since I last felt such comfort and how much I missed our Amad.”

Fili finished, his sobs picking up again as he hid his face in Bilbo’s chest. He knew he was acting foolish, he shouldn’t be crying like a child when it was his fault that this all happened in the first place. Still, no matter how much he fought to rein in his emotions, the tears just kept coming.

“Fili, I am going to tell you something very important that I need you to understand, alright?”

Bilbo asked, waiting for Fili to nod before continuing.

“None of this was your fault.”

Bilbo said, his words causing Fili’s eyes to widen. They had been no louder than a whisper but to Fili, it felt like he had yelled them for the world to hear.

“B-But I didn’t listen to Amad when she told me not to wander! I didn’t fight hard enough and we got taken! I should have tried harder to stop them, I-I should have tried harder to escape, I should have-”

“Fili.”

Bilbo interrupted, his voice no longer gentle but firm and serious, reminding Fili so much of his Uncle when he would scold them for something they did wrong. Still, there was a warmth there that his Uncle usually did not have when scolding them, a warmth that Fili knew he did not deserve.

“None of that was your fault. You did everything you could, but you must understand that you are a child Fili. There is nothing you could have done against two fully grown men. What matters is that even in the face of danger, you stood your ground and did your best to protect your baby brother. You took care of him for all those months you were on the road without anyone’s help. You protected him from people who wanted to hurt him for doing something any normal toddler would do, cry. You were so brave, even when you were scared, you never once let it control you.”

Bilbo said, his words causing the tears in Fili’s eyes to slow.

However, the next thing he said caused Fili’s tears to flow with a new found vigor.

“I am so proud of you, Fili.”

The sound of Fili’s muffled sobs echoed through the clearing as he wrapped his arms tightly around Bilbo and buried his face in his chest. His tears flowing faster as Bilbo ran his fingers through his hair, gently brushing it away from his face before leaning down to place a soft kiss on his forehead.

Minutes passed in silence with the only sounds being the crackling of the fire and the sobs coming from the child in Bilbo’s arms. All while Bilbo rocked him back and forth, a soft hum slipping past his lips every few seconds, until it eventually morphed into a song.

Words Fili had never heard before echoed through the clearing as his sobs slowed. The soothing tone of Bilbo’s voice calmed the boy's uneven breaths as he listened to his caretaker sing a beautiful melody made up of a different language. His hands still running through Fili’s hair even as the boy's crying ceased to nothing more than sniffles. Memories of his Amad dancing with him in front of the fire and his Uncle singing him to sleep being brought forth as the song calmed his racing mind. Memories of Bilbo’s voice and the melody he sang slipping past a fever induced haze when he first arrived in the care of the hobbit.

On the second verse, Fili felt his eyes begin to droop. Exhaustion taking over as the song eased his worries and soothed his fears until they were nonexistent. The meaning of the words unknown to him, but the emotions behind them clear as day. It was a song of comfort, sung by a parent to soothe their child in only the way a parent ever could.

And it was just what Fili needed at that moment.

“Thank you, uncle Bilbo.”

The words were no louder than a whisper, but Bilbo heard them clear as day.

The final words of the song fading into the night as he glanced down to the boy in his arms with tears of his own filling his eyes. The boy was fast asleep, the firelight dancing off of his blonde locks and illuminating his soft features as he breathed deeply. A soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he slept, losing himself in pleasant dreams filled with warmth and love and memories of times long forgotten.

Chapter Text

At first, Bilbo had been overwhelmed with emotion when Fili had uttered the simple five letter word. Sure he had plenty of nephews back at the Shire who would come over to his smial to hear his stories or enjoy the food he left out for them to steal when they thought he wasn’t looking…but this was different. He had spent so much time with these two boys, had spent so many sleepless nights worrying about their health and soothing their cries. Had been there when they had first begun to laugh again, and began to move on from the trauma they had endured for so long.

Yes, he had always loved the boys as if they were his own, and had thought of them as family for far longer than he cared to admit. But still, to hear them finally say it, to hear them finally confirm that they thought of him as family as well -and to call him Uncle of all things!- well that was what really struck Bilbo in the heart. It was solidifying in a way that showed that not only did he love them, but they loved him enough to see him as an uncle.

As family.

Still, at the time, Bilbo knew it might have been a slip of the tongue. They had been talking about Fili’s family beforehand and about the trauma he had gone through. Fili’s tired brain might have just said the first thing that had crossed his mind. If that were the case, it would definitely hurt, but Bilbo understood that he had no right to force Fili to call him such a title if he did not want to.

