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Bilbo sighed as he organised his loaned maps and documents once again, trying to get some order at his desk.
He took out his ring to toy with a little.
He’d been staying at Erebor all winter, the company all but forcing him to stay.
He missed the Shire, his smial with his books and knick knacks. He missed his mothers doilies, his father’s library and his garden. He missed his armchair and the green hills. Most of all, he missed the sun.
But he’d promised to stay for a few more months at least. The lads, mostly Kíli, had had the brilliant idea of setting Bilbo up with their mother, that way they could keep him in Erebor, even add him to their family.
Bilbo didn’t know what to make of it and had tried to ignore it, mostly planning on returning home by his birthday the latest. Hopefully.
A hard series of knocks sounded on his door, but before he could react, Kíli ran in. “Bilbo! Amad is here!” He was one big grin, his new scar running across his left cheek more visible than ever.
“Kíli!” Bilbo exhaled. “Knocking means knocking and waiting!” He chided.
“Sorry, but it’s important! Come on!” The young dwarf grabbed Bilbo by the arm and started running towards the main entrance of the mountain.
As they ran, Kíli was yelling to Bilbo. “You have got to make a good first impression! She's a little judgemental towards strangers at first, but once she gets to know you she has got to like you!”
Bilbo tried to keep himself from panting too hard at the ridiculous speed Kíli had insisted on, trying to fix his waistcoat (thank you Dori) while running.
“Kíli you rascal, slow down!” He huffed as they ran.
Kíli just laughed and kept running, dragging Bilbo along.
As they reached the main hall, they spotted Thorin, Fíli and who Bilbo assumed to be Dís. As they approached them Kíli finally slowed down and Bilbo was trying to catch his breath. “I'm too old for this.” He wheezed.
“Nah you're in your prime. Oi! Amad!” Kíli let go of Bilbo and rushed over to his mum, tackling her in a hug that barely rocked her.
He laughed as she ruffled his hair gently.
“Kíli! My little Kíli.” She squeezed him tightly, then gasping as she held his head in her hands. “Mahal! Thorin, what's this on my boy's face?” She hissed.
“It's a badass scar! Right Fíli?” Kíli grinned as his eyes seeked out his older brother, who nodded a little nervously.
“It is a cool scar-” Fíli started, before being interrupted by Thorin.
“It is a battle scar that shows his strength from battle. He fought bravely and lived.”
Dís, still holding Kíli’s face in her hands, stared at Thorin who stared right back.
Bilbo cleared his throat, suddenly getting four Durins staring at him.
“And you are?” Dís's voice was cool as she addressed him, her gaze even colder. It struck Bilbo as very Thorin at that moment.
“Bilbo Baggins, son of Bungo Baggins, at your service.” He bowed and held out his hand for a handshake.
Dís did not take it.
Bilbo let his hand fall.
“He is the reason we are alive.” Thorin supplied.
She studied Bilbo for a long moment before giving him a nod.
“Then you have my thanks, Master Baggins.”
“He's also a good cook.” Kíli tried to look as innocent as he could.
Dís looked puzzled at her youngest son, before the pieces clicked.
“You like this halfling a lot?”
Kíli and Fíli nodded quickly.
“It would mean a lot to us if you'd give him a chance.” Fíli confessed. Kíli nodded enthusiastically.
Without even looking away from her sons, she addressed Bilbo.
“Very well. Halfling, I will give you a chance. Pick me up from my quarters in a week at lunch time.”
With that she pressed a kiss to each of her sons foreheads before picking up her bags. “Well, boys, show me to my rooms.”
As they left, Bilbo and Thorin locked eyes.
“What just happened?” Bilbo asked Thorin hesitantly.
“You, Master Baggins, just got yourself a date with my sister.” With that, Thorin walked away and left Bilbo alone.
What in the world had his life come to?
—----------------------------------------------------------
Bilbo found the second best waistcoat from the lot Dori and Nori had made him (never outdress a lady, his father used to say), brushed his hair on his head and his feet and left his lucky ring behind as he left his rooms to go to Dís's. At least it was very close- they were all situated in the royal wing, Bilbo's rooms next to Thorin's. Fíli's were next to Thorin’s rooms on the other side and Kíli's next to Fíli's. The rooms next to Bilbo's, across from Fíli's were empty, the rooms next to those were Dís's (across from Kíli's).
He walked over a little before lunch, knocking gently on Dís’s door.
Shortly after it opened to the Lady Dís standing in a beautiful dress, her short beard adorned with small gems, her hair in a big intricate braid filled with gems as well.
Bilbo blanked. woah.
She smirked at him and he couldn't help but think she looks like Thorin.
He coughed a little. “Sorry. You- uh, you look beautiful my lady.” He bowed.
