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Chapter Text

Long before our story began a couple of hobbits decided to see what was out in the big world around them that many of their kin had never dared to go into. They met many people they would have never known about during their travels, but no matter who they met or where they went they always had each other. The Boggines continued to travel until they found the perfect hole in the ground, not yet home, that they could build into the perfect hobbit hole to grow a family in.

After a few years, their love finally came into the world in the form of a beautiful hobbit babe. It was in the hobbit hole the two had built that they raised that hobbit babe, where she said her first words, took their first steps, and even their first friendships once they grew older. As they grew many would comment on what a beautiful woman they were becoming, despite the fact that the fraze never sat quite right with the little one.

Years later, when the little one was not so little anymore, a sickness swept through the town where the hobbit family lived. It took indiscriminately and viciously, especially when it came to the small hobbit family in the hole in the ground. Before sickness left the town it took close to half of the older population including the two hobbits that loved each other that leave behind the product of their love to fend for themselves. With nothing else tying them to the town, instead of wallowing in sadness the little hobbit decided to cut all their hair and collect home things from their home to help them in the world. When they finally stepped out into the world a handsome young man.

The next place our story takes us is past the Misty Mountains where another hobbit family is packing up in hopes of a simpler life in the town where Belladonna grew up, Hottiton. The Baggins headed out on their journey with their son Benno dreaming of a hobbit hole surrounded by rolling hills. Benno had never met any of his mother's family and the Tooks and Baggins had only heard of him in the letters Bella would send home, and his mother was very excited to be with her family again and to have her son grow in the same fields where she did.

During a long journey, death is something many people know but hope never happens to them. Unfortunately, death did not pass over the Baggins as Bella lays her husband and son next to each other in a shallow grave after a sickness took both of them far sooner than their time. Knowing she could not delay the rest of her travels she took her grief in stride knowing she could deal with it once she was in her new home. It was during her travels that she stumbled upon a young hobbit boy starving and without a home. Bella takes the young hobbit under her arm as she listens to his story of how he came to wander in the wilderness. After hearing his story Bella decided that this young hobbit would be raised as her own and continued her journey to Hobbiton.

When the pair arrived in the Shire Bella greeted her family not with her husband by her side but a son. She told her family that her same preferred a different name which no one questioned, and if they did no one questioned Belladonna about it, and so Bella and Bilbo Baggins moved into Bag End. Bella told Bilbo that his secrets will forever be safe with her but to never let anyone else find out, so Bilbo kept his secret and grew up happy and free into the hobbit Bella was proud of.

Chapter Text

Bilbo Baggins is sitting in his garden enjoying the sunny day and a bit of Old Toby in his pipe when a tall man approaches his garden gate, wanting to be polite he calls out “Good morning.”

“Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?” replies the strange man.

“All of them all at once I suppose, good morning!” feeling disgruntled at having such a simple greeting criticized Bilbo began to collect himself to head back into this home away from the irritating man.

“And now you wish me a good morning hoping to get rid of me, what would your mothers think Bilbo?” The man's phrasing stopped Bilbo in his tracks, how on earth could this man know his secret that no other than his late mother had known, “do you not recognize me, Belladonna always spoke very highly of you I guess the same can’t be said for me.”

“How can I be of service?”

“Do you truly not recognize me?” At the earnest tone, Bilbo cast a finer look upon the man's face and began relaxing when he recognized the man's face. Gandalf must have just misspoken as he only mentioned Bella, though the wizard always seemed to know more than he let on with his knowing eyes and smile.

“Yes, Gandalf I do recognize you, now my question still stands. How can I be of service?” The wizard starts into this crazy plan talking about dragons, gold, and dwarves and the wizard honestly expected Bilbo to go along with him on this ‘adventure’. “No, no, no Gandalf I’m sorry but we don’t want any adventures here, thank you! Maybe you’ll have better luck across the river, good day!” 

Once Bilbo was safely inside the thick sturdy walls of Bag End he felt like he could finally let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. Who did the wizard think he was? Leaving the Shire to go halfway across the world to a mountain far away from even the horizon, Bilbo couldn’t even think of it.

Still feeling a bit shaken Bilbo settles down for his evening meal still thinking about the wizard and his crazy plan. There was no way he would ever leave the shire ever again he’d been beyond it before and was not gnawing at the bit to do it again. He had just started in on his meal when a large knock knocked him from his thoughts.
Yanking his door open, expecting one of his neighbors or kin, Bilbo is met with the barrel of a chest, covered in road warn dark clothes. Trailing his gaze up brought him to a harsh tanned face hidden behind a dark beard and a bald head covered in tattoos. The dwarf was bowed in half but still met Bilbo's chin, if not for his beard and stature one might have thought that he was a man.

“Dwalin, at your service.” The dwarf's voice is deep and full of gravel, but what shocks Bilbo more is the polite greeting from such a gruff-looking person. The shock wears off quickly when the dwarf pushes past him getting his large axe against the wall and helps himself to what was Bilbo's meal, demanding more food. If not for the protective feeling Bilbo got with the dwarf in his home he would have been much more put out by having this stranger in his home.

He only gets a minute before there is another knock on his door and he is introduced to Balin much in the same way Dwalin introduced himself before he rushed over to give his brother a fierce-looking hug and an even harsher-looking clash of their foreheads.

Another knock and he is met with two young-looking dwarves.

“Fili!”

“And Kili!”

“At your service!” the last line said in unison as they stand back up, the younger of the two has a mischievous look in his eye that could only mean trouble. “You must be Master Boggins then?”

Bilbo can feel his heart stop, “who told you that name?!”

“um...Gandalf”

“No Kili it was something different maybe Biggins or Bongins?” Fili added.

Of course, it was a simple mixup but Bilbo can still feel his heart pounding as he hisses at them “It is Baggins, and you must never mention those over names in my company or ever if you can help it.” 

After sharing a look the brothers nodded and left their burdens at the door with Dwalins axe and went to join the others.

The rest of the company arrived in short with Galndalf each one introducing themselves in much the same manner until Bilbo's foyer was crowded with belonging and his stores being raided. They are a rowdy bunch with their singing of blunting his knives and bending his forks, Bilbo swears he saw a few of them using his mother's doilies as napkins at different points. His home was a right mess when the fifth and final knock sounds through his house.

Feeling exasperated, Bilbo once again wrenches the door open to meet with the chest of the final dwarf of the company. He is large, not quite as larger as Dwalin but still quite sizable with dark hair and a furrowed brow. 

“Thorin Oakenshiled, at your service.” His voice holds a power that Bilbo has never experienced and it affects the others because as soon as he speaks the noise all but stops from his dining room. “It seems the rest of my company has arrived before me, my apologies I got turned around on the road,” Bilbo didn’t mention what a feat that was considering there was only one road.

Thorin edges past Bilbo in much of the same manner that Dwalin did and begins greeting everyone gathered in his dining room before taking his seat. Bilbo sat on the fringes as Thorin begins to explain much of the same plan that he had heard of Gandalf. Were these people crazy? Going to fight a dragon all for some gold?

Bilbo refused any involvement in this plan as he was just a simple hobbit and not a burglar as Gandalf has said, or a grocer as Thorin insisted he was. Gandalf feeling irritated by the whole lot of dwarves split off from the group to collect his thoughts leaving Bilbo to watch as they continue to plan. 

“How are we supposed to get to the treasury?” Bilbo hears one of the dwarves ask but isn’t able to catch who said it.

“Grab me some parchment and I can draw a map,” Thorin demands and the dwarves begin searching his rooms for some parchment. It takes a few minutes before a  young dwarf, Ori, comes back into the room holding a familiar roll of paper that has Bilbo's heart dropping to his stomach.

The paper is spread out on the table and Thorin has a quill in his hand before Bilbo is finally able to get a protest out.
“Please wait not that paper” as he tries to grab the paper back and receives a dirty look.

“Have piece Master Baggins there is nothing on it and we won't use much”

“No, you don’t-” The rest of his words are swallowed by Kilis's glove as it wraps around his mouth. Bilbo watches with horror as the quill begins to scratch against his family scroll, one of his last possessions from his old life.

“Now” Thorin began, “Durin’s hall leads directly into the…” Bilbo doesn’t get to hear the end of Thorin’s sentence as he watches the words will the page. The tight feeling in his chest increased ten-fold with every letter written, by the time he reaches ‘n’ all Bilbo could do was whimper in the glove as he fought to keep his eyes open as he feels the bond snap into place.

Right before the darkness took him all he could hear was the rushed panicked voices of dwarves and hands on his arms before he was gone.

When Bilbo came back it was to the same urgent hushed voices this time joined by Gandalf.

“He is too soft! We can simply not afford the time it would take to keep him safe!”

“There are more to hobbits than their mere appearance Master Oakenshiled, they are a hardy and stout group of people. Won’t you at least give it a chance?”

“No Gandalf I do not need your placating, there has to be a way to undo this.”

“I fear there is not, soul magic is simple but incredibly powerful. To separate you would mean a hollow existence to either of you.”

“Uncle, I believe he is waking up”

Bilbo tried to open his eyes but immediately shut them back from the brightness. He only appended to open them again when a shadow fell over him, opening his eyes again to the faces of the two brothers.
“Come on lads give him some space, he's probably in some sort of shock!” that was Dwalin who pulled the two brothers away.  The overwhelming concern on the three faces had him thinking back to the moments before he passed out.

He remembered sitting in his dining room listening to the dwarves' plan, and the paper, and oh no. His eyes slowly slid over to where the king sat brooding in the shadows.

“T-Thorin…”

“There must be some way to fix this Master Baggins, I never meant for this to happen. It was never my intention to force this onto you.” His face was solum, Gandalf must have explained what the scroll meant.

By now Biblos's heart was racing once more and the panic must have shone on his face. “Have some peace, my friend, these dwarves are not going to hurt you.”

“Hurt? Why would we ever bring harm to him?” Kili blurted

“Hobbits' bonding rules are very much like those of Men,” explained Gandalf “While his fear may be unnecessary it is still very real” Bilbo swears he hears Thorin make a wounded sound

“But we would never,” suddenly he has two dwarves kneeling beside him.

“Kilis right, we will protect you with our lives Bilbo!” their earnestness shocks Bilbo into speechlessness.

“Boys!” bellowed Thorin, “this journey will be a hard one and you can not guarantee your return, we can’t go making promises that you don’t know if you can keep them.”

“I-I’m sorry, do you mean that I’m not joining you?”

“That decision relies on you. Do you wish to join us now?”

Does he get a choice?  Left speechless again from surprise, Bilbo takes too long to respond.

“That’s what I thought.” confused Bilbo continues to just stare at Thorin. Normally when a family scroll is signed the next steps are marriage and kids. Bilbo assumed that the king would just do away with him so that the bond would break. He’s feeling a whirlwind of emotions Bibo is certain are not all his.

Still staring at Thorin, Bilbo realized that the king didn’t look mad but confused and stressed about the whole thing. Bilbo reached out through their bond to try and feel the king's emotions but he is met with too many emotions all at once. Was he going to fail at even this? At the bond so many young hobbits dream about? He felt lost, not knowing how to even begin fixing this.

Suddenly Kili begins to rub his chest over his heart, “Maybe you should take it down a notch Uncle, you seem to be upsetting him further.”

Thorin got a grave look across his face, “I am sorry Master Baggings, a bond never should have been forced on you, not like this.”

Bilbo started to fall even deeper into his sadness at Thorin's words. Was he not good enough for his mate? He must not be to feel such grief radiating off of the dwarf.

“Well, this will certainly take some getting used to,” this time it was Fili who started rubbing at his chest.

“You two crowing him isn’t going to make it any better! I’m sure the hobbit must have some questions of his own.”

“I do have a few questions if you don’t mind?” Bilbo asked Dwalin, and at his nod continued, “Are the two of them going to be okay?” gesturing to the brothers who were still rubbing their hearts.

“Oh yes they will be fine, they are still young it will take them a while to get used to the emotions mixing with their own.” 

“What emotions?”

“Master hobbit,” Gandalf called to him, “I believe there are a few things about dwarf culture that you should know.”

“What is the meaning of this Gandalf?”

“As you know hobbits and men have similar ways that they build their families, dwarves do not follow these same rules. Rather than roles, they simply built communities based on their strengths.”

“Okay? What does that have to do with what's happening right now?” Bilbo asked, still eyeing the two men suspiciously 

“When the dwarves used your family scroll,” several apologetic looks were passed around the room, “Thorin put the name of ‘Durin’ meaning all of those in Durins line, which includes many members of this party. Dwalin, the two brothers, and Thorin are all members of Durin’s line, so your family scroll recognized the 4 of them as your bondmates.”

