Archive of Our Own

With no orcs or goblins on their heels and once again surrounded by family, Bilbo saw and learned whole new sides to his friends once they had settled into Erebor. To see his friends settle into their home was special, to say the least. He was touched when he found that they all ensured a spot for Bilbo in their new lives.

Staying within the mountain posed it's own learning curve for the hobbit, and yet Bilbo wouldn't trade it for the world. He missed his smial and the Shire, but it wasn't going anywhere. The hobbit was committed to seeing Erebor through until his home sick heart was too much to bear. In the mean time, he thoroughly enjoyed supporting his dwarrow in reconstructing their home.

Admittedly, there was another selfish reason why Bilbo stayed within the mountains walls. He had nearly lost Thorin Oakenshield during the Battle of Five Armies, and there was little else to calm his fears other than seeing the dwarf alive and whole. Which meant Bilbo was by his side frequently to quell the near constant anxiety haunting him.

It was difficult at first, but over many, many months, the two settled into a routine. Past harms were forgiven and their friendship blossomed. Who knew safety and a reliable source of resources were so influential?

As a bachelor, Bilbo was rarely one to admit that he was a hopeless romantic. His private library stock of romance novels proved otherwise, but so few grew close enough with the hobbit to learn of their existence. That soft, gooey part of him was growing more difficult to deny as he found himself falling head over heels for the King Under the Mountain. Which was foolish, really. Thorin may have had dinner with Bilbo every night, or tea before bed alongside a good book, or even the rare breakfast shared, but there was no feasible way they could be a couple. It was impossible to fathom that the King would marry a hobbit, even if he was a part of their Company. Plus, Bilbo was certain Thorin would have made his feelings known if the dwarf were interested.

And yet, Bilbo couldn't help but dream. Thorin's soft, rumbling laughter and fond smiles nestled deep into Bilbo's heart. His warm touch always lingered whenever he grazed his lower back or touched his hair. The damn dwarf certainly kept Bilbo's heart active with the way he acted around him.

One day, Bilbo couldn't deny his temptations any longer. Dreams simply weren't enough. He began shopping for fabrics and sketching ideas for a quilt. Amongst hobbits, it was customary to gift your spouse a quilt the night of your wedding to show your partner that you knew their history and wished to create a future with them. To weave a piece of yourself and into the other was the ultimate romantic gesture. Even more so when it would lay over the couple their first night as a married pair. Bilbo would never be brave enough to actually gift it to Thorin, but it was an outlet for his yearning.

~

If there was one thing hobbits were skilled in, it was gossip. Thankfully, gossip persisted despite race, so Bilbo found himself well equipped as he navigated the market. It was invigorating to learn how and what dwarrow had tendencies to gossip over. However, it took more than a few times asking his friends what he overhead meant to fully get a grasp of dwarven slang. How was he to know that someone's axe being blunt meant someone wasn't bright? Bilbo had truly thought the poor dwarf needed a smithy.

As of late, there had been mummurings that had made Bilbo laugh with incredulousness. Word on the market was that Thorin was looking for a Consort. What a ridiculous rumor! Thorin had no interest in romance for all Bilbo could tell. Plus, it's not as though he needed to have an heir with Fili and Kili next in line. People really must have been bored to start such a rumor.

The idea of Thorin hosting court to find a Consort was so humorous that Bilbo couldn't help but recount it to his friend. They were having tea beside the fire and reading when Bilbo mentioned it.

"I heard the silliest thing earlier today." The hobbit chirped, eyes still on the page before him.

Thorin glanced up at him over his glasses and grunted. Bilbo was more than familiar with Thorin's language of grunts and hums. The one just offered meant is that so?

"Mhm! It was about you." Bilbo closed his book and giggled. He crossed his legs and leant back into his chair, languidly sipping his tea. He didn't notice Thorin's frown.

"I heard, more than once mind you, that you're holding court to find a Consort of all things!" Bilbo laughed and set down his tea.

When he looked up, Thorin was glaring at the fire.

"It is a rumor, is it not?" Bilbo asked and his stomach dropped down to his feet.

Thorin's lips tightened and he shook his head. "It is not."

Bilbo's jaw dropped.

Thorin's glare was redirected to him. "Is it so absurd to imagine me with a spouse?" His voice was bitter.

Jealousy curdled in Bilbo's gut. It was not absurd, Bilbo had imagined it countless times, but with him as Thorin's husband. However, he couldn't say that, could he? It was obvious Thorin was looking for something, someone, else.

"No!" Bilbo hastily replied. "No, not at all. It just- You never mentioned- I imagined such a thing would have been mentioned to me."