“A flatterer. Hmm.” She walked out onto the hallway and closed the door to her rooms.
Bilbo took a deep breath. “Not a flatterer, just honest and polite. As my parents raised me to be. Shall we, my lady?” He held out his arm.
She smiled and wrapped her arm around Bilbo's.
With that, they left the royal wing to go on their date.
—----------------------------------------------------------
Over the course of their date, which was a walk around the mountain in the less busy areas, they chatted about lots of things. Bilbo told Dís about the shire and their journey, where she told him about their own journey and about her family.
Bilbo was surprised to learn that Thorin had apparently had a younger brother. What did not surprise him was the childish antics that Dís was used to from her sons.
Talking about childish antics, they were being tailed.
They shared a knowing glance and small smiles, continuing chatting lightly about the boys and their habits.
Once they reached the royal wing, Bilbo turned around. “Kíli, get out here.”
Dís snickered as her youngest walked around the corner, a sheepish smile on his face.
“I just wanted to make sure everything was going well!” He defended himself.
“By spying on us? Kíli.” Bilbo tutted. “You know us both very well. This is just us getting to know each other.”
“Yeah but it's not that simple! It's important, because if you don't fall in love, you'll leave us.” He suddenly looked so very young in Bilbo's eyes.
“Kíli,” Bilbo walked close to the dwarf and grasped his hands. “Even if I do decide to return to the shire, I'll still come visit. And you can write, surely. So letters should be no problem either. Cheer up my lad.” He smiled.
“But it won't be the same.” Kíli all but whined. “What if you forget us? Or replace us?”
Bilbo snorted. “As if I could forget you. Besides, if you'd met the other hobbits, you'd know they wouldn't want anything to do with me. Especially not after this whole ordeal. And,” Bilbo gripped Kíli's ears gently, tweaking them a little to ensure his words came through. “You. Are. Not. Replaceable. Neither you, your brother or your uncle. Or the rest of the company, for that matter.”
At that, Kíli did smile. “Truly?”
“Truly.” With that, Bilbo let go, ruffled Kíli's hair gently and clapped his shoulder, much to the young dwarf's joy.
“Now run off with you. You probably have chores of some kind to do, prince and all.” Bilbo shooed at him.
He laughed as he waved to his mum and ran away again.
“You're good with him.” Dís spoke softly. “And he loves you.”
Bilbo looked up at her. “Well, I've grown very fond of him as well.”
She smiled and Bilbo felt like he might've finally gotten through to her.
He smiled back and invited her in for tea.
Maybe, just maybe, he could end up falling for her instead.
At least she looked the part.
—----------------------------------------------------------
They chatted for a good hour before they finished drinking their tea. Dís seemed surprised at his rooms, but did not say anything. She did however keep sending him looks he couldn't decipher.
“So, Thorin.” She changed the subject. “What do you think of my brother?”
Bilbo was taken a little off guard. “Thorin? He's- well, he's strong. And not just as a warrior- he kept his head up all journey. He's loyal and trustworthy. He makes a hobbit feel safe and appreciated.”
She nodded, obviously thinking. “Well, he's also stupid.”
“Oh, definitely.” Bilbo deadpanned before realizing who he was speaking to. “I mean- I mean-”
She laughed. “Peace, Bilbo. He's an oaf, but we still love him, don't we?”
He relaxed with a deep breath, nodding. “Of course we do. Yes, he was pig brained a good amount of times during our journey as well. Did I tell you how he got all but me sentenced to rot in the dungeons of Mirkwood?” He smiled as she gasped, laughing as she exclaimed how he absolutely had to tell her immediately.
As he weaved the story of how they escaped the dungeons in barrels, she was howling with laughter.
“You got 13 dwarrow, including my sons and brother, to crawl into barrels?”
“I had to! Besides, Thorin was the one who really got them to do it.”
“Oh, yeah? How?”
“Well, I looked at him for help when they complained, then he ordered them to!”
They laughed and laughed as the story went on, until they reached the part where the gate closed.
"What then!” Dís was taking deep breaths, trying to slow down her giggles.
Bilbo however, sobered up quickly. “Kíli got out of his barrel to open the gate- he was shot, with a poisoned arrow. Right in the leg.”
Dís wasn't laughing anymore. Bilbo looked grim. “He struggled with that leg, all the way to Laketown. Thorin made us leave him behind when we went to the mountain. Thorin he- he was already getting sick there, I think. Fíli wanted us to bring him but when Thorin refused, Fíli stayed behind, against Thorin's wishes. As well as Oin, to look after Kíli and Bofur who overslept”
“Mahal.” Dís sighed. “Do you know what happened? How Kíli got better?”