Gandalf said it so plainly, the same way someone would talk about the weather or that season's harvest. Bilbo felt he might faint again.

That explained the myriad of emotions that he was feeling. Looking at the two brothers he asked, “I’m sorry correct me if I’m wrong, but are the two of you happy about this?”

“Not happy about the way that it happened.”

“But happy to have your bond nonetheless.”

“Many dwarves dream of a bond but not many ever get the opportunity of experiencing one!”

“And to have one happen when we are still young is an answer to a wish we could have never made.”

Confused once again, Bilbo looks back to Gandalf for some sort of explanation. 

“Unlike hobbits who make soulbonds readily, many dwarves never get to experience one. To have a soulbond is a wonderful and miraculous thing that takes a considerable amount of time to form.” Gandalf explains.

Now Bilbo understands the wonderment on Fili and Kili’s faces and the grief on Thorins’ but has yet to hear anything from Dwalin.

“And you? How do you feel about this?”

“I would have preferred if you had agreed to the bond in the first place, but I would be lying if I told you that the bond didn’t bring me happiness that I have never experienced before.” Dwalins face was serious and his eyes held something Bilbo couldn’t quite place.

Some of his worries died down with his bondmates kind words but there was still one question nagging him, “is this legal? I mean how can a king and his royal heirs be bonded to a hobbit let alone a male one?”

“Don’t worry about that little one, as Gandalf said we do not work the same way that hobbits or men do. It is not uncommon to see two males together as we have so few females. And as for you being a hobbit, if someone has a problem with it they will have to take it up with me or my heirs, something not many would do considering how rare a soulbond is to our people.” 

It was the most words Thorin had said to Bilbo since they met. Bilbo let Thorin's words and voice wash over him finally relaxing the last little bit, knowing that he was safe.

“So what do we do now?”

“Now you let us sleep for the night and we will head out in the morning. I can not promise we will return to you, but I will try my best.”

Bilbo's heart gained some weight once more, it was clear that even if Thorin wouldn’t hurt him he would never accept it. He still thought of him as soft and small, a burden. With his heavy heart, Bilbo began collecting blankets to hand out to the dwarves so they could make cots for the night.

He bid the company goodnight before heading to his bed. That night he had troubled dreams and tried his best to mask his emotions so his bondmates didn’t worry.

Chapter Text

Bilbo wakes up late in the morning after the dwarf debacle to the sun shining on his face. Despite the sun's warmth, he felt so unbearably cold like something had been stripped from him.

It only took a few moments of consciousness to realize he could no longer feel his bondmates close by meaning they must have left without him. Yesterday that would have made Bilbo happy, but today it sends him into a flurry of motion. He grabs a sack and begins to shove anything he thought he might need into it. Shirts, an extra pair of pants, his pipe along with some old toby for the road.

Once he had everything ready Bilbo all but ran out his door, not stopping to greet anyone, hoping the company hadn’t gone too far and he still had a chance to catch up to them.

He follows the warm feeling in his heart as it pulled him across the water and toward Bywater. It takes him the rest of the morning to finally feel his warmth fill him again as he stands outside the Green Dragon Inn. Pushing the heavy door open, Bilbo is met with the sweet smell of pipeweed and ale and the sound of thirteen dwarves preparing for a journey. ‘Preparing’ really meant getting as much food and drink as possible before they had to go on their long journey.

“Bilbo!” Kili was the first to catch Bilbo but the others snapped their eyes to where he stood. Bilbo felt quite shy at being the center of attention once again until Dwalin stood.

“I thought I was imaging things when I felt you getting closer, my heart is happy to have you near again.” Such sweet words from the warrior caused scarlet to coat the hobbit's cheeks and neck.

“Oh Bilbo, I could just scoop you up right now.” Suddenly Kili and Fili appeared from around Dwalins shoulders.

Soon Bilbo is being herded to the table and has a plate sat in front of him in between the two brothers. Only once he is sitting does Bilbo realize that his seat is directly in front of the king. Thorin still has that grief-stricken look on his face from yesterday.

“Sorry for my tardiness, I did not realize you would leave so early in the morning.”

“I did not want to  cause more burdens for you Master Hobbit, we left at first light.”

“Thank you for cleaning up, it was unneeded, but I appreciate it regardless.” Trying to talk to a brooding king was like pulling teeth. Bilbo received a nod from the king instead of a response and took it as a sign that their conversation was over.

“So Bilbo,  What made you decide to join us?”

“Yeah, you seemed so against it yesterday.”

Bilbo felt the blush crawling up his neck again, “well, I heard you all singing last night. How could anyone listen to you all and not be moved to do all they could to help?”

“Ah, so it had nothing to do with us?” pouted Kili

“I-I, that's not”

“Fear not, Bilbo, my brother is simply messing with you,” Fili said with a laugh.

"Of course, I mean he’s is not entirely wrong. When I woke up this morning I felt cold to my bones, like going outside in the snow and realizing you have no coat. My heart and soul felt wrong, so I packed up all I could think to grab and followed the pull until it guided me back to you,” towards the end of his sentence Bilbo is speaking to the table rather than one of the dwarves sitting near him having realized how sappy he sounded.

“It seems our bondmate is a poet.” there was no mirth in Dwalins' voice and when Bilbo looked at him his eyes held a beautiful warmth.

The day spread on into early afternoon before all the dwarves were ready to head on their journey.

Only after all of them were saddled up and Bilbo had been settled on his pony, all be it begrudgingly as Bilbo didn’t like being so far above the ground, did the company notice that the sky on the horizon was beginning to darken.

“We need to head out now if we have any hope of getting to camp before the storm,” called Thorin.

Almost like he’d called it upon them it began to drizzle the group. The company was not excited about their first day's travels being in the rain but kicked their mounts into movement nonetheless.

Kili and Fili seemed to decide that it was their job to keep Bilbo company for the first leg of the trip as they took up a position on either side of him.

“So, Bilbo Fi and I were wondering.”

“If it isn’t too prying, will you tell us about your childhood?”

“Only if the two of you do the same.” was Bilbo's response. Both brothers nodded eagerly, and so the next little bit bilbo was distracted from the rain by regaling stories of his dear mother and the childhood she gave him.

“What happened to your da?”

“Ki!”

“No, no it’s okay it is a fair question. My father died when I was young before my mother and I moved back to the shire. I don’t remember much of him now, but I know my parents loved each other very much.”

“Our father died when we were young too. He died in battle with Uncle, we don’t have many memories of him but our ma makes sure that we never forget him.”

“Oh Fili, I’m so sorry. Both of you, it's an awful thing to lose your father young.”

“Uncle did his best in helping raise us when ma couldn’t”

“Did they share a soulbond?”

“No, but if I were to choose anyone deserving of a soulbond it would have been them, even now years later our mother has never loved another.”

“Okay, enough with the sad. Tell me about your childhoods.” this pulled a laugh from the brothers and a few others around them. So the brothers start in on the story of their childhoods finishing each other's sentences or correcting what the other said. Bilbo had a feeling much of what they said was exaggerated but listened intently anyway.

“-and now we're here. Preparing to fight to bring our homeland back so Durins folk and thrive once again.” Kili said it with such hope that it brought Bilbo to the brink of tears.

Placing his hand on Kili's arm, “I’ll do everything  I can to see your people back where they belong, I promise.”

“You know that includes you too, right? That is if you can bear to leave the shire for good, if not we can always figure something out.”

“There is not much for me in the shire save for some keepsakes and memories.”

“Okay, boys I think you’ve upset the hobbit quite enough.” Bilbo didn't know when Dwalin had fallen to the back of the group to join the three of them. He must have felt the emotions Bilbo accidentally let through. Looking to Thorin he saw that the king was talking with Balin but seemed to be keeping an eye on the small group.

“Sorry Master Dwalin I didn’t mean to worry you with my emotions.”

“I wish you wouldn’t do that little one.” Bilbo loathed being called little but from the warrior it felt like a compliment so he let it slide this time. “If you don’t mind I’d like to ride by you for some time.”

“I would like that very much.”

“Boys, your uncle would like to speak to you.” Bilbo watched as Fili and Kili moved to the front of their group to ride beside their uncle in the same manner they had ridden next to him.

Dwalin and Bilbo sat in relative silence for a good time after the brothers left, but thankfully it didn’t feel awkward. 

“So-”

“Can-”

“You can go first Master Hobbit.”

“Oh, okay. Can you tell me about your life? You were born after the dragon, correct?”

“Aye, I was. Balin was only seven when he attacked, I was born a few years later on the road.”

“Does he remember much of the mountain?”

“Not much now, the only one of us that truly remembers the mountain is Thorin.”

“Was it hard? Living on the road for so long?”

“It had its moments where things would get tough, like when work was sparse and taking care of the littler ones meant you had to go without.”

“What did you do for work?”

“I was a guard. I’m decent enough at smithing but I was better suited to keeping the peace.”

“Do all of you have some kind of job you stick to?”

“Aye, we all have something we perform well at,” he then went on to explain what everyones’ roles in the party were.

Bilbo took special note to talk with Bombur if he is meant to cook for them while they are on the road to see if he could help out.

Bilbo and Dwalin continue to talk for a while about different members of the party and about growing up with Balin. It is nice talking to the warrior, almost calming in a way. 

Eventually, the sky finally decided to open up on the traveling company, soaking Bilbo to his bones as he only just realized he forgot his cloak at him in his rush. Soon a much too-large cloak gets placed across his shoulders and hangs down to his feet.

“I can sit here all dry while you look like a drenched rat, we can't  have you catching a cold on our first day.” Dwalin is rubbing the back of his neck now getting drenched himself.

“Thank you Master Dwalin but I assure you I will be fine.” When Bilbo starts to remove the cloak a large hand settles at the top of his back.

“Please little one, allow me this.” That seemed to be the end of the conversation, but Dwalin continued to ride closer to Bilbo than strictly necessary, not that either minded.

They continued to slosh through the now-saturated road for another hour before what looks like a house appears off the side of the road, though it looks like the house had caught fire at some point.

“We will stop here for the night, we can’t risk one of the horses getting hurt.” Called Thorin from the front.

They tie off the horses and begin to make camp. Bilbo goes to Bombur and asks to help with tonight's supper.

“I’ve seen a few herbs off the side of the road that would be delicious in a stew, I can go collect some if you’d like.”

“Are you a cook Master Baggins?”

“I get by well enough with my mother's recipes, but I like to think I’m fairly decent.”

“I would appreciate your help, you said you saw some herbs off the road?”

“Yes! I was some spring onion and some wild basil. There may have been others but I wasn’t looking closely.”

“Can you show me?” Bilbo leads Bombur to where he had seen some of the wild herbs while they continue talking about different seasonings and such that they both enjoy cooking with.

“He is wonderful isn’t he?”

“Aye, he is. Such a caring little thing. Makes me want to be a better dwarf.”

“Uncle, why haven’t you spent some time with the hobbit?”

“I fear that have made an unforgivable mistake and do not wish to make the hobbit uncomfortable.”

Around the same time, Thorin says this a bell-like laugh is carried over the wind drawing the eyes of the four dwarves that were huddled together. Bilbo had just returned with Bombur from gathering herbs and was laughing at something the dwarf had said.

“He truly is a sight to see,” the awe in Thorins’ voice is easily heard as he received agreeing nods, “I only hope he can keep that joy, even if it's with just the three of you.”

“I’m sure Bilbo wants the same with you Uncle, you just have to give him time.”

“One of you should go keep him company.”

“He has Bombur and the others, right now I believe that our friend needs us more.”

Chapter Text

“Why don’t you go bring the boys their dinner, I bet they’re getting hungry over with the ponies” Bilbo had three bowls shoved into his hands by Bombur once the stew was ready.

Bilbo didn’t recall when exactly the brothers had left their group but it had been some hours and he was finding that he missed their constant chatter.

When Bilbo wandered over to the two they weren’t chattering with each other. Rather the two of them were laying at the top of a hill looking over at something.

“Do I even what to know what the two of you are up to?”

“Bilbo! Oh, I’m glad to see you,”

“What could the two of us get into? We’re just watching the ponies that are definitely all accounted for.” Fili had a shy look on his face.

“I don’t know why but I don’t quite believe you.”

“You wound us, Bilbo, for our bondmate not to trust us on something so simple.” Bilbo could see Kili trying to hold back a laugh.

“So neither of you would mind if I were to go check on the ponies myself?” he began to walk towards where he remembered the ponies had gotten tied up but didn’t get far before two hands closed around his arms.

“Okay, fine. Three of the horses are missing and we think we may have found them.”

