Chapter Text
Bilbo’s eyes open, but only slightly. He doesn’t wish to be awake. Not today, anyways. He hears movement nearby, smells the distinctive and faint scent of an elven king.
“I asked you to kill me,” he rasps. The elf does not jump, but it’s a near thing, when one is tending a creature more beast than anything else. He hadn’t realized that his charge was awake.
“So you did. Gandalf mentioned some unfinished business that you have. He also requested I point out that if you really wanted to be dead, you would do it yourself.” Bilbo opens his eyes fully and carefully rolls his head. His whole body hurts right now.
“The person I bound my soul to is dead. You of all people should know what that means, elf.”
“I, of all people, understand the greater weight that needing to live has over wanting to die, dragon,” Thranduil says, understanding etched deep into his eyes.
“Did you?” Bilbo says after a few moments of silence. His gaze is too direct, eyes to sightful for such a question, but he doesn’t care. He wants Thorin back, and this elf did not let Bilbo die and go to him like he requested.
“Yes.” Thranduil finally answers after nearly a full minute of staring.
“Yes, I did.” Bilbo breaks his gaze, turning to gaze at the cloth ceiling.
“Then I’m disinclined to think this is something petty, done out of revenge.”
“You’re bandages need changing.”
“If it’s all the same to you, piss off.” the dragon snaps. Thranduil gives him one last, proud gaze, then he’s gone.