So the next morning, when Bilbo woke early to make breakfast, he had prepared himself for the simple “Mr Baggins” he always came to expect from the young dwarfling. His eyes focused on the fried potatoes in oil that he was cooking over the fire as he sat on a log and tried to keep his mind off of the previous night's conversation. 

That is, until he suddenly felt a pair of little arms wrap around him from behind.

“Good morning Uncle Bilbo!”

Turning around, Bilbo felt fresh tears cloud his vision as Fili stood before him with a beaming smile. A half asleep Kili standing next to the boy, his body swaying back and his eyes barely open, even as he reached out to Bilbo wanting to be held. With a bright smile of his own, Bilbo took both boys into his arms and began to tickle them. The sudden action waking Kili from his half asleep state as their laughter rang through the camp. Even when the tickling had ended, their happy giggles continued on as Bilbo held them close. Allowing himself to take a moment and appreciate the wonderful sound. 

“Good morning my boys, I was wondering when you would awake.”

He said, his smile never once leaving his face. 

As the days continued on, Bilbo couldn’t help but notice small changes in Fili that had not been there before his confession. They were small things at first, like his smile that seemed so much more genuine and carefree ever since their talk, or the way his eyes no longer searched through the forest each night in fear of someone walking out to take him and his brother. Bilbo had asked him about this during one of their lunch breaks on the following days, and Fili had responded that he knew Bilbo would protect them, so there was no need to do such a thing. Which had definitely not caused Bilbo to shed a few tears, thank you very much. Not only that, but he also played with Kili a lot more now. Not that he hadn’t done so before, he had, but now he was more carefree and laughed freely as they acted out the fantastical stories Bilbo had shared with them.

As if a huge weight had been lifted from the boy’s shoulders.

He was still far from being the carefree child Bilbo was sure he once was, but Bilbo also knew that no one could ever truly go back to how things used to be when something tragic happened to them. Especially not children who have been through as much as Fili and his brother have. Still, it was the subtle changes that made Bilbo smile and his heart fill with pride for his little dwarflings.

Currently, they had just passed the Gray Havens and were no more than a two days' ride from the Blue Mountains. The boys' energy and excitement at being so close to their home fuelled Bilbo’s own happiness as they made their way through the plains, a seemingly endless view of fields and rocks going on for miles with not a tree in sight.

That was when they heard the first howl.

Pulling the ponies to a halt, Bilbo felt his body tense as his slightly pointed ears twitched. The boy’s happy chatter falling into silence after hearing the howl and seeing their caretaker's tense expression, as the hobbit took a moment to see if any similar sounds would follow. Bilbo’s sharp eyes scanning the open plains around them as his ears continued to twitch despite the silence that had settled. Soon however, a similar howl was heard back the way they came, followed by a third to their left and then a forth to their right. Their howls growing closer by the second, causing Bilbo to realize something chilling.

We’re being hunted.

As soon as the realization crossed his mind, Bilbo reached over and plucked Fili from Minty. Lifting him into the air with surprising strength and setting him in front of himself but behind Kili. Once the boys were firmly in place and Bilbo had a steady hold on them as well as Myrtle’s reins, the hobbit quickly reached over and slapped Minty’s rump. Immediately, the pack pony neighed and ran off to their right, her dark mane blowing in the wind as she ran as fast as her hooves could carry her. As soon as the pack pony took off, Bilbo waisted not another second before ordering Myrtle into a run. The pony seeming to know that if she didn’t get them out of there, they would all surely die. 

So they ran.

For miles they ran through the open plains as the howls and growls grew closer and closer with each passing minute. The heat from the sun causing them all to sweat, but the wind rushing past them quickly cooled the moisture to their heated skin. The children were silent as they tried their best to hide in Bilbo’s protective grip, their eyes peeking out every once in a while to try and find the source of the howling. Taking a moment to glance behind them as they ran, Bilbo watched as a pack of creatures much larger than wolves came into view beyond the horizon. Their faces gaunt, patches of fur missing from their bodies, their teeth sharp and bent at sickening angles. Their faces and bodies disfigured in unnatural ways, causing long forgotten memories to resurface as the name of these creatures sprang to the forefront of his mind. 

Wargs.

Facing forward once more, Bilbo pushed his pony to new speeds. The clicking of hooves against stone and gravel almost deafening to his ears as he used his body to not only shield the boys from the oncoming wind, but to keep them from falling off of the pony. His left arm wrapped securely around them both and holding them tightly to his chest as his right hand steered the pony onward. His keen eyes continued to scan their surroundings before spotting a forest in the distance, the shade of the trees would give them a much needed cover that the plains did not provide. A plan quickly formulating in Bilbo’s mind as he steered the pony towards the distant treeline.