Bilbo was pulled back to where he had found them laying earlier. His gasp was barely held back as Bilbo is met with the hulking forms of three trolls. Sure enough, if you looked past the troll the three lost ponies could be seen including Bilbos’ Maybell.

“Why are there trolls here? I thought they didn’t venture this far?”

“Normally they don’t but their cave must be nearby. We have to get those ponies back for Uncle will have our hides.”

The two turn to look at Bilbo, “say, Bilbo, you are our party's burglar, you should sneak in and get them back.”

“That’s brilliant Ki, we will stay right here, and if there is trouble hoot twice like a barn owl and once like a screech owl.” Before Bilbo could respond the two brothers bounded off in different directions.

“Well Bilbo there's only one option,” he steeled himself and began his descent down the hill. Hobbits can move silently through the forest, it is something they pride themselves on. With that said Bilbo was able to get almost next to the fire unnoticed and was almost to the ponies before he saw the large lock on the gate. Looking at the three trolls he saw the set of keys, thankfully, on the troll closest to him.

Sneaking up behind that troll's large form has to be one of the scariest things Bilbo has ever done. He began lifting the key when a large hand swung back scratching right above where Bilbo was. Once the hobbit could feel his feet again he started once again trying to get the keys untied from the troll's belt.

Apparently, lady luck was not on his side this day because right as the loop came undone the troll reached back again and grabbed his handkerchief which inclined Biblo.

The troll used him as a handkerchief rather than the actual cloth itself. Now covered head to two in snot the troll began to panic.

“There was a little person in my nose!”

“There wasn't nothing in your nose idiot.”

“Yes, there was, look!”

Bilbo found himself thrust toward the other two trolls. Fear shot through him as the troll began to discuss the best way to cook him.

“I am much too small for the three of you to get your fill,” he tried reasoning with them. This went on for quite a while as the three fought more about who got to eat him.

After a while of this suddenly the whole party charged into the came, all wielding a weapon with Thorin at the front. Bilbo had never been so happy to see the dwarves.

The feeling quickly turned sour as he felt his shoulders begin slipping out of the socket as the trolls pulled at his limbs.

“Cast down your weapons or we will tear the halfling from limb.” the threat was not empty as they gave a rough pull to his arms again. Surprisingly, Thorin was the first to cast down his blade. Soon after all the dwarves were tied to a spit over the fire or in sacks, and again the troll were arguing about how best to cook them.

“You best not eat any of them really.”

“And why is that little creature?”

“Well, as you know, dwarves are full of parasites. Really I wouldn’t risk it.” The dwarves grumbled at this and started shouting.

“Parasites? What's that got to do with eating them.”

“Well you wouldn’t want to get their parasites from eating them, ghastly things truly.” Bilbo did his best to try and get the dwarves to shut up and go along with his plan to no anvil because they just kept arguing.

“Maybe we shouldn’t eat them, I know I don’t want parasites, whatever they are.”

“Yeah maybe the creature is right, we shouldn’t eat them.”

“You idiots he’s trying to save his friends, they don’t have parasites.”

“Oh, I assure you they in fact do.” There were more arguments until finally the dwarves must have caught onto what was happening and started talking about their parasites and how big they are. 

With all the arguing that was happening, the night passed and the troll could not see where the sun was starting the crest the horizon, but Bilbo could. If only he had some way to keep stalling them until the sun was high enough to coat them in sunlight and turn them into stone.

Bilbo didn’t have to think long though because Gandalf appeared suddenly sneaking just beyond the clearing and standing upon a stone. The troll just stared at him as Gandalf split the stone in two.

Sun poured into the campsite causing the troll to panic, but it was too late the sun's rays had already hit them and they began to turn into stone. 

Once they stopped moving, Bilbo finally let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding. After taking a second to breathe he set to helping the dwarves out of the sacks.

Thoring and Gandalf begin searching nearby to try and find the troll's den and ended up finding it full of well-wrought weapons and a few riches.

Thorin approaches Bilbo before they set out from the cave, and if Bilbo didn’t know better he’d say Thorin looked uncertain and thrusts his hand out in front of Bilbo with a small blade in his hand.

“This is the only blade I can find that seems like it would do well in your hand, as much as it pains me. This is an Elvin blade, it should start to glow when orcs are near to give you a warning.” 

Before Bilbo can say anything about him not knowing how to use a blade no matter the size he already had it in his hand. “Wait, Thorin. I don’t know how to use a blade. Hobbits have no need for them.”

“Well, this Hobbit does. If you’d like one the company will be happy to help. Dwalin more favors the axe but I’m sure he’d be willing to take the time to help you.”

“Don’t you use a sword Master Oakenshield?” Bilbo attempted his most innocent-looking face

“Aye, I do.” There was something on Thorins’ face that almost seemed like hope.

“Wouldn’t it be better if you were to teach me then? Since you prefer the sword and are no doubt a master with it?”

“I think we can arrange that, Master Hobbit, if you wish.” A small almost unreadable smile took its place on Thorin's face as he turned to join the rest of the group who seemed to have collected all the weapons and riches they could need. “Let's head out, I do not wish to waste this daylight.” It came out as a command but many in the party could see the happiness on their leaders' faces though they chose not to say anything.

They had only been walking a short while when the party heard worgs in the distance. Bilbo checked his blade and sure enough, there was a faint blue glow to it. His gaze snapped to meet Thorins and he received a small nod.

The dwarves race out from their hiding places once the mounts are close enough to the party. Bilbo was told to stay with the wizard and to stay safe, he felt rather useless but so long as he still felt the four of them in his heart he knew there wasn’t too much to worry about.

Suddenly the sound of arrows being fired came from around the party. Bilbo looked out to see that a group of Elves had shown up to aid their fight. With their joint effort, the worgs and orcs were quickly dealt with.

“We heard news of your company passing this way, Lord Elrond has invited you to stay in Rivendell for some rest and food.” The elf that seemed to be the leader told them.

Though there was much grumbling from the dwarves around him Bilbo was excited at the prospect of a warm bed and his fill of food as they followed the elves that had come to their aid.

Chapter Text

When Bilbo looked upon the Elvin city he was struck with awe. There was so much life everywhere, elves going this way and that, and plants growing through the architecture like they were built to grow there. To a hobbit, Rivendell was absolutely breathtaking, but his dwarf companions felt differently.

“There's too much open space, how are they supposed to protect themselves,” grumbled Dwalin

“They seem to be doing pretty well so far, don’t they?”

“Let's just say I will be much happier when we are finally under a mountain again.” Shaking his head in a fond manner Bilbo continued to listen to the dwarves' complaints but found no fault in the city himself.

The company followed an elf through the city while they received a few different looks from those they passed. Most were curious, some were confused, and a few were disgusted, but Bilbo decided the latter was because of their stench rather than their races.

“This hall has been prepared for you and your companions. If you require anything just ask and we will do our best to provide it.” The elf gave a slight bow and walked off at a brisk pace.

The dwarves split off heading through different doors so Bilbo decided to follow. When he opened the door the room inside was bathed in light, it almost took his breath away. The furniture was simple just a bed, vanity, and chest but it was more than Bilbo had the luxury of since leaving his hole.

There was a door to his left that upon further inspection was found to be a bathroom with a large tub and some fragrant soaps. While he was poking around in the bathroom he heard someone enter the room proper and was shocked to find Oin in his room.

“Master Oin! How can I be of service?” It was strange that the dwarf would be in his rooms since they hadn’t spoken much since the beginning of the journey other than passing conversations.

“Hello Master Hobbit, I am checking on everyone to make sure that no injuries have been hidden from me as dwarves often try. Now if you could remove your shirt to that I can check you and then you can have your bath.” Despite the smile that stayed on his face Bilbo felt a shard of ice go down his spine.

“That’s really not necessary Oin, I am right as rain truly,” Bilbo said while making a placating gesture with his hands as Oin approached him and poked him in his shoulder causing a cry of pain from the hobbit.

Lifting a quizzical eyebrow, “Right as rain huh laddie? Come on off with your top, believe me, there is nothing you can have under there that I haven’t seen many times before.” Oin starts trying to lift Bilbo's shirt himself since it seemed the hobbit wasn’t going to do so.

Pushing his shirt back down, “Oin please I assure you I am fine just a little sore.”

“What are you so concerned about laddie? If it’s about proprietary or your bondmates I assure you, you do not need to worry about that. I am a doctor and am the same doctor that will be able to help heal your joint.” Oin continued to push Bilbo's shirt up when Bilb continued to try and fight it until Oin quickly stopped. “Why are your ribs wrapped laddie? I do not remember doing it myself or you getting injured enough to need to.”

With a shaky breath, Bilbo looked into Oins eyes, “You are correct Master Oin, you did not wrap my ribs. I did. And it is none of your business. I am not hurt beyond my joints being a little sore from being pulled on.”

“But if you are not hurt when why do you need to wrap your ribs in such a manner?” Oin began prodding again but this time Bilbo was not quick enough to stop him from pressing the tip of his finger into the soft flesh of his chest. Oins’ eyebrows flashed to his hairline as he began looking back and forth between this finger and Bilbos’ face.

Tears spring into Bilbos’ eyes as he looked off into the distance refusing to look at the older dwarf's face for fear of what he would find there. What little he knew of dwarves he knew that females were few and far between. What would happen to him now that Oin undoubtedly knew what he was? What would his bondmates do? Fear was the only emotion that Bilbo could discern from his jumbled mind. Bilbo jumped slightly when the finger was removed and arms wound themselves around his shoulders.

“Oh laddie, you have nothing to fear. As I said there is nothing under there that I have not seen before and the statement still stands. I understand your fear, as far as I know not belonging in the body you were given is frowned upon in the towns of men. Dwarves are not the same, we believe Mahal made us in his forge the way he meant us to be even if some of our parts don’t quite match up.” 

Oins’ voice was calm and soothing similar to how his father used to calm him when he scraped his knee. Tears flowed freely from Bilbos’ eyes and onto the dwarf's shirt, “Please Oin, you can not tell the others. This is a secret I have had all my life and the others can’t know.”

“Fear not Bilbo your secrets are your own to keep but I have to ask, do you bind your chest every day?”

“Yes I do, I take the wraps off at night and put them back on in the morning.”

“Might I see them? I worry that your ribs will become bruised from overexertion.” Feeling some of his fear fade Bilbo lifted his shirt over his head and stood before the dwarf as he tsked. “This just won’t do. The warps are going to cause more damage than you will want over the course of this journey.” He looked contemplative for a moment.

“Could I ask someone to make something for you?” at Bilbos’ scared face Oin held up his hands. “I will not tell them who it is for. I will simply ask for it to be a medical device that can change sizes. It will be safer and dare I say more comfortable.”

“If you believe they will not be able to figure it out and that it will help me so be it, but please Master Dwarf be careful.” Bilbo had a pleading look on his face as his eyes looked into the dwarfs’.

“I will be discrete, don’t worry laddie. Now that that is dealt with, let me take a look at those joints.” So Bilbo sat on a footstool as Oin poked and prodded at all of Bilbos' sore joints and bruises before he declared he was done.

“I want you to put this salve on your joints that hurt after you’ve had your bath and I want you to try and keep the wraps off as much as possible while we are here to give the flesh a moment to breathe.”

A bath sounded heavenly to the hobbit so have bidding Oin goodbye he went once more into the bathroom to draw a bath as he put some fragrant soaps into the water and watched them bubble. Sinking into the warm water was the most comfortable thing Bilbo had experienced since he walked out his door. The water was so relaxing in fact that Bilbo fell asleep in the bath and must have been asleep for many hours for when he woke up it was to the sound of knocking on his door and his bath water cold.

“Just a moment!” Bilbo called out to the door where the person was still knocking. He pulled on the closest thing to him to cover his chest and most of his legs before he cracked the door open and was faced with three dwarves. With an unbidden smile, “Oh hello.”

“Hello, Bilbo! We came to collect you for dinner but it seems you have been busy.” Kili wiggled suggestive eyebrows at the hobbit before receiving a slap to the back of his head from his brother.

“Parden my idiot brother Bilbo, dinner is about to be served. We will wait here for you to get ready. Do hurry though we are starving.”

“I am quite hungry myself just give me a moment to dry my hair and get dressed.” Closing the door back Bilbo looked around the room for his wraps and his cleanest clothes. Spying his wraps on the bed he went about wapping his chest, not quite as tightly as he did on the road but enough that his chest appeared close to flat. Slipping on clean clothes was like heaven after their time on the road, once happy with his outfit he opens the door to find three heads bowed together.

“I hope I am not interrupting anything.” Bilbo feels a little joy when the three heads startle and snap to look back at him.