“Yes. Bofur told me- an elf maiden, Tauriel, who was very fond of Kíli in Mirkwood, came to their rescue when the orcs descended upon them. She healed him, and led both our dwarrow and Bard the Bowman's, lord of Dale's, children to safety as the dragon reigned fire upon them.” Bilbo shook his head gently. “It was my fault. Laketown. He- Smaug realized I cared for the men of Laketown.”
“Excuse me, did you speak with the dragon?”
Dís stared at him as if he'd just confessed to being half elf, half rabbit.
“Ah. Yes, I did. Great conversationalist, if a bit rude and smelly. Not unlike some of my relatives, though I have yet to fear death facing them.”
“What- for how long did you speak with him?” Dís looked at him in amazement.
“Ah, for about an hour I suppose? Maybe a little more. Then he tired of me and decided to kill me.” Bilbo shrugged.
“How are you still alive?” She was genuinely curious.
“Your brother actually helped a lot with that.” Bilbo ran a hand through his hair. “Anyways, it's getting late.”
“Oh! Yes, want to go to dinner with me? With the company?”
“I'd be delighted to!”
—----------------------------------------------------------
As they reached the royal wings dining hall, they caught the attention of multiple of the dwarrow. Bilbo walked ahead and pulled out a chair for Dís, who smiled and sat down.
“Thank you Bilbo.”
“You're welcome, my lady.”
He sat across from her, next to a very quiet Thorin, who was staring at his empty plate.
“Hungry?” Bilbo asked him.
“Hm?” Thorin looked up at him.
“I asked if you were hungry.”
Thorin looked over at Dís before looking back down at his plate. “Not really.”
Bilbo and Dís shared a short glance before Bilbo shrugged.
“Well, Bilbo, Amad?” Fíli asked as he came over, sitting on Thorin’s left. “How did the date go?”
“Date?” Bofur choked, having gotten a hold on some food.
“Bilbo and Dís?” Dwalin coughed.
Balin just shook his head quietly, sending Thorin a look.
Thorin rudely sent one back and went back to staring at his plate in silence.
“Uhm. I'd- I'd say it went well..?” He glanced at Dís.
She nodded. “Very well. I like Bilbo a great deal.” She stared at Thorin.
He stared back.
Bilbo cleared his throat. “Of course this is up to Lady Dís, but I would be far from opposed to continuing to date. Why, we might even court in due time.”
With that Thorin’s chair scraped across the floor as he stood up, leaving the dining hall.
Bilbo looked as he left, suddenly feeling light headed and not as hungry.
“Don't mind Thorin Bilbo. That's great! You'll be our adad Bilbo in no time!” Kíli grinned, looking over at a smiling Fíli.
“I'm going to go check up on Thorin.” Fíli said, getting up himself.
“Don't, kidhuzurâl [Golden one], I'll go.” Dís got up and left.
The dining room was tense and Bilbo was pretty sure you could cut the air with a knife.
He cleared his throat again. “So. Yes. I'll uhm, I'll be staying for at least a couple more months. If this thing with lady Dís goes well I might move here permanently.”
“That's- that's great Bilbo. And you like Dís?” Bofur questioned.
“I mean, we just met last week. But so far? Yes, I like her a lot. It helps that I like her sons as well, I'd imagine.” He smiled at Fíli, then Kíli.
“Aye, that is mighty important.” Gloin nodded. “Especially when she had them with her One.”
“Her One? You mean Víli?” Bilbo asked.
“Aye, Víli was Dís's one.” Balin smiled sadly at Bilbo. Seeing the confusion, Balin supplied; “A dwarf usually only love once. We call that a One. Some don't have a One, we call those Craft bound.” He explained.
“Ah.” Bilbo nodded slowly.
“That's not to say she can't love again! It just won't be completely the same.” Kíli hurried. “You and her can still be very happy together!”
Bilbo finished eating and thinking. “I see. We'll, regardless, I like her and if she'd have me I'd court her.”
“Yes!” Kíli exclaimed.
Bilbo smiled at his antics and shook his head slightly.
—----------------------------------------------------------
Months passed like that. Spring and summer both passed and the king of Erebor grew more and more sour in the company of Bilbo Baggins.
“I don't uderstand it!” Bilbo complained one afternoon in late August. He was on another date with Dís, who he'd been courting since April. “Why does it seem like he resents me?”
Dís sighed. “Bilbo, dear, you know-”
“Yes, yes, I know. It's complicated. But still, I thought we were close. I considered him family before we started courting.” Bilbo sighed, finishing up his flower crown for Dís. He sighed again as he put it upon her head. “And now? He's so cold and distant. He'll smile when he sees me, then it's as if he remembers who I am and he scowls.” He shook his head and let himself fall down onto the grass.
