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Balin could safely say that, after the Carrow incident, no one could question anymore the bond between Bilbo and the Company.
The Company had stopped for the night, and their camp had been set up. Bombur was preparing a meal, Bofur was telling a story to anyone who was willing to listen to it, Fili and Kili were chatting while keeping an eye on their uncle, Dwalin was checking his weapons, Dori was fussing over his two younger brothers, Bifur was listening to Bofur, and Thorin was discussing something with Dwalin—though Balin’s brother wasn't really paying much attention.
Bilbo sat a short distance away, clearly exhausted after weeks of travel, lack of sleep, marching, fighting, and the constant need to stay alert.
Everyone had noticed, yet no one had said a word; most likely to avoid embarrassing him further.
It was only after dinner, once the bowls had been washed and safely stowed back in Bombur’s pack, that Bilbo sat down near Thorin.
Or rather, Balin corrected his thoughts as he surveyed the scene, he had sat down by the fire, and Thorin happened to be there too; for once, the dwarf’s eyes were fixed on the hobbit, watching him answer to Bofur and comment on something Kili had said.
Then, Bilbo began to yawn, unable to stay awake.
“You should sleep,” Thorin said, his voice low, meant only for the hobbit’s ears.
Or rather, it would have been, had the other dwarves not been waiting for the very moment their illustrious leader finally admitted to the hobbit that he was madly in love with him; thereby sparing them the agony of watching the dwarf make eyes at the hobbit.
Bilbo protested, shaking his head. “I’m not sleepy.” Thorin raised an eyebrow; he didn't need to say another word, as Bilbo chose that exact moment to yawn again.
“Shut up,” Bilbo muttered at Thorin, turning his gaze away from him and back to Bofur, promptly ignoring the dwarf.
Balin shouldn't have found that so amusing, but he was so sure that Dís and Bilbo would get along famously.
As the conversation continued, Balin’s attention drifted away from the pair, only to snap back and freeze when he saw Bilbo Baggins fast asleep, leaning against Thorin’s shoulder.
Balin couldn't decide which was more admirable: the hobbit’s stubborn refusal to admit he was tired, or Thorin’s, sitting perfectly still, as motionless as one of their own statues, so as not to disturb Bilbo’s rest.
Thorin was gazing at Bilbo with a look of wonder, as if the hobbit was something precious.
Balin knew the moment certainly was, and he resolved not to disturb them, even though Bilbo was asleep and couldn't consciously share in the experience.
Unfortunately, Balin was the only member of the company possessed of any tact. He and Bilbo, that is; but neither of them could stop the two terrors Dís had allowed Thorin to bring along on the journey; most likely hoping, right up to the last minute, that Thorin would change his mind out of sheer desperation at having his two nephews constantly underfoot.
Balin was convinced it would have worked, too, had Bilbo not been there; effortlessly entertaining the two dwarves and earning looks of astonishment from the rest of the Company.
Balin was certain that both Thorin and Dwalin regretted not having sought Bilbo out sooner, if only to temper the perpetually fiery spirits of Kili and Fili. Indeed, Kili had noticed Thorin adjusting his cloak to better cover Bilbo, moving cautiously so as not to wake him, not even by accident.
Kili had then drawn Fili into it, as always happened, before saying, “Uncle, you make such a steady pillow.”
“He’s staying still in a way I thought he reserved only for contemplating the future,” Fili added, piling on the fire Kili started.
Bofur, adjusting his hat while gazing fondly at Bilbo, said, “He’s making a heroic sacrifice for us all.”
“Doesn't seem to be much of a sacrifice to him, though,” Dwalin murmured, causing the Company to chuckle, albeit quietly.
Thorin didn't find it amusing. “Do you all want to die?” he asked, glaring at them, a look that would have worked, had Bilbo not stirred at that very moment, scrunching up his nose at something and effortlessly drawing Thorin’s gaze.
“It’s incredible: Thorin is smiling,” Kili whispered, mostly to Fili, though he made no effort to hide his words from the others. “I didn't even know he was capable of it.”
“Maybe it’s one of Bilbo’s gifts,” Fili replied, also in a loud whisper. “He’ll certainly need that when facing the dragon. If he can make uncle smile, he can make anyone smile.”
Balin watched as Thorin’s expression darkened and he sharply scolded his nephews. Yet, he didn't miss the way Thorin’s hand continued to cradle Bilbo, as if shielding him from the cold.
With a smile, Balin decided to continue to watch their burglar, at least until he woke up and Thorin melted at the sight of his eyes, as he often did.
Bilbo would have made a splendid consort; Balin was certain of that.