“The wizard wasn’t kidding when he said that hobbits were light on their feet,” Fili said it in such awe that a small blush rose to Bilbos’ cheeks.

“Come on Bilbo the others are probably waiting.”

“Alright, alright no need to pull me.” Bilbo was laughing as he was herded by the two brothers with Dwalin taking up the rear. After a few turns, the sounds of many conversations could be heard and with one last turn, he saw the feist Lord Elrond had prepared for them. The table was laden with many fresh greens and steaming meats, Bilbo felt his stomach growl.

“Come, let's go sit by uncle!” again Bilbo finds himself being dragged by Kili towards the head of the table where Thorin was sat. He was pushed into a chair between Kili and Fili while Dwalin took up the seat across from him.

“Good evening Master Hobbit,” called Ori and others repeated the call. For all the dwarves grumbling from earlier, they all seemed happier at the prospect of full bellies and warm beds.

“Good evening Master Ori, and everyone else,” Bilbo called back with a smile on his face. It had been a long time since he had eaten a meal with this many people if you didn’t count when the dwarves raided his pantry, and he didn’t. Bilbo was startled out of his happiness when he was Dwalin pick up his plate and begin loading it down with an assortment of foods.

“Oh, Dwalin you don’t need to do that. I can get it myself.” even as he said it Bilbo felt a warmth spread through his body and a blush rising to his cheeks.

“Nonsince, Oin mentioned your bruised joints and that you should take a few days to rest. It is nothing really.” Bilbo knew that there was no way that Dwalin could know the implications of feeding a hobbit but Bilbo decided he didn’t care and that he would explain it later and let the warmth of being taken care of wash over him.

Dinner passed much the same as it started, Bilbo shared some conversations with his bondmates, save for Thorin, and the dwarves closest to him. Dwalin continually filled his plate even standing at one point to get some of the food that he saw Bilbo looking at on the other end of the table. When dinner ended the hobbit was very full and was relishing in the feeling when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Let’s get you back to your room before you fall asleep at the table Master Hobbit.”

“Really Dwalin you should just call me Bilbo.” He said with a sleepy smile.

“Okay, Bibo. Let’s get you to bed.” Bilbo let his chair be pulled out and guided back down the path to their rooms except this time it was just him and Dwalin.

“Say Dwalin? Do you know the importance of food to Hobbits?”

“I’d say that food is important to all creatures but go on.”

“Well you see for hobbits food is more than just sustenance. It is how we show our care and love,” Bilbo felt Dwalin shift as he continued explaining, “A young hobbit might bake a pie for their sweetheart or a partnered hobbit a meal for their family. One of the most intimate things we can do is feed one another, similar to how you did tonight.” Bilbo could feel the sly smile pull at his lips when Dwalin halted his walk.

“I never meant to overstep Master Baggins, I simply thought it would be easier for me to serve your plate when to strain yourself.”

“Bilbo, and don’t worry Dwalin I know you didn’t know what it could mean to a hobbit. Besides, I quite liked having you take care of me.” This time it was Dwalins turn to blush.

 “Thank you for delivering me back to my rooms, Master Dwarf.” As Bilbo turned towards his door a thought struck him and he decided to follow it. Turning back around he placed his hands on Dwalin's shoulders pushing him down. The dwarf followed and once his face was in line with Bilbos’ he kissed his cheek. It was so sort it could barely be called a peck, but before Dwalin could react Bilbo slipped back into his room leaving Dwalin standing there with his hand pressed to his cheek.

Chapter Text

“Do I even want to know why you’re staring at the hobbits door like that?” Dwalin could hear the tease in his king's voice but was not inclined to tease back with his hand still on his cheek where the hobbit's lips had been moments ago.

“I was simply making sure the hobbit was able to arrive safely to his rooms, we talked a little about hobbit culture,” a sly smile crossed Dwalins face as he finally faced Thorin, “and he gave me a kiss for my trouble.”

The king's mouth dropped open as he stared at the awed look on his friend's face before his face turned sour, “I am happy for you my friend, if any of us deserve that kind of relationship with him it is you.”

Dwalin put his arm across Thorins as he started leading them towards their rooms, “Truly my friend, I believe that he cares for you and just doesn’t know how to show it. You didn’t exactly seem happy about the bond at first so he is likely trying to figure out how to navigate this.”

“That’s just it, isn’t it? I forced this bond on him and dragged three others into this mess as well.” Thorin was now full-on brooding.

“I have not heard any complaints. Have you?’

“Well no I haven’t but that does not mean there haven’t been any just that they have not been said.”

Dwalin ran a hand down his face and the pair walked in silence for a few moments before an idea formed in his mind. “What if you were to train him to use his blade? I would but you know I am more apt for axes and hammers,  and while Fili uses blades why would he go to the student when the master is available to him?” 

Thorin gave his friends’ words some thought before deciding that he would start Bilbos' training tomorrow morning. “Make sure to bring him some breakfast beforehand, a lot of fruits and nuts and the like.” nodding the king headed into his rooms. That night he might have dreamt of honied curls across his chest with a few precious braids woven through them, and a hobbit might have dreamt of sleeping on a warm chest feeling safe and protected from all around him.

Despite being woken up much earlier than Bilbo appreciated the comfort of waking up in a soft warm bed made his anger dissipate quickly. The knocking happened once again before he call out, “Just a moment!” Once Bilbo was sure that he was decent he opened the door and was shocked to find Thorin on the other side.

“Good morning Master Hobbit.”

“Good morning, was there something I could help you with?” Bilbo knew it might have sounded rude but he could not fathom why the dwarf was at his door so early in the morning.

“Ah yes, I was wondering if you would join me for breakfast and then some sword practice.”

“Oh.” The shock must have been evident on his face, but of course, Thorin took it as a rejection rather than just a plain shock.

“It is alright if you do not wish to join me, it is rather last minute after all and I’m sure you would rather spend time with the others.” Thorin's ramblings probably would have continued if a small hand hadn’t clasped around his forearm.

“I would like to have breakfast with you Thorin and if you think you can teach me how to use my sword then by all means please teach me. Just let me put on some better clothes and grab my sword and then I will meet you in the hall. Okay?”

Bilbo barely waited for Thorin's nod before rushing back into his room trying to find better-suited clothes than his night clothes for sparing and settled on a pair of short trousers and a loose top before heading back into the hall.

Any train of thought vanished from Bilbos' brain as apparently, Thorin had also elected to change into an outfit similar to Bilbos. It was strange seeing the man without any of his armaments but with his large sword still strapped to his waist.

Thorin was staring at the hobbit as well, seeing him in the loose shirt brought forth the idea of the hobbit wearing his clothes or even Dwalins but he quickly pushed the thought from his mind trying not to get ahead of himself. 

“I’ve had some breakfast sent ahead of us to the garden if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all Master Dwarf,” with a small smile Bilbo put his hand on Thorin's elbow, “Lead the way.”

It took Thorin a second to start moving as he was too preoccupied with staring at the hand on his arm. He stared so long in fact that Bilbo started to pull his hand away before Thorin caught it and pull the hand further around his arm. 

He began leading them away with neither of them saying anything. If anyone were to come upon the pair they would see a pair of pink faces.

After a few minutes, Thorin stopped and pulled the hobbit into a small garden that had a table of food weighed down with food. He was shocked to see so much but it quickly dwindled when he saw how quickly the small hobbit tore into the food waiting for them.

"I hope this food is adequate, I asked the elves to bring some food for us."

"This is wonderful Thorin, come have some breakfast with me." Bilbo directed that smile at him and Thorin probably would do anything the hobbit asked if he just kept looking at him like that.

"Don't eat too much, I don't want you feeling ill during our lesson," Thorin warned before joining the hobbit on the bench and began eating.

The pair sat in relative silence, only asking for something to be passed when out of reach. Soon, most of the food had been eaten and Thorin stood taking his sword out of its sheath while wrapping it in a bit of cloth he brought along with it.

"What are you doing?"

"Well I don't exactly want to cut you, so I'm wrapping the edge of my blade."

"Should I do that as well?" Thorin gave the hobbit an incredulous look, "Okay fair, I probably won't even get close but it was a good question."

And so Thorin began teaching Bilbo how to properly use his sword. Starting with his hand placement and stance before moving on to blocking and parrying. 

Hours passed before Thorin was confident that Bilbo could at least attempt to parry an attack. "I want you to try and attack me."

"What! I can't do that! What if I hurt you?" Thorin again gave him a look that said 'You can try but you will fail.' "Okay but if you get hurt it is not my fault, remember that."

Bilbos' first attempt at attacking Thorin ended with him on the ground with his sword beside him. "You have to keep a better grip, you don't want to lose your blade mid-battle." 

It continued like this with Bilbo landing on his butt and his sword clattering beside him and Thorin giving some kind of advice that always felt vaguely like a tease. Hours passed like this and soon the two of them were covered in sweat and Thorin's shirt was clinging to him distracting the poor hobbit. Bilbo did his best not to stare but it was a losing battle because Thorin soon took his shirt off.

Finally snapping Bilbo said, “Well if you’re so good at everything why don’t you attack me?!”

“If that is what you wish little one,” the line was said with a small smile so any annoyance that Biblo felt at being called small quickly dissipated. “I’m still going easy on you, but remember you don’t have to master the sword today.”

“I want to at least once get the better of you on my own, let’s go.” Bilbos’ face was set in concentration as he prepared for Thorin's charge. The first few times went well, Bilbo even managed to knock Thorin's sword away a few times but all good things must come to an end at some point. Thorin charged Bilbo the same as he had before except this time he swung his sword in the opposite direction that Bilbo was planning to parry. With the hobbits' momentum, the mistake was carried up Thorin's sword before his blade met the flesh of Thorin's thigh.

Thorin let out a small grunt before grabbing the blade from Bilbo doing his best to keep it in place as blood soaked the front of his trousers. “Well, you do get the better of me, Master Hobbit.”

Bilbo could hardly believe that Thorin was making a joke right now when the blade was still in his leg. “Thorin please sit down, oh Yavannah. I have to get Oin, will you be okay? Oh, I am so sorry Thorin I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Bilbo kept rambling until Thorin stopped him with a hand on his arm. “I assure little one, I am okay it is a small wound compared to others I have received I just need to wrap it.”

“Will you at least sit down? I don’t know quite as much as Oin but I know a thing or two about healing.”

“If it will make you feel better, but grab that tablecloth.” Bilbo did his best to help the dwarf onto the bench where they had eaten breakfast before grabbing the tablecloth and handing it to Thorin. Bilbo gasped as Thorin began tearing the cloth into strips.

Bilbo watched as Thorin set the strips down, "Now Master Hobbit, I am about to pull the blade out. You might not want to watch." This was Thorin's only warning before he began removing the sword, and as much as Bilbo wanted to look away he found he couldn't.

Once the sword was out the blood began to run more quickly out of the wound. Bilbo grabbed the strips of cloth from beside Thorin and with nimble fingers he began wrapping the dwarf's thigh tightly but not too tightly that he would hurt Thorin.

Bilbo made quick work of the bandage but there was already a small pink spot on them when he finished wrapping.

"Oh, Thorin this is bad. I need to go get Oin." Bilbo began to stand to try and find the old dwarf before being stopped by a pull on his wrist.

"I promise you, little one, I will be okay. The pressure will stem the bleeding, just give it a few moments." Thorin rested his head back against the bench and Bilbo found that he could look nowhere but his face. Bilbo was struck again by how beautiful the king was. His hair was clean and loose around his shoulders, and his face was travel-worn but the planes of it were breathtaking as the light cast shadows around the two of them.

There wasn't much thought when Bilbo reached out to brush a piece of hair out of Thorin's face. As soon as the hobbit's fingers made contact though Thorin's eyes snapped open and locked onto Bilbos as he pushed the hair back. 

At Thorin's look Bilbo began stuttering again pulling his hand back, "I am sorry, did I do something wrong? It's just there was some hair on your face and…"

Bilbo's rambling was cut short when Thorin tilted his head to follow Bilbo's hand. "You have done nothing wrong, little one. You are welcome to touch me, it is just that hair is very important to dwarves. Only family and partners are allowed to touch it."

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know. Is that why I never see any of you braiding your hair?" Still drawing his hand back as Thorin tilted his head to look fully at the hobbit.

"Aye, that is one reason. Most of our braids mean something whether it's for your craft, family, or courtship. We use them to show other dwarves who we are."

"But you only wear a few braids in your hair. Do you not have others?"Bilbo could only recall the two braids that sat near Thorin's ears.

"If I were under the mountain I would have many braids in my hair, but I have not worn them since the fall of my kingdom in mourning for what was lost." A dark look crossed over his have that hurt Bilbo to look at, his man knew so much loss and yet he embarked on this journey that will inevitably cause more loss.