Unfortunately, the growls of the wargs grew closer and closer with each passing moment until the wargs began to nip at Myrtles heels. A few even tried to ram into the ponies side to throw her off course, their teeth grazing her side in an attempt to bite her. Their teeth missing the pony and slicing right through Bilbo’s right leg, causing him to cry out in pain as the boy’s worried cries fill his ears. At this, Bilbo released the reins, trusting Myrtle to stay on course as he reached down to unsheathe one of his daggers from its holster. With his dagger in hand, Bilbo slashed the eye of the warg when it attempted to bite at Myrtle once more. It’s yelp of pain startling and confusing the other wargs and causing them to pause for only a moment, but it was enough. With their second of hesitation, Bilbo had just enough time to urge Myrtle forward past the treeline and into the cover of the forest.

As they rode, Bilbo’s eyes scanned the surrounding woods as the plan raced through his mind on how to get the boys out of this situation and it took him a moment before he finally spotted what he was looking for. Pulling Myrtle to a stop, Bilbo quickly dismounted the horse and helped the boys down. Each of them holding tightly to Bilbo as he carried them over to a tree with a hollowed out hole in the bottom. The hole was not big enough for a grown hobbit, but it was big enough for two tiny dwarflings to fit perfectly. A barely audible wince passing through his lips as he knelt before the hollow and set the boys inside. Once they were settled inside, he then reached up to unclasp his cloak. 

“Uncle, what are you doing?”

Fili asked, his voice filled with worry as Bilbo draped his cloak over their shoulders. It’s dark green color blending in perfectly with the darkness of the hollow and shielding them from the outside world. 

Seeing the worry in Fili’s eyes and the tremble of Kili’s form beneath the cloak, Bilbo reached out to cup the blondes cheek. His own green eyes were firm and serious, yet still holding warmth in order to comfort the worried boy.

“Fili, I know this is a lot to ask of you, but I need you to promise me that you will not leave this hollow no matter what. Wargs are very fast and very good at tracking people, once they catch your scent, they will not stop until they catch you. And right now I am bleeding, so that does not help our chances of escaping them.”

At this, Fili glanced down at Bilbo’s right leg that had been caught by the Warg, only for his eyes widened as he realized how badly his caretaker was hurt. Three long, bloody slashes went from his knee all the way to his ankle. So deep that Fili was sure that if Bilbo hadn’t turned his face back towards his own, he would have caught a glimpse of bone through all the blood. 

“I’m going to hide and wait for them to arrive, and when they do I will do my best to get rid of them.”

Bilbo said, his voice firm but still comforting as he brushed his thumb across Fili’s cheek. The boy's eyes widening as he finally registered what his caretaker was going to do. 

“N-No, uncle- you can’t-”

“Fili.”

Bilbo’s soft voice brought Fili out of his panicked state as the hobbit reached out with both hands to gently cup the boy's face. His thumbs wiping away the boy’s tears that had begun to fall as Bilbo gives him a warm and reassuring smile, reminding Fili so much of that night. 

“Fili, I’m sorry that I have to ask this of you my boy, but I need you to be brave just this once, alright? I promise everything will be okay, I won’t let anything happen to you two.”

Bilbo says, giving him one last smile before gently patting his head. 

“Alright, stay underneath the cloak with your brother and don’t come out until I say so, okay?”

Bilbo asks, waiting until the boy slowly nods before gently pulling the cloak over his head and shielding him from the outside world as he slowly stands up. The darkness beneath the cloak causes Fili’s racing heart to slow as he holds his trembling brother close. His eyes wide even in the darkness as he stares past his brother's head while Bilbo’s words replay over and over in his head. 

I need you to be brave. 

Everything will be okay. 

I won’t let anything happen to you two.

“It’s not us I'm worried about, Uncle Bilbo.” 

Fili thinks to himself, before burying his face in his brother's hair as his lip quivers and a single tear rolls down his cheek. 

Turning away from the hollow, Bilbo glances around before spotting a sturdy tree off to the right hand side of the clearing. As quickly as he can, Bilbo makes his way over to the tree and plants his hands and feet firmly into the rough bark. His right leg burning, as if a hot poker was seared into his flesh, as he makes his way up the tree. The seconds it takes him to scale the tree feel like hours before he finally reaches a reasonable height and settles onto a branch to catch his breath. His back leaning against the trunk of the tree as sweat rolls down his forehead, as if the heat from his leg was spreading throughout his entire body. He knew that a warg’s mouth was one of the most foal places in Middle Earth and that infection could set in very quickly afterwards, meaning he had to do this fast before a fever began to set in.