Thorin's grip on his book tightened. "It- It was out of my hands. The council demanded it of me." His fiery gaze camouflaged his sadness.

"Oh." Bilbo breathed, relief trickling in. "Oh, I'm sorry, Thorin." He reached over and gently grabbed his hand.

The touch seemed to help, as Thorin relaxed in his chair. "It isn't unusual for such fate for royalty. If anything, I am lucky it took this long and that I'm allowed the privilege to choose."

"And-And how will you choose such a thing? Did they provide a list?" Bilbo's curiosity loosened his lips.

"In a month we will be hosting open court for a week to allow suitors to present themselves and their gifts. The rumors are true, a technique chosen by Nori to get the competition going. A month is more than enough time for craftsmen to create a suitable gift." Thorin said the information with incredible defeat.

"That's-" Bilbo stood and began to pace. "That's ridiculous! This is ridiculous, Thorin! You aren't some-some cattle to be sold off to the highest bidder!" Anger swelled in him, and Bilbo ignored that it was more so anger with himself than anything else. "I-I mean I suppose it could be romantic, gifts do seem to be important to you dwarrow but-" He huffed and scrunched his nose. "This is preposterous! You cannot deny the council this?" Bilbo rounded onto Thorin, eyes wide with desperation. "How are you not more upset about this?"

Brows furrowed, Thorin searching Bilbo's features. "I am, Bilbo." He folded his hands over his stomach, and the hobbit saw his blatant exhaustion. "I only have so much energy, my friend. To fight them on this instead of things that actually impact the people would be irresponsible." Thorin squinted. "I hadn't realized you were so passionate about courting. Let alone mine."

Bilbo swallowed hard and crossed his arms. "Well! You're my dearest friend. To see you in an unhappy marriage would be- I can't simply stand by and watch that happen!"

Thorin hummed and looked toward the fire. Something heavy sat in his expression and Bilbo struggled to read what laid below. Bilbo wrung his hands as silence remained. Imagining Thorin married only worsened how ill he felt. "I'm sorry. You are allowed to do as you wish. As long as you're happy..."

A wry chuckle escaped Thorin. He looked up at Bilbo, and the hobbit froze under his gaze. "Thank you, Bilbo."

And oh, how long had it been since he had seen sapphire eyes so sombre? A tight smile spread across Bilbo's lips. He ground his teeth and looked away before he began to weep. That would simply be too humiliating on top of the rejection. The knowledge Thorin could find joy with another only made Bilbo's heart ache miserably.

Unless of course, his own gift outdid any others. The quilt was a good portion done. A month was enough time if he dedicated his days to the craft. His fingers and wrists would heal, but Bilbo's heart wouldn't mend if he saw Thorin with another.

Bilbo had survived a dragon, mountain giants, and Gollum in the depths of the Misty Mountains. He could take the leap to be vulnerable enough to bare his heart to the one he loved. He wouldn't cower aside and have someone sweep Thorin off of his feet. That was for Bilbo to do, thank you very much. Determined, Bilbo dismissed himself from Thorin's chambers to scuttle off to his room. He had sewing to do!

~

Ever since Bilbo had confronted Thorin on the impending courtship gifting, the King had seen little of the hobbit. Thorin quickly grew irritable without his daily dose of Bilbo. He missed his company during dinner and rarely saw his smile, let alone heard his laugh. Had he offended him so deeply?

Although lost to his thoughts, Thorin all but honed in on the sight of honey curls in the distance. His route quickly changed to chase after the hobbit, his strides quick. Bilbo was alone, but he was looking down at something in his hands.

Once by his side, Thorin gently placed his hand on his shoulder. "I forget how quick you can be on your feet, Master Burglar." He gently smiled when Bilbo startled.

The hobbit slapped his arm, but Thorin cared little as his favorite sound soon filled the air as Bilbo guffawed and laughed. "Thorin! How is it possible for you to sneak up on me considering all of that damn metal you wear?"

Thorin shrugged, a lazy grin spread on his lips. "Must be awfully focused elsewhere." His gaze dropped to Bilbo's hands. A bundle of neatly folded cream fabric was cradled against his chest, and a few of his fingers were wrapped. Thorin frowned when he realized his right wrist was wrapped as well. Bilbo must have noticed his concern, as he hastily crossed his arms and tucked his hands away from his sights. "What happened?"

Bilbo scoffed and looked away, swiftly dismissing Thorin. "Oh, don't worry about me, Thorin!" He bumped into his side. "I'm perfectly fine. Just some pricks from a needle. Taken up sewing again, that's all."