"Oh, I hope that I will be able to see them all someday,” the dark look lightened on Thorin's face as Bilbo continued talking, “Maybe I will have a few braids in my hair as well, won’t that be a funny sight? A hobbit with dwarven braids.” Bilbo let out a small laugh at the thought but found that he quite liked the idea.

Thorin's face had lightened considerably but was serious as he said, “I think you would look beautiful with a braid in your hair. Especially as it grows, not many dwarves have curly hair as hobbits but I feel like it will look nice.” the earnestness in Thorins words caused a blush to rise to Bilbo's cheeks.

“Thank you, Master Dwarf.”

“You are welcome, Master Hobbit. If you’d like you can continue touching my hair. It has been a long time since someone else has touched it.” Bilbo reached up and began lightly combing his hand through the silken strands that felt so unlike hobbit hair but was still delightful to touch. The blush stayed firmly on Bilbo’s face as Thorin pushed himself further into the hobbit's hand. They continued to sit like that long past what should have been comfortable not saying anything and unaware of the world outside of the garden.

Chapter Text

While the two in the garden were unaware of the world two brothers sitting behind a bush were fully aware of what was happening.

“Is Uncle letting him brush his hair?"

“I believe he is Ki, I think this is the most peaceful I’ve ever seen him. It's lovely that our Hobbit is about to care for Uncle, but if he starts braiding his hair I might go crazy,” Fili said with laughter and love in his eyes. The brothers continued to sit and watch as the tension fell from their uncle's shoulders as the hobbit ran deft fingers through his dark hair.

The brothers jumped as a voice broke their silence, “Do I even want to know what the two of you are up to?” The brothers look up at Dwalins with faces similar to a child's after catching them with the cookie jar.

“Nothing bad, Dwalin, we promise, just keeping an eye on our uncle and his hobbit,” Fili said in a placating tone.

“Ah so Bilbo is his hobbit now is he?”

“Has he said and brushed your hair Dwalin? Or is it just Uncle?” Kili said with faux innocence. The question got the older dwarf's attention and suddenly the two brothers were being pushed aside as Dwalin began to look into the courtyard.

“I didn’t know he had it in him, we spoke last night about him letting the hobbit lead the way and I feared he wouldn’t know how.” Dwalin had a certain look of pride on his face as he continued, “I believe this is the most relaxed I have ever seen him, I am glad the hobbit is the cause but I am questioning why there is a bandage around Thorin's leg. You two wouldn’t happen to know why that is? Would you?”

“Oh it was brilliant, Thorin was teaching Bilbo how to use his sword and he was doing quite well so Thorin started having the hobbit try to fight him. He’s brilliant Dwalin, a true natural.” Kili started.

“He even knocked Thorin's sword out of his hand a few times, but the last time his blade slid off of Thorin’s and into his thigh. It was a shallow cut but the hobbit began to freak out so Thorin guided him in bandaging the wound and assured him that it was okay and that he would like to just sit for a minute, and you can see where that leads them.” Fili finished.

“How long have the two of you been sitting here?”

“Oh about two hours, we expected them to leave a while ago but they both seem content where they are.”

“Well as much as I am happy that the two of them are getting comfortable together, Thorin is needed by the wizard and the elf king,” Dwalin said with a huff as he began to stand again. “You two run along, your uncle won’t like it that the two of you were watching him and the hobbit.” With that, the brothers ran off likey to try and find some trouble as Dwalin just shook his head. The dwarf dusted himself off as he headed to the garden entrance the disturb the two inhabitants remorse full about disturbing what is likely going to be their last moment of peace together for a little while.

Bilbo looks up with a small smile as Dwalin walks in his hand in Thorin's hair not stopping its menstations. “Hello Dwalin, I was wondering when the three of you would stop spying and join us.” The hobbit had a sly look on his face as a dusting of pink colored the dwarf's face. “I am glad you are joining us but I do not think that Thorin will be the best of company right now,” Bilbo said while gesturing to the king's head in his lap.

At that moment Dwalin realized that Thorin had fallen asleep with Bilbo's hands in his hair, and Bilbo being the amazing being that he is had just kept stroking his hair and let him sleep. “Aye probably not, but I can not say that I’m disappointed. He never really sleeps well above ground so it is good to see him resting while he can.”

Bilbo looked down at the king with a small smile on his face as he brushed a finger across Thorin's brow. “I am glad that he can rest around me, we are bond mates after all,” Bilbo then turned his smile to Dwalin as he held out a hand, “Why don’t you join us for a little bit while he rests, I’m sure that Gandalf and Elrond can wait for a few more moments.”

Dwalin took his hand and sat beside him careful to not disturb Thorin, “you knew we were there the whole time?”

“Well, I knew the other two were there the whole time because I could feel them but also because I have sharp ears, I am surprised they didn’t reveal themselves when Thorin was hurt, though I am glad they didn’t as I was able to learn some things about dwarves from it.”

“Oh really, and what have you learned? That we are stubborn to a point?”

A small laugh escaped Bilbo, “No I fear I am already becoming used to the stubborn-headedness of dwarves, Thorin was able to tell me something interesting about the importance of hair to dwarves. How only family touch each other's hair, that different braids mean different things, and that my hair is much too short and will take some practice to get the hang of.” 

Suddenly Dwalin was struck with the image of Bilbo's beautiful honey hair full of dwarven braids, with his braid even. suddenly the blush was back on his face again though Bilbo just continued despite the dwarf next to him being far away. “Though I will need to learn to braid at some point, us hobbits only know a few and they're more for function than anything else.”

“I am sure we will be happy to teach you, maybe not Kili as he has never been the best at braiding Fili normally does his for him. But the rest of us would be happy to teach you whenever we get moments to do so.” Dwalins voice was layered with emotions that Bilbo didn’t even want to try and start deciphering so he just smiled at the dwarf before leaning his head on his large chest and resting his own eyes for a moment still carding his fingers through Thorin's hair and imaging it full of braids.

The trio sat for another 10 minutes before Dwalin broke the silence. “As much as I am enjoying this I am afraid I have delayed the meeting long enough. I’ll let you wake Throin, once he is ready have him join me in the hall.” Dwalin pressed a short kiss to the top of Bilbo's head and walked out into the hall to the sound of the hobbit sputtering.

Once he recovered Bilbo began to gently shake Thorin to try and rouse him. Speaking softly so as to not startle the large dwarf, “Thorin, Thorin it’s time to wake up. You're already going to be late to the meeting as it is.” The dwarf's face furrowed for a moment but then relaxed again. “No, no come on Thorin you have to wake up.” The hobbit began shaking him a bit more.

Nothing he did was working so Bilbo did the only thing he could think to do, he pulled Thorin's hair. It seemed to do the trick as the king's eyes immediately snapped open to stare at the hobbit. “I’m sorry but I couldn’t get you to wake up any other way.”

Realization dawned on the dwarf's face as he took in his position, “My apologies Master Hobbit, this must not have been very comfortable for you.” 

Thorin began to right himself until a hand on the side of his head stopped him, “I quite enjoyed our morning Thorin, I am happy that you were able to rest and I some peace and quiet.” the hobbit had such a sincere look on his face that he couldn’t even begin to argue. “I actually would have let you rest for as long as you like as I quite like running my hands through your hair and seeing you at peace but Dwalin has informed me that you are late for a meeting.”

Thorin could not believe what he was hearing, not only had the hobbit enjoyed his morning with him, he is morning at the end of it as well, “Well Master Hobbit you are welcome to it whenever time allows,” a small blush begins dusting his cheeks, “you said Dwalin was looking for me though?”

“Yes, he's out in the hall waiting. I’d say sorry for making you late but I’m really not. I hope we will have more mornings like this, even after I learn the sword.” Bilbo said with a hopeful look on his face.

“There is much to learn about the sword that even I have not learned myself, but I will be happy to teach you for as long as you will allow.”

“I will hold you to that, though hopefully, those lessons don’t end with injures.” Bilbo's face screws up into a grimace as he looks at the poorly made bandage around Thorin's thigh.

“Let’s hope not,” Thorin says but knows that he would take a million wounds just for another morning like this, “I must get going now though, best not keep everyone waiting for much longer”

Finally standing Thorin offered a hand to Bilbo, “Well Master Hobbit I hope the rest of your day goes well and I will see you at dinner.”

Thorin turned to leave but was stopped by a small tug at his hand, “I wish you would call me Bilbo, I already call you Thorin often enough.” The hobbit looks almost bashful as he continues, “I’ve had my hands in your hair for the past hour after all.” As if to accentuate his point the hobbit reaches out and tugs on a piece of hair. “But it's up to you, I will see you tonight Thorin.”

The king is left standing in the garden until after the hobbit has left and is replaced by Dwalin who is wearing a smirk. “I don’t want to hear it.” 

“I didn’t say anything,” Dwalin holds his hands up, “must admit that it was nice to have the hobbit's hands on you though.”

“I think that is the best sleep I've had since I was a child, if that is what we have to look forward to then I will give that hobbit all the gold in the mountain.”

“I don’t believe he would take any of it but let's take it one step at a time,” Dwalin clapped his friend on the shoulder, “you know he did ask me to help him learn how to braid while you were asleep.” Thorin's eyes snap back to Dwalins face.

“I told him a small part of the importance of braids to us.”

“Aye, he told me. That’s why he asked so that he can braid our hair and his own.” Thorin could feel his heart speeding up just thinking about the hobbit braiding his hair with deft fingers and had to wipe the image from his mind.

“I think this hobbit is going to send me into an early grave,” Thorin said with laughter in his eyes.

“You and me both my friend you and me both.”

Chapter Text

Bilbo began walking down the hallway with a smile and pep in his step. He didn't get far, though, as he suddenly heard two shushed voices that distinctly sounded like trouble.

"Do I even want to know what the two of you are up to?" Said Bilbo after walking up behind the two brothers.

"Bilbo! You startled me; hobbits truly are light on their feet." 

"I am well aware, Kili, but you have not answered my question. What are the two of you up to?"

"Nothing too terrible, I assure you, Bilbo. How was your morning with Uncle?" Fili says with a teasing glint in his eye.

"You know quite well how my morning went, considering the two of you were hiding in the bushes just outside the garden?" Bilbo quirked an eyebrow at the brothers, who had the decency to look bashful.

"Ah, so you knew we were there, did you?"

"Quite aware; I'm surprised you didn't reveal yourself when your uncle was hurt."

"Well, we knew he was in safe, capable hands." Kili beams at Bilbo, but Bilbo is not convinced.

"I don't know if I believe you, but that is no matter as I got to spend more time with Thorn," Bilbo began smiling, remembering how the king had flowy fallen asleep on his lap. "I was actually looking for you, Fili; Dwalin tells me that you are decent at braiding, and I was hoping you could start teaching me." Kili made a small choked noise

While riding his brother's back, "I'd be happy to teach you, Bilbo, but I assure you that Dwalin Dwalin would be a much better teacher." Fili responds.

"Oh, I'm sure he would be l, but Im not asking him. I'm asking you if you do not wish to, then I will just find Dwalin when I can." Bilbo began to turn around before being stopped by a hand on his arm.

"I'd be happy to teach you; I need to redo Kilis braids anyway." Fili still looks nervous despite his words, but Bilbo just smiles at him.

“Well, lead the way,” Bilbo says, sending happiness through their bond.

The brothers lead Biblo to their rooms so they can collect their combs and such. “So Bilbo, you mentioned you know how to do a simple braid, right?”

“That is correct, most hobbit men do not keep long hair, but the women do and have to braid it to get it out of the way. I used to braid my mothers from time to time.” A fond look crosses Bilbo's face at the thought of his late mother.

“Would you mind showing me what you mean? So I know where to start teaching you. We can practice on Kili.” While Bilbo and Fili were talking, Kili had been coming out his few braids and hair so that it would be free of knots. Bilbo nods and stands behind Kili, who is sitting on a short stool, and grabs a comb.

The next few hours are spent with Fili guiding Bilbo's hands through Kilis's hair and expanding his knowledge; Bilbo is grateful for the brothers and can not remember the last time he had this much peace in a day.

“Who does that elf think he is?! No one will keep Durins people from their home any longer.” Thorin is seething as he leaves the meeting with Elrond, who can read the map left by his grandfather. “He has no right to try and keep us here. We must leave at once.”

“Thorin! Think for a moment,” Dwalin is doing his best to keep his voice at a level where others wouldn’t hear everything he said, “if we try to leave right at this moment, then the elves will be able to stop us with sheer numbers. Let's meet with others and decide what to do.”