Pulling his bow and an arrow off his shoulder, Bilbo quickly notched the arrow in place before glancing down at his surroundings. His eyes sharp and ears twitching as he listens and watches as four wargs charge into the clearing. Their sharp teeth snapping at each other, ripping more fur from each other’s bodies, as they all quickly circle around Myrtle who remains in the middle of the clearing below. Her distressed neighs distracting the wargs from the two dwarflings hiding in the nearby hollow as well as Bilbo hiding amongst the treetops. His eyes sharp as he pulls the bow string tight and aims at the biggest one of the creatures, waiting for the right moment. Their nasty tongues licking their lips and hanging out of their faces as they step closer to the horse.

One step…two…three-

Fire!

Bilbo lets loose his arrow, the feather at the end of it brushing across his fingertips as it flies across the clearing and sinks into the largest wargs head. The startled yelp of the creature before it flops to the ground lifeless causes the other wargs to fall into chaos. Their loud snarling barks ring through the clearing as two of them search around for the threat while the other one charges for Myrtle. Quickly, Bilbo notches another arrow and quickly shoots the charging warg in the eye, distracting it long enough to allow Myrtle to flee from the clearing. As the warg growls and tries to get the arrow out of its eyes, the other two seem to realize that something is in the trees and begin looking around. Their eyes landing on Bilbo and causing them to growl as they charge towards the tree he is in.

Seeing this, Bilbo notches another arrow and sends it flying towards the creatures. Luckily hitting one of them in the forehead and causing it to fall to the ground lifeless. However, this doesn’t deter the second one as it continues on towards Bilbo. It’s massive bodies knocking into and clawing at the base of the tree, causing the tree to rock in place. The sudden movement causing Bilbo to stumble and try to catch himself, only to cry out in pain as his injured leg lands against the rough bark of the tree. The searing pain causing burning heat to cloud his mind and blur his vision as he attempts to sit up. His hands shaking as he quickly notches another arrow and sends it flying towards the creature below him. However, instead of hitting it in the head, it skids past the creature's ear and sinks into the ground below. Cursing softly, Bilbo attempts to notch another arrow but is quickly distracted as the warg slams into the tree once more, causing him to lose his grip on the bow and sending it flying towards the ground below.

Scrambling after it, Bilbo can only watch as the bow falls through the air before landing on the grass below. Only a few feet away from the other warg that he had shot in the eye, with the arrow still sticking out of its socket. However, now that Bilbo was looking, the creature seems to have become distracted by something. Soft rumbling growls falling past its lips as its short snout sniffs the ground near a certain tree, a tree with a hollow only big enough to fit two tiny dwarflings.

Something in Bilbo freezes at that very moment, a cold numbness settling over his body as he watches the warg grow closer and closer to where his dwarflings are hidden. Dread fills his mind, followed closely by fear, before it is quickly pushed aside to be replaced by something else entirely. 

Burning hot rage. 

The pain in his leg and his heat ridden mind forgotten as red clouds his vision, Bilbo’s instincts screaming at him to save them, save them, save them . Quickly, Bilbo unsheathes two of his daggers before turning back towards the warg that is currently clawing at the base of the tree he is hiding in. Waiting for the perfect moment, until finally the warg lands back on the ground to attempt to ram into the tree again. Without thinking twice, Bilbo drops down from the tree and lands on the back of the warg. His legs wrapping around the creature's neck as he sinks his dagger into its head all the way to the hilts before the warg could even blink. The warg gives one final startled yelp before collapsing to the ground. Rolling away from the creature, Bilbo looks up to find the other warg still focused on its task as it grows close to the hollow. Its lips pulled back into a sickening snarl as it draws closer to the hole, allowing Bilbo to hear the soft whimpers of the boys from where they remain hidden. 

With speed he did not know he possessed and a blood-chilling war cry falling from his lips, Bilbo charged towards the warg. His left hand gripping his other dagger, while his right hand plucks the arrow he had fired mere moments before from the ground and holds it like a knife as he advances on the warg. Hearing Bilbo’s cry, the warg turns away from its discovery and growls at the charging hobbit before charging as well. Quickly, Bilbo slides beneath the creature's legs, slicing its ankle with his dagger and causing it to yelp in pain. Turning quickly, Bilbo grabs ahold of the creature's coarse hair and pulls himself up as the warg swings around. Its teeth snapping at the hobbit climbing onto its body and managing to slash into Bilbo’s left wrist that held the dagger. A sharp crying leaving the hobbit’s mouth as he unintentionally drops the dagger. However, with his rage still blinding him from pain, Bilbo quickly recovered and climbed further up the wargs body. His legs wrapping around the creature's gaunt neck and squeezing so tight that had Bilbo been thinking rationally, he would have heard the sickening crack of bone. The action causing the creature to howl in pain before attempting to get the hobbit off even harder, its body twirling in circles and its neck twisting at an odd angle to try and bite at the hobbit on the back of its neck. With the arrow still gripped tightly in his right hand, Bilbo brought it up quickly before bringing it down with force onto the wargs head. The arrow pierced through its skull and causing the creature to cry out in pain. However, it continued to struggle, its large jaws snapping at the hobbit even as its movements began to slow. Noticing the arrow still sticking out of the creature's eye socket, Bilbo reached forward before ripping it from the socket and instead plunging it into the wargs throat. Blood gushing out onto Bilbo’s hand as the warg gave one final cry, before collapsing to the ground lifeless.