Dís smiled sadly. “I know halwûn [Sweetie, sweet one]. But you know Thorin has a lot on his mind. He is the king of a rebuilding kingdom.”
“I know.” Bilbo grumbled. Just because he knew that didn't mean he had to be happy about it. And with Dís he was free to grumble all he wanted.
She hummed and kissed his forehead. He sighed. She was good at calming him down. He secretly suspected it was because she was a mother.
Bilbo fumbled with a straw of grass. He loved her. He knew that. But still, he felt conflicted. He'd only ever loved one other lady, that being his mother. He didn't know what he was doing. Hopefully the right thing.
He had a bead. It was a small silver thing he'd crafted himself, as he'd heard it had to be. It was a little wonky and uneven, but he was as satisfied with it as he could be. He'd had it ready for a few weeks by now. He wanted to combine Hobbit tradition with the dwarven way and propose in front of his (and hers) family.
He'd do it tonight.
—----------------------------------------------------------
The company would all come together once a month to eat dinner and chat and whatnot afterwards.
It was after such a dinner they found themselves in the royal wings common room, relaxing in each other's presence, the calm chatter of dwarrow and the crinkle of the fire.
Bilbo cleared his throat loudly. “May I have everyone's attention please?”
The company went quiet and looked at Bilbo.
He cleared his throat again, riddled with nerves.
“Dís. Love. I have enjoyed your company these past months more than I have ever enjoyed the company of another lady. I would like,” he pulled out the bead. “To marry you if you would have me?” His voice broke a little.
Dís's eyes widened. “Oh, Bilbo-”
“No!” Thorin roared. “I cannot allow this! Not for a moment longer!”
Bilbo frowned, now angry. “Excuse me? What, am I not good enough for your sister? Do you not like me?” The pent up anger from months of being ignored and forgotten now glowing red.
“That is not what I'm saying! Do not twist my words!” Thorin was up in Bilbo's face now, a grip on his shirt.
“Then what are you saying Thorin?” Bilbo yelled. “Because last I checked you did not care for me anymore!”
“But I do care!” Thorin cried, shaking Bilbo a little. “You are my One you- you little rat!”
“Rat?” Bilbo exclaimed angrily. “Thorin Oakenshield, you do not call me a rat!” He tugged at Thorin's hair, hard.
“Boys!” Dís yelled, separating them. “Breathe. Now, Thorin, Bilbo. I'm glad my plan worked, though it took way too long because you both are halfwits!”
They both turned to look at her, both clearly angry and upset.
“What… What do you mean plan?” Bilbo's voice wavered.
“Oh halwûn… I knew from our first date you were in love with Thorin. And I knew from that first date that he was in love with you as well. And I do love you Bilbo, but like I love Thorin or my boys. You're family, but I carry no desires for you as I did for my One.” She smiled sadly at him. “I am sorry for deceiving you.”
He stared at her. “Wait- wait, wait, wait- You don't seem upset at the thought of me wanting anything with Thorin..?” Bilbo's head was spinning.
“What- what do you mean Bilbo?” Dís looked concerned. Most of the dwarrow did. Huh.
“We're both- well, both male.” He was feeling faint.
“Yes? What's the issue? Oh- wait, are hobbits like men in that regard? Oh Bilbo! Oh-”
It all went dark and Bilbo hit the floor.
—----------------------------------------------------------
The first thing Bilbo registered when he woke up was the warm lap his head was lying on. The next thing he noticed was the smell of Thorin, a mix of iron and fire, and his hair oil.
Bilbo did not dare open his eyes.
“Bilbo?” Thorin's voice was gentle. “Are you awake?”
“How could you tell?” Bilbo whispered.
“Your breathing changed.” Duh. Of course Thorin would notice. Curses.
“Hnngg. Tell me these past few months did not happen.” Bilbo groaned, curling into himself.
“Excuse me?” Dís snorted. Thorin started chuckling as well.
Bilbo groaned louder. “Thorin.”
“Sorry Ghivashel. It's just- you were really going to marry my sister? Why?”
“She was nice. And she looked like you.” Bilbo mumbled.
Thorin laughed.
“Thorin. He's from a place where it's frowned upon to be with the same gender. If it's even talked about.” Dís chided.
“It's not talked about.” Bilbo admitted. “If I'd known it was a possibility I would have thrown my lot in with Thorin. Sorry Dís.”
"Nothing to apologize for Bilbo. I have had love and it was wonderful, but it is over and now I have another love. The one for my family. Which includes you, my brother to be.”
Bilbo shot up, looking at Dís. She was smiling. He then took the chance and looked back at Thorin, who was smiling as well, albeit more nervously.
“If you'll have me?” Thorin asked.
More than anything. Bilbo realized.
“Absolutely.”