A grumble is the only response that Dwalin receives, but he takes it as a victory that the dwarf king is rampaging. The pair walk for a few minutes; Dwalin assumes they will stop at Balin's door but is surprised when Thorin keeps walking to his nephew's door.

“Keep still, Ki, we’re almost done, I promise. I only have a few more to do.” Dwalin can feel Kilis's annoyance through the door and Bilbo's happiness and suddenly understands why they are standing there.

“Are you two gonna stand out there, or will you come in?” Bilbo's voice calls from inside the rooms. Dwalin takes in the scene as he enters the room and has to stop. Bilbo stands beside Fili as they braid Kilis's hair. “We’re almost done if you two want to sit down. I’m assuming you're here because of the meeting?”

“Aye, that's right. If you can call it a meeting, that is.” Dwalin says with a hugh. The hobbit quirks his head to the side, urging Dwalin to keep going. “That elf will try and stop us from getting to the mountain. Said that he would keep us here until Durins Day.”

“We won’t let him stop us. We have to leave now!” Fili says while Kili nods along

“Hold on, Elrod said we couldn’t leave? Why?” Bilbo's hands stop braiding as he turns his attention to the two older dwarves. “Why would he want to keep us here?”

“He fears that our journey will be for nothing and we will cause more damage than what has already happened just for some gold.” A dark look sits on Thorin's face as he talks.

“But it’s not just for some gold!” Shouts Kili while standing from his stool.

“It’s for our home! Doesn’t he know that?!”

“Have some peace, boys; they will not keep us here. We need to speak to the others to form a plan.” Dwalin says, trying to calm the brothers to keep them from shouting louder. “Go see if you can find everyone and tell them to meet here.” He gives Thorin a look before walking out with the brothers to find the rest of their party.

A few moments of silence pass before Bilbo breaks it, “What are we going to do, Thorin? We can’t defeat an entire elf town.”

“I am well aware of that, Master Baggins; Dwalin said much of the same.”

“Oh, so I am Master Baggins again, am I? If you want to be mad about something, then be mad at the people trying to hold you here, not the one trying to talk to you!” Bilbo's face turned red again but this time from frustration with the dwarf before him. “If you want to sit here and brood, then do so! Alone!” He stood to his full height and stomped out of the room.

Mumbling, Bilbo begins to walk back to his rooms, hoping to change and get a moment away from the insufferable dwarf king. He almost doesn’t notice that there is already someone in his room.  Startled Bilbo studders out, “Good afternoon, Master Oin. How can I be of service?”

“Good afternoon Master Baggins. I hoped to catch you alone so that I might give you this.” Oin holds out a paper-wrapped parcel to the hobbit. “I hope it will fit you; I was only able to give an estimate of how small to make it.”

Bilbo unwraps the parcel to see a small vest inside and looks up at Oin, “Is this to replace my wrap?”

“Aye, this should help take some pressure off your ribs. and keep you from damaging the tissue of your chest.” Bilbo is struck speechless as he places the vest to the side and wraps the older dwarf in his arms. “Well, come on, I need you to put it on so I can ensure it fits.”

“This is amazing; thank you so much. I didn’t even know something like this existed.” Bilbo begins to remove his top and wraps. The fabric of the vest is sturdy but soft against his skin. “Would you mind helping me fasten this?”

“I’d be glad to. It might take a few tries to get completely right, but it fastens similar to the corsets of men, so I assume you can get it.” With deft fingers, the older dwarf shows the hobbit how to lace up the sides of the vest and not over-tighten it. “It looks like a good enough fit to ya, but don’t think you can leave this on longer than you did your wraps. I still don’t want you sleeping in this if you can help it, and when you can’t, you need to lose it, at least. Understand?” Oin hands the hobbit back his shirt and watches as he looks at his chest.

With tears in his eye, Biblo hugs Oin again. “Thank you, thank you so much, Oin,” Bilbo would have kept rambling if a knock hadn’t disrupted him. “Yes?” Bilbo does his best to hide the emotion from his voice as he calls out.

“The meeting is about to start,” Thorin calls from outside his door, “we can’t find everyone right now, but there are enough if you would like to join us.”

“Yes, just give me a moment!” Bilbo gives Oin one last squeeze before letting go—the two nod at each other before heading out.

“Oh, Oin, this is why we couldn’t find you. Is everything okay, Bilbo?” The worry is evident in Thorin's voice.

“Yes, everything is fine. Now I believe there is a meeting waiting on us?” Bilbo knows he is probably being unfair in his short remarks but can’t find it in himself to feel bad. Thorin hangs his head slightly but doesn’t respond before heading back to the brother's rooms with Oin and Bilbo trailing behind him. Inside the room is almost the whole party except for Nori, but Bilbo has a feeling that the spymaster is off somewhere on business.

Over the course of two hours, the party discusses what they are going to do to get out of Rivendell without having to fight anyone, much to Bilbo's request. “So it is settled then. Tonight, under the cover of darkness, we will travel out of Rivendell and onwards to the Misty Mountains.” Thorin says once it seems that the discussions are over. “We will try and get as many supplies as possible before heading out. Everyone try to get as much rest as possible; this will likely be one of the last places we stay.” The party dispatches into all directions, likely to do as Thorin said, except for the bondmates.

“Bilbo, are you okay? Why did you come in with Master Oin?” asks Kili.

“Yes, thank you, Kili. I would also like to know.”

“If you all must know, Oin was asking me some questions about hobbit medicine to see if there is anything that we do that could be helpful during our journey.”Bilbo and Oin had actually discussed hobbit medicine during one of the afternoons they had while in Rivendell, so it wasn’t wholly a lie. “Now, if you don’t find I am going to go gather some supplies and arrange for some dinner. I will see all of you tonight.”

Chapter Text

“Bilbo? Bilbo!” Bilbo is startled from his dream by a hand on his shoulder and a voice in his ear.

Jumping away from the voice, Bilbo cracks open his eyes to see Fili at his bedside with Kili over his shoulder. “Is it time to leave already?”

“It is, are you already packed?” Kili says, looking around for his pack.

“I am packed but need a few moments to ensure I don’t forget anything.” the brothers look like they are about to argue when Bilbo says, “I promise it will only be a minute or two. I will meet you in Thorin's room with everyone else, Okay?”

“Okay, but make sure to hurry.” The brothers leave Bilbo's room, likely to ensure everyone else is awake. Bilbo gets up from his bed and double-checks his room to ensure nothing will be forgotten. When he is finally satisfied that he has everything, he pulls on his new vest. It is much easier to put on than his wraps, but it still takes him a little bit.

Closing the door, Bilbo looks into the hall to ensure no elves are present and starts towards Throin's room. He only just starts knocking before the door opens and gets pulled into the room. Inside is most of the company, including Galdaf.

Walking to the wizard, the hobbit starts a familiar conversation. “Good morning, Galdalf.”

A smile begins to curl on the wizard's mouth. “Good morning Bilbo, I am happy to see that you are embracing some of your bondmate's culture.”

Bilbo reaches up to brush a hand across the braid he had put in his hair before leaving his room. “Fili started teaching me yesterday, so I thought it would be good to get into the habit.”

“Yes, it will be a good habit indeed. I hope your partners will also pick up some hobbit traditions as well.”

“That will be quite nice indeed, but sadly, most of our traditions involve hearth and home, so that is far away yet.” their conversation comes to an end. Still, the two are able to sit in companionable silence until the rest of the party arrives. It takes about 20 minutes before the party is all present or accounted for.

Thorin stands at the head of the room, his booming voice hushed. “We will need to be quiet on our way out; I don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention.” He gives a pointed look at the two brothers. “We leave in five minutes, be ready.”

The five minutes pass quickly enough, and soon enough, Bilbo and Nori are sent ahead to scout the way, having left their packs with other members. Much of their time spent keeping a lookout is spent in silence until they are almost clear of Lord Elrond's home. “I like your braid, Master Hobbit; I was unaware that hobbits wore braids.”

“The lads normally do not, but I figured it wise to learn since it is such a large part of the dwarf culture.”

“They suit you quite well. I hope that there is some hobbit culture that we can adopt as well.”

“Oh, believe me, when able, I will introduce the lot of you to the hobbit meal schedule. I don’t see how you all go all day only eating so much.” Bilbo comments with a shake of his head.

“Trust me, Master Hobbit, Dwarves are not known for having small appetites, most of us get by on so little because we have to not because we want to.” A dark look passes over the dwarf's eyes, “I have watched many of my kin  go hungry for too long and dream of the day that all their bellies will be full.”

“I apologize Master Nori I spoke without knowledge. It is a grave hardship to have to provide when there is little to be done. Once the mountain is up and running again I will make a full dinner for the lot of you, show you all a proper hobbit meal.”

“I think we would quite like that Master Hobbit.” A small smile pulls at Nori's mouth, “And please just call me Nori.’

“Then you shall call me Bilbo,” the hobbit beams at the dwarf as they finally reach the path that leads out of the valley the pair stop and Nori gives a sharp whistle to signal the all clear. The rest of the company met up with them quickly enough and Bilbo resumed his position beside Gandalf.

“We must make hast we have stayed here for far too long,” Thorin was back to the stoic leader that Bilbo had begun to see less of in the time they spent in the elf city and was saddened to see it back in full force.

The Misty Mountains lived up to their name in full, the path the company takes is shrouded in fog and the further up they go the colder it gets. The dwarves appeared to have no problem walking the small ledges that the path thinned to but the hobbit was struggling, his toes were cold and sore from gripping the stone, and just when he thought it wouldn’t get any worse the sky decided to open up on them. Bilbo begins to slip on the rock hoping that this is not where he finds his end.

“Uncle! The path is getting dangerous we must stop for the night!” Fili calls out from the front of the group with his brother.

“We only have to stop long enough for the storm to let up and then we can continue without worrying about slipping.” Kili urged.

Almost like the brothers had spoken it into the world the rock around them began to move and what sounded like a battle broke out in the sky above them. “The Stone Giants are fighting, I thought they were myth,” disbelief colored Nori's voice from beside Bilbo as Dwalin urged them forward. 

Rocks and debris hit the path around them many narrowly missing crushing a member of the party. They trudged on through the rain and the fighting when bad turned to worse, the rock started to move around them. Terrified by what he’d see the hobbit looked up to see that they were on the knees of a giant with half of the group on one side and half on the other. They were thrown around while they held on to the giant with all they had, one of the knees hit where the path continued and Thorin urged them forward.

“We have to help them!” Kili cries from beside Thorin watching his bondmate and brother hold on for their lives.

“We will have to catch them the next time they get close,” calls Dwalin over the storm but Thorin says nothing. He watches with abject horror as his bondmate and heir are on the cliff of dying and there is nothing they can do.

The battle continues on overhead unaware of the turmoil happening below them. The giant they were on was fighting a losing battle as the other half of the party swing near but not near enough. Thorin feels like part of him is dying as he watches the stone knee connect with the side of the mountain. Kili lets out a scream and is kept up by Dwalin. Thorin runs ahead to see if anyone lived, he rounds the corner to find all of them relatively fine.

“They are okay, Dwalin bring me Kili!” Thorin drops to his knees beside his eldest nephew and brings his face to his neck. “You are okay delva you are okay,” once Kili is beside him Thorin pulls him in too and sits there for a minute feeling them both breathe. He removes Filis's head from his shoulder and palms his face, “Your mother will kill both of us if you do not make it here,” a laugh was pulled from the boy, “so please do not scare me like that again.”

“I will try Uncle,” Fili pulls himself away from his uncle to fully hug his brother. After a moment of watching the brothers and remembering his own Thorin turns to the rest of the group. He sees Dwalin caring for his own brother as are many of the other Dwarves.

“Come, We need to find someplace to wait out the rest of the storm.”

“I believe I saw a cave opening further up ahead while we were swinging around.” Calls a small voice that can only belong to his hobbit. Turning to look at the place the voice came from Thorin felt his face drop even further.

The hobbit was the dirtiest Thorin had ever seen, rumpled and covered in stone dust. He had a large cut down his cheek and across his jaw that was slightly bleeding, Thorin placed his hand on the other side of the hobbit's face and pulled at the bond to silently check on the other. Obviously, there was fear but it was overshadowed by determination and confidence.

“We must get out of this storm before one of us ends up badly hurt, I will go ahead to see how far the cave is.” Bilbo began to walk away before a hand caught his arm.

“I will go with you,” Dwalin says before turning to Thorin, “I will give you a shout once we find a place to stop.”

Thorin nodded looking contemplative but began checking on the rest of the group for any injuries.

“I can go on my own Dwalin, go be with your brother.” Bilbo urged straightening his clothes and pack.