Silence followed, the only sound being those of Bilbo’s labored breathing and the sounds of the forest around him as he rolls away from the creature and stands up. The adrenaline from the situation slowly leaving his body and causing his hands as he begins to realize how much pain his body is truly in. Blood flowing from his arm where the warg had snagged him, small cuts and bruises littering his body from the scuffle, and blood flowing steadily from his right leg. The blood loss caused him to become dizzy as the red burning rage slowly slipped away from his mind.

However, his mind cleared quickly when he remembered the boys.

Turning around, Bilbo was shocked to see Fili and Kili peeking out from under the cloak. Their eyes wide and filled with shock as they stare up at the bloodied hobbit before them. How could Bilbo, the kind, small, gentle hobbit who had taken them in and cared for them like a mother, take down four fully grown wargs all by himself. Kili had seen the way he had shot his arrows with such precision and accuracy, his little heart beating out of his chest and a deep desire to try shooting as well taking place in his heart. While Fili had seen the way he had charged the warg who was close to finding them, the hobbits' war cry ringing clear in his ears against the silence that now surrounded them. He had seen the way he had taken it down with nothing but his arrows and pure strength, had seen the rage in his expression and the will to protect them shining bright in his eyes. It was a look Fili knew he would never forget, one he will always hold close to his heart anytime he is scared. 

“Boy, thank goodness you are both alright.”

Bilbo said, his voice exhausted but gentle and filled with relief as he attempted to step towards their hiding place, only to wince in pain and fall onto his knees.

Seeing this, the boys quickly made their way out of the hollow with Fili carrying Bilbo’s cloak and Kili charging towards the hobbit. Once they reached him, they both quickly wrapped their arms around him. Tears fill their eyes as they both cling tightly to the hobbit, snuggling close just to make sure he is real. The sound of Kili’s soft sobs and Fili’s attempts to hold back his cries fill the silence of the clearing as Bilbo slowly wraps his arms around them both, ignoring the pain in his limbs as he rocks them back and forth to try and calm their racing hearts. 

“Shh, shh…it's okay, I’m here, you’re both safe. Everything is alright, everything is going to be alright.”

Bilbo whispers, leaning down to place a gentle kiss against each of their foreheads. His left hand that was not covered in warg blood reaching up to gently run through their hair in order to comfort not only them, but himself as well. 

“W-We thought you weren’t going to make it, we thought they were going to get us. W-We…I was so scared Uncle Bilbo, I-I know you said you needed me to be brave, but-”

Fili began, only to sniffle as Bilbo reaches out to gently cup his cheek. 

“Shh, it’s okay Fili, I would never let anything happen to you two. You did so well, you were so brave and you did exactly as I asked you to do. I’m so proud of you, my boy.”  

Bilbo says, his voice filled with love and pride as he gives the crying boy a reassuring smile. His words causing the boy's resolve to finally break as Fili finally breaks down into full blown sobs as Bilbo cradles both him and his brother close to his chest.

“I-I thought we lost you Uncle Bilbo.” 

Fili whispers, his hands gripping tightly to the back of Bilbo’s shirt as he buries his face in the hobbits chest. His words causing tears to fill Bilbo’s eyes as he leans down to nuzzle his face into the dwarflings hair. 

“You will never lose me Fili, I promise. I will always be by you and your brother's side for as long as you both will have me.” 

Bilbo whispers, the only sound echoing throughout the clearing being the sounds of the forest around them and the sobs of the two little dwarflings as they both cling to their caretaker, despite the blood and grime coating his body. All while Bilbo’s mind races, his eyes tightly shut as he holds the boys close. His mind knowing and acknowledging the truth despite his heart not wanting to. Knowing that in the end, when they finally reach the Blue Mountains and he returns the boys to their family, he may not be allowed to keep his promise.