“I am aware you can do it on your own, but I wish to go with you. I have already checked on my brother and he is without injury, you on the other hand are not.” The look Dwalin gave Bilbo left no room for arguments, so with a huff the hobbit began walking down the path towards where he was the cave mouth.

The pair walked for a few minutes in silence until Bilbo broke it, “How are you Dwalin?”

“Physically I am okay, a few bumps but nothing worse than I have had before. And you?”

“This cut stings slightly and my toes hurt but other than that I should be fine.” Bilbo hoped that the look he gave Dwalin was convincing because in all reality he was in an incredible amount of pain that started at his hip and radiated all the way across his back.

“And what a blessing that is, I was terrified something would happen and we would be kept apart, but instead you have gained your first battle scar and have returned to us.” Dwalin's eyes got a hollow look to them like he was far away from here. 

Bilbo reached out and clasped his fingers around Dwalin's much larger hand. “I will do my best to always return to you, so long as you can promise the same.”

Dwalin pulls Bilbo into his chest and wraps his arms around him, “That, my dear hobbit, is an easy promise to make.” They stand there for a few more moments before Bilbo begins to pull back. Dwalin lifts his head and after a moment points ahead. “I believe we have found the cave mouth, stay here I will go collect the others.”

Chapter Text

While Dwalin collects the others Bilbo collects himself. Seeing the fear on his bondmates face doubled his own while he was swinging from that giant. He has come to care deeply for all four dwarves and is hoping to Yavanna above that they will all make it to the end of this journey. Tears begin to sting in Bilbo's eyes before he quickly wipes at his eyes so that his dwarves won’t worry more than they already are.

After a moment Dwalin rounds the path again with the rest of the party not long behind him. “Lead on Bilbo, we need to get out of this rain,” called Dwalin. The cave is only a short walk away and once everyone has escaped the rain the hobbit lets out a small sign of relief. Breaking away from the group Bilbos lays out his bed roll and starts preparing to sleep when another roll startles him out of his thoughts.

“Hello, Master Hobbit, I figured by bother would have joined you before I could,” Balin spoke softly as he began to prepare for bed as well.

“Hello to you as well, I believe your brother is discussing something with Thorin,” Bilbo pointed to where the two dwarves had their heads bowed together, “probably trying to decide our next steps.”

“Ah yes, it would appear so.” Balin strokes his white beard briefly before continuing, “I hope you don’t mind my settling beside you, families tend to stick next to each other on the road whether for warmth or security.”

Bilbo was struck with painful emotion at the dwarf so casually referring to him as family, “That is quite fine with me Master Balin. Any security and warmth is welcome. It doesn’t look like we will be lighting a fire tonight.” the rain, while not hitting them directly, was still raging outside the mouth of the cave which has caused most of the dwarves to settle in the back of the cave. The pair continue to settle in for the night putting out their bed rolls and Dwalins and Thorins although they would likely get little use.

After what only felt like an hour of sleep Bilbo was rudely awoken by the sounds of many shifting feet rushing into the cave surrounding the company. Gandalf shoots off a bright light in the cave with many goblins dropping to the ground dead. Once Bilbo can see again the wizard is gone and the group is driven deeper into the mountain. The group is led down a series of confusing paths before being stood before a grotesque-looking goblin.

The goblin begins to integrate Throin calling the company a group of spies and murderers, and as icing on top of the cake after a few minutes of this interrogation, the great goblin recognized Thorin’s sword. The goblins begin screaming about the ‘goblin-cleaver’ or  ‘Biter’ as the great goblin orders the group to be killed. The company is pushed down a different path when the lights suddenly go out. There is the sound of a sword swinging and suddenly the great goblin's voice is cut off from his screeching. Gandalf's voice calls out of the darkness guiding the group, “We must get out of here follow me!”

The goblins pursue the company as they run with them, launching arrows and rocks at the party once making contact with Bilbo's head, causing him to stumble before Dori grabs his coat to continue running. “There are too many goblins, Wizard we must fight,” Thorin calls out as he unsheathes Orcist. The group makes quick work of the group of goblins closest to them before taking off again.

They headed deeper into the mountain hopefully towards an exit, as Biblo's head was killing him, when they were ambushed again. Bilbo's head hits the wall and the hobbit crumbles to the ground listening to the sounds of fighting before the world goes dark and silent.

When the hobbit comes to he is alone in the quiet tunnel. He looks around trying to find when the group may have gone when something shiny catches his eye. A gold ring lays on the tunnel floor, ‘quite pretty for such a plain-looking thing’ Bilbo says to himself as he slips the ring into his pocket. Being a hobbit he had a sort of knack for navigating underground despite the stone being harder to read than the smooth earth he is used to. As he descends further into the mountain a cave opens up with a narrow lake blocking his path.

A flash happens in the corner of his eye but when Bilbo looks there is nothing there. The sounds of bones clattering bring Bilbo's attention to the small island in the center of the lake where a creature stares at Bilbo with larger pale eyes. “Hello,” Bilbo calls out.

The creature begins talking to itself in a strange high-pitched voice where the only thing Bilbo catches is the creature repeating ‘My precious.’ After a moment the creature begins to cross the lake towards Bilbo as the hobbit backs up until his back hits the smooth stone of the cave. The creature tells Bilbo that he wants to eat him, and that ‘precious’ is hungry while licking his lip. The hobbit challenges the creature to a game of wits.

After a few rounds, the hobbit asks, “What is in my pocket?” The creature began to guess, first his hands, then a knife, and finally string or nothing. “Nope, all wrong, now you must show me the way out.”

“Is that what we said, hobbites, but first we have to get something, a birthday present.” The creature began going back to the island in the center.

“It is not my birthday,” Bilbo shouts, “whose birthday is it?” but the creature doesn't listen and begins searching his island. It starts talking to itself again looking for someone or something named ‘precious’. The longer it looks for ‘precious’ the more irritated the creature gets. 

Suddenly the creature turns to look at Bilbo, “you took it, you took my precious!” it calls out while scrambling across the island to get back across the lake.

“I took nothing from you!” Bilbo calls out while backing up across the cavern.

“You stole it, I know what is in your pockets you stole my precious!” The creature begins to chase the hobbit while Bilbo runs away. The hobbit then feels for the ring that the creature must be looking for wondering why it is so important. While he rubs his fingers across the smooth metal the ring slips onto his finger and suddenly the world looks different, almost shrouded in a cloth. Bilbo startles and slows down when suddenly the creature passes him by. “Where is the hobbites, he has taken my precious.” the creature was mumbling to itself and passes Bilbo without so much as a glance.

The hobbit follows the creature hoping to find an exit to this mountain all the while not understanding why the creature had passed him by. A few minutes pass when finally Bilbo can see sunlight up ahead, his joy is quickly overshadowed by the creature hitting its head against the rock and hissing at the light before turning back down the tunnel. Bilbo plasters himself against the wall hoping the creature does not touch him.

After waiting until the creature can not be heard the hobbit continues into the light and is happy to see that the path they were on is in front of him. Placing the ring back into his pocket Bilbo goes briskly down the path in hopes that he can catch up with the company, they couldn’t be that far as Bilbo can still feel them next to his heart.

When Bilbo comes upon the group it is to an argument brewing. “I am going back into that mountain whether you let me or not! He doesn’t have stone since like we do!” Shockingly it was Bofur that was shouting at the company.

“I was unaware of how strongly you felt Master Bofur, thank you for your concern.” Bilbo says as he stands next to the dwarf being able to make it all the way to the group with out any of them noticing his approach. 

The answer to his comment is the light once again being blocked from his view as a pair of arms circle him and lift his feet from the floor. “I am never letting you out of my sight again,” Dwalin spoke into Bilbo's curls.

“That might cause some problems down the road, but trust me I do not plan on straying so far again.” Bilbo chuckles as he returns the dwarfs hug.

“How did you make it out Bilbo?!” Kili is suddenly right next to them. 

Dwalin begins to lose his arms but stops when the hobbit tightens his grip from around the dwarf's neck. “Contrary to what you lot believe, we hobbits can read the earth. Not as well as the dwarves can read stone, mind you, but we are not at a complete loss underground.” Bilbo notices looks of surprise on many faces at this knowledge. “Why are you all so shocked? You’ve been to my home, how could be built into the hills without being able to navigate once underground?”

“I am sorry Bilbo, it seems we have much to learn about hobbits. We were worried you would be lost forever.” Dwalin begins to lower him back to the ground as Fili speaks from his other side.

“Oh believe me I will teach you all you need to know once we settle, starting with a proper eating schedule.” Biblo reaches out and pats Dwalin on his chest and grips Filis's arm. “For now I believe we have some time to make up after all of this mess so if it’s alright with you lot lets continue on.” Looking around at everyone Bilbo can see some worry seep out of the company seeing him unhurt but his eyes stop on Thorin whose face is like stone but his eyes tell a different story.

Walking away from his three dwarves Bilbo pulls Thorin to the side. Before he was even able to fully get to the dwarf Bilbo was once again wrapped into a pair of arms. “I thought I was going to lose you not once but twice in to quick of a secession, please promise me that it will not happen again.” Much like his hug with Dwalin, Biblo's feet were no longer touching the ground, unlike with Dwalin though Bilbo wrapped his arms and legs around Thorin knowing that he would not be set down soon.

“That is not a promise I can make, Thorin, you yourself told me that this journey will be dangerous.”Bilbo could feel the dwarf's shoulders rising as he spoke. “But I can tell you that I will do my best to see you reclaim Erebor, whatever it takes.” The dwarf's shoulders didn’t relax but his grip did relax on the hobbit as they continued to stand there just taking each other in.

“We must continue if we want to get to the Mirkwood on schedule,” Balin says to Thorin after a few moments of neither dwarf nor hobbit losing their grip. Thorin nods wordlessly sets the hobbit down and collects his pack. Bilbo is joined by Fili and Kili on his sides as Dwalin joins Thorin at the front of the group as they start their trek down the mountain once again.

“Everything is going to be okay Bilbo. Just stick with us and we’ll keep you safe.” Kili says with a conviction that is corroborated by his brother. The hobbit doesn’t respond but sends a silent prayer to Yavanna that they are correct and that the company will all see Erebor.

Chapter Text

There are quiet conversations as the company moves through a pine forest until the sounds of wargs pierce the wind and smoke begins to fill the air. Bilbo's hand is enfolded in Kilis as the company takes off until they have to climb a tree to escape. 

After what feels like seconds, a group of wargs and goblins appear below the tree. “Would you look at that, looks like there's nowhere else to go hmm?” the goblin says in a rough voice as he begins to set fire to the tree. The wood below them begins to crack from the heat of the fire and it’s all the company can do to hold and hope to find a way out.

Suddenly there of little balls of fire hitting the goblins and wargs from a tree near the one the company had climbed. When they look Gandalf is in it letting loose flaming pine cones and lighting the assailants on fire but his tree has also been set alight and is starting to bow.

Suddenly there is the sound of wing beats filling the air as large eagles fill the sky, “Hello, little one, we will take you to safety” Bilbo understands the large eagle above him and in the next moment the company and himself are lifted into large talons and are airborne.

The trip held in the eagle's talons feels like both a blink of an eye and an eternity as the ground below passes in blurs of green grass and grey stone. The eagles set them softly on the Carrok, “This is as far as we can bring you, little one, may Yavanna bless you.” The same eagle from before says to Bilbo as it rubs its soft head against his side causing the hobbit to softly laugh as he runs small fingers through the feathers.

Bilbo watches as the eagles fly away and when he turns it is to the shocked faces of the dwarves and the smug face of a wizard. “Yes?” He asks quirking an eyebrow at the group.

“Were you able to speak with that eagle just now?” The question comes from Ori.

“Yes, they are gifts from Yavanna and since Hobbits are also from Yavanna we can understand each other.” There is a slight lit to the way Bilbo says this almost like it should be common knowledge.

“Forgive us Master Hobbit but there is not much known about hobbits, is it all hobbits that can speak to the creatures?” Ori looks like he wishes he had a spear bit of parchment and ink to write down their conversation.

“Some are better than others, I am particularly skilled in this regard. I can understand most beasts and plants, though with plants it's more a sense of what is needed.” When the conversation ends there is many a curious look thrown his way but the attention is drawn to Gandalf as he informs us that he will have to leave them soon. 

There is an uproar from the dwarves but Gandalf simply lifts his hands in a placating manner and tells them that he knows of a safe place for them to stay while he runs his errand which is how Bilbo winds up standing in front of a large door standing next to the Wizard waiting for the skin-changer to answer their knock.

Bilbo had heard of Beorn, the man who could change his skin to that of a bear, but nothing could prepare him for the man who now stands at the door. Tall and broad with thick arms and covered in hair Beorn was an interesting sight to behold. 

Bilbo stood quietly while Gandalf regaled the man with the tale of their journey so far. Cutting Gandalf off the man looks at Bilbo, “You are of green things, why do you stray so far from home?” He asks tilting his head.

It takes a moment but Bilbo says, “My heart calls me to mountains in ways that can not be found in what once was my home.” 

At his response, Beorn took a moment to survey his fields before resting his gaze back on the Hobbit. “You and your dwarves may stay here before continuing. I will prepare food and drink while you ensure that they understand that they must not leave my home once night falls nor can they hunt my forests.” The end of this sentence has a grave feeling but Bilbo nods nonetheless before turning back to where the dwarves stood at the edge of Beorn's fields. Bilbo explains to them that their company is welcomed into the skin-changer’s home and his rules.

Once everyone is settled in the group begins to take stock of what they have and what they need.

Once they are done Bilbo is even more grateful for the eagles because without them they may not have made it to Beorns. It doesn't take long before Beorn has a feast laid out of various dried meats, vegetables, cream, and honey and for the first time since he left his home behind Bilbo is able to eat until his stomach is full to the brim.

“I believe your hobbit was hungry,” Beorn comments with a chuckle to his left but his light-hearted phrase causes four sets of eyes to snap to his and a flood of worry to come across the bond. 

Bilbo tries to calm the four of them but not before Oin speaks up from halfway down the table, “Aye that's right hobbits eat more than dwarves or even men. How many meals is it again?”

“We typically eat six meals throughout the day,” the worried feeling increases, “but don’t worry. Though we eat that much in a day it is not required, it simply keeps out weight where is respectable for a hobbit.”

At the mention of his weight Bilbo gets the eye from the old healer that says that they will be talking about this at a later time though it is Kili who draws Bilbo's attention next, “Have you been hungry for the entire journey?” the worry and slight fear in his voice is reflected in the bond.

“No Kili I have not been hungry the entire journey, the meals we have are sufficient to keep my belly from rumbling. I’ve lost a bit of weight but that was to be expected.” he then looks at the three other sets of eyes staring at him and adds, “Just because I can not eat like a hobbit on the road does not mean that I am starving!” there is a note of exasperation in Bilbo's voice when he notices a few of the other dwarves joining in on the looks of concern.

It is a little Bilbo realizes suddenly that he hasn't gotten away with the dwarves knowing just how much he had to change the way he lives to join them, but what he hadn’t expected was Oin grabbing his elbow and dragging him to a partitioned section of Beorn’s home while the rest of the company goes to bath in the nearby river.

“Alright laddy, off with your shirt let me look at ya,” Oin says with no preamble. At Bilbo’s squawk, he adds, “You’ve got nothing I’ve never seen before lad, so off with the shirt.”

Bilbo’s cheeks turn a bright pink but he does as the old dwarf tells him, removing his vest as well so that Oin can check his ribs. “You weren’t kidding about losing some weight, you’re almost thin!”

A feeling of shame crawled up his neck, “I’ve tried my best but with how much we move in a day I simply can’t eat enough to keep my weight.”

“Well while we have access I’d like you to try and eat as much as you can while we remain here, try and get some more weight on you because this journey is far from over.” Oin continues to poke and prod around his torso. “Have you been having your cycles?”

Bibo didn’t know he could blush harder but nodded nonetheless, “I haven't for at least two months but most hobbits don’t when they are at a low enough weight. Our bodies couldn’t handle a babe so it does not prepare for one.”

“I guess that's a blessing and a curse." The old dwarf strokes his beard thinking, "Now Beorn has prepared a small bath for you, I figured you wouldn’t join us down in the river so I leave you in your own capable hands.”

Bilbo watches as Oin leaves closing the partition before he notices to small water basin to one side where he begins to wash himself. It was like heaven, washing off the dirt and grit of the road, and finally being able to comb out his hair.

He was enjoying his bath so much that he didn’t hear the others returning until boisterous laughter came from the other side of the partition and then a voice, “Bilbo? You almost done? We’re gonna start setting up our bedrolls soon, did you want us to set yours out?”

“Yes, Kili, I’m just about done. I don’t mind you setting up my bedroll. Can you bring me my pack?” Bilbo receives a hum of ‘yes’ and takes another moment to make sure he is fully clean.

“Here you go, Bilbo!” A hand holding his pack shoots around the portion though the rest of Kili says behind. Bilbo grabs the cleanest set of clothes from his pack opting to leave his vest off for the night so that he may clean it with the rest of his clothes.

Once he was dressed Bilbo calls out, “Kili? Can you help me for a second?”

“Absolutely! What can I help with?” Kili sticks his head around the partition to look at Bilbo.

“Can I ask you to help me with my hair? It's getting a little long and I'm not quite proficient at braiding yet.” Bilbo watched as a blush settled high on Kilis's cheeks.

“Are you sure you wouldn't rather have Fili do it? He's better than I am.” Kili was almost bashful under Bilbo's gaze.

“If you would like, I don't mind I figured since you were here you could help but if it makes you uncomfortable don't feel pressured by me.” 

Kili cuts off Bilbo's mumblings, “I would be delighted to braid your hair for you Bilbo.” A charming grin splits the young Dwarves face. Kili directs Bilbo to a short stool while silently taking the offered comb.

Kilis's hands are steady as they begin braiding Bilbo's curls. The pair is silent for a while until Kili clears his throat, “Actually Bilbo I was wondering if I could talk to you about something?”

“Of course Kili, anything!” Bilbo says, urging the dwarf on.

“Well actually Fili and I wanted to talk to you but I'll let him say his part,” noticing that Kili was talking half to himself so Bilbo just waited for him to continue, “See the thing is he and I don't really know where we stand in our bond, we care for you but our bonds feel different than the ones you have with Thorin and Dwalin.”

“Different how?”

“Well the one you have with them feels romantic while ours doesn’t.” Not being able to see Kilis's face makes this conversation difficult but Bilbo will make do.

“Does that bother you?” Bilbo asks.

It takes Kili a little bit to answer, the pair quietly sitting while Kili continues to braid Bilbo's hair. Finally, he says, “No I don't think it does, bother me that is. I've never really been interested in romance but I know that our bond makes me feel grounded.”

“You know Kili, our bond doesn't have to be entirely romantic. Some Hobbits are bonded through friendships and keep their house together but aren't involved beyond that.” 

“Really? That's so odd. I've never met a dwarf that didn't love their One with everything they are.” Kili sounds so confused that Bilbo has to keep talking.

“Well that makes sense, hobbits bond frequently while dwarves do not. For us, a bond is a simple signature but for you, it is much more than that. I would be very happy with a platonic bond with you.” Bilbo can feel the happiness through the bond before he adds, “And with your brother if that's what he wishes.”

The pair startles as a voice sounds from behind them, “I should have known you try and talk to him this soon,” Fili pokes his head around the pair, “Hello Bilbo, the braids look nice.”

“Now felt like a good time, and besides Bilbo recognizes my excellent braiding technique.” Kili juts out his chin with a smug look. 

“Oh I'm sure,” Fili chuckles with his brother before focusing on Bilbo, “he is right though now is a good time.”

“You can talk to me about anything. Both of you,” Bilbo tells them earnestly.

“Well if Kili told you about his lack of any romance in his body then sure,” Fili has an easy-going smile on his face that Bilbo hasn't seen since Hobbiton. “Though not quite the same, I do experience romantic feelings. The thing is though it's I don't know if that's what our relationship is. I care for and love you but in the way I care for a close friend.”

“I'm okay with that, you two are wonderful and I would love to remain as strictly friends,” Bilbo smiles at the two brothers, “you're also welcome to seek out other partners if you'd like. Don't let me keep you from finding more happiness.”

“You do make us happy Bilbo, it's just…”

Bilbo cuts Fili off, “And you make me happy. I did not mean it as anything more than if you ever meet someone that makes you happy in a different way that you are free to pursue them.”

“And who will you pursue?” Kili leers at Bilbo wiggling his eyebrows. 

Bilbo reaches out to smack the dwarf as a blush floods his face,” That is none of your business, though if you must know I am very content with Thorin and Dwalin.” The blush spreads further until he catches Fili's face, “What?”

Fili looks like the cat that got the cream, “oh nothing, it's just good to know that we picked a good placement for your bedroll.” The brothers laugh as Bilbo tries to figure out what Fili means. 

“All done!” Kili announces as both brothers step back to admire the braid. Bilbo reaches to his hair where he feels that feels like four braids, two on each side, that meet into one at the back of his head with a large bead at the end.

Bilbo snaps his head to Kili, “Don't worry Bilbo it's not one of his important beads, just one of the extras we carry with us.” Fili assures him when he sees Bilbo's face.

Before the conversation can continue though a voice starts from the opening to the little room. “Ah, so this is where the three of you went.” 
Dwalin stands there with his arms crossed. “Your uncle is looking for you, boys. " The brothers make eye contact before quickly leaving the room. “Hello, Zirizkhîê.” The soft smile on his face makes Bilbo feel warm all over.

“Hello, Dwalin. Are you well?” Feeling shy all of a sudden Bilbo goes about gathering up his things that need to be washed.

“I am, and according to Oin as are you. Though I still worry, as do the others.” The concern is as plain to see on Dwalins face as it is to feel in the bond.

Dwalins hands come to rest high on his shoulders as Bilbo reaches up to smooth the crease that has formed between his eyebrows, “I assure you that I am okay. Once we have reclaimed your home I am sure there will be time for me to fatten into a proper hobbit.”

“Our home—it is as much yours as it is ours now, should you want it to be.” Dwalin's voice had a certain quality, almost like he was shy and unsure.

Going up to his toes, Bilbo gives Dwalin's cheek a chaste kiss. “Our home it is then." Bilbo smiles at the look on the dwarf's face, "Though we have not been together long, I feel as though we have been friends for many years. I do not wish to separate from anyone in the company. We are a family of sorts, one that I have not had the pleasure of having in many years.”

“We are glad to have you consider us family,” Bilbo is pulled into Dwalins chest, “many of us have been without our families for too long and I look forward to seeing how ours will grow.” Bilbo relaxes into Dwalin, gripping the sides of his tunic, they stand like that for some time until Dwalin breaks the silence, “We have not spoken much about the future and what we might want it to look like, but I must know; why did you never create a family of your own?”

Bilbo tenses slightly but relaxes under Dwalins hands as they rub his back, “It was simply never an option. I am odd for a hobbit, most hobbits never leave further than their own fields but I always yearned for more. I traveled a great distance when I was still very young and for some reason, I never truly wanted to stay in one place, I felt like there was something out there that I needed to see, needed to smell, needed to touch.”

“So the others essentially saw you as a flight risk?”

“To put it simply, yes, they did. As well as a few other reasons, for starters, I was never very good at gardening, I could make do but Mr.Gamgee is the reason my mother's flowers still bloom, I never partied the way my friends did, I never stumbled home from the tavern or to someone else's bed. Really I was kind of odd from the beginning.”

“Lucky for me then that I like odd,” Dwalin smiles down at Bilbo, brightening his handsome face.

“I’m glad that you do.” Bilbo returns his own shy smile.

“Bilbo, I am going to try something and if you are uncomfortable stop me.” Dwalin gets a serious look in his eye but Bilbo simply nods. One of Dwalins hands comes up to hold the side of Bilbo's face, there are rough callouses but his touch is gentle as it tilts the hobbit's face up. Dwalin leans in so slow that Bilbo has every chance to deny him but the hobbit finds that he doesn’t want to. 

The kiss is unhurried and so sweet as the pair sigh into it. Bilbo reaches out and cups Dwalins face between his hands tilting his face to get a better angle before he begins to run his fingertips through the coarse hair of Dwalins beard. Dwalin groans as he pulls away, “Zirizkhîê, if you do that I will want to do more but I do not think now is the time.”

Bilbo flushes to the tips of his ears, “I am sorry Dwalin, I don’t know what came over me.”

He continues to stamper until Dwalin quickly kisses him again. “I am glad that you crave me the way I crave you. I simply mean that it is still light out, and a partition can only conceal so much.” If Bilbo didn’t know any better, he’d think that Dwalin was nearly leering at him.

“What is that word that you called me?” Bilbo attempts to distract feeling like his face is now permanently red.

“Zirikhîê?” Bilbo nods, “It is Kazadul, it roughly translates to ‘my golden one.” Dwalin runs his hand across the side of Bilbo’s head stopping to grip the back of his neck, “And you know how much dwarves love gold.” Now he is definitely leering at him.