"Is your closet not to your standard? I can have a new wardrobe commissioned-"

Bilbo cut him off with wide eyes, "You'll do no such thing! I love my clothes, thank you very much. This is simply a hobby."

Brows furrowed, Thorin considered Bilbo's demeanor. He did seem whole and hale, so why hadn't he seen him in so long? "Bilbo, the other night… I apologize that I upset you so."

"No- Oh, Thorin! No need to apologize." Bilbo reassured, which only confused Thorin further.

"Ah well… Then can I expect to share some tea with you tonight?"

Guilt bloomed on Bilbo's soft face. He looked forward and cleared his throat. "I'm sorry Thorin, but I can't tonight."

"Then tomorrow?"

Bilbo glanced at him and softened. "Alright… Tomorrow. But only for tea! I'm working on something and its deadline is on the horizon."

Thorin would take whatever Bilbo gave him. "Tomorrow then. And have Oin take a look at your wrist. He's well used to aches and cuts by any measure."

"Thank you, Thorin… I will." Bilbo stopped and smiled up at him. "I'll see you tomorrow night." Thorin only managed a grunt in approval before he was alone once more.

With the hobbit gone, Thorin's confusion made his skin itch. He all but stomped to the training grounds where he could spar and get all of his emotions out.

~

It had only been a month long with minimal Bilbo, and yet it felt like years for the dwarf overwhelmed with longing. The knowledge that soon enough his evenings would be spent beside a dwarf he had no fondness for made Thorin all the more ill.

Most of all, he missed the hobbit. And yet, he didn't feel it was his right to ask for more from Bilbo. Thorin would be selfish to ask to hoard more of the hobbit's attention.

Thorin would simply treasure the memories of the nights alone together where Bilbo afforded him with a sweet smile or irritated glare. Every mood or emotion trusted with him he was grateful for. Alas, Thorin managed to disturb their peace with his inevitable marriage.

If the King had it his way, he would court Bilbo. But there was a powerful part of Thorin that felt unworthy of love and care, regardless of who it came from. Bilbo's care easily poured from his heart, and Thorin feared he would drain him dry to save him from the drought he had survived for so long. His concerns sat heavy on his heart and kept his lips silent.

The morning he woke to begin open court for his own hand, the pit in Thorin's stomach was an endless one. He paid little attention as he was dressed by the servants with Balin's voice droning on beside him.

"Laddie." Balin appeared at his side, expression blatant with concern. "Are you feeling alright?" Thorin merely grunted. His advisor pursed his lips and huffed. "Stubborn dwarf."

Thorin frowned and glared. "What would you have me do, Balin? The council demands this of me."

Balin considered him with open exasperation. "I would have you be honest! Honest with yourself and everyone around you. You and I both know there's a solution to your happiness as well as the council's." Balin then sighed and looked at Thorin with disappointment deeply ingrained in his gaze. "You're the fearless leader of our people, and yet-"

He bristled and snapped. "And yet I am your King!"

Balin's teeth clacked when his jaw snapped shut. He raised his brow before shaking his head. "Your first gift will be presented in an hour. I will see you then."

Thorin's chest heaved as he watched Balin leave. The maids fastened the bracers onto his trembling forearms. "Thank you. I'll take care of the rest." He gruffly mumbled.

They scuttled off to leave the desolate King to his solitude.

~

Sewing was never Bilbo's favorite skill. His mother had taught him how to mend, but it was his father who taught him how to quilt. Bilbo much preferred running amok outside or reading beside the fire, but there was a satisfying rhythm that sewing gave him that few things did. Oftentimes he found it was a good break from writing when he still desired to create- to patch together a story with a rainbow of fabrics instead of the words rattling around in his busy mind.

One story in particular stubbornly stuck to Bilbo; one that shone an ethereal light onto his dwarf. Although a fan of history, Bilbo was ashamed to admit that he knew little of dwarrow before his adventure. They were a secretive race but Bilbo admittedly was more interested in elves when building his library. So, amongst his new friends, the hobbit was ravenous for information. And history did he learn!

Despite the terror Bilbo experienced on their way to reclaim Erebor, the hobbit found himself entranced by the stars during those few restful nights out in nature. Star gazing was not a hobby he found himself sitting through in the Shire, seeing as he much preferred the comfort of his bed under his blankets late at night. However, he had little choice but to learn the beauty of the stars as he laid out under them every night. They were awe inspiring and sometimes kept him up as he lost himself in their sparkle.

His fascination must have been apparent, as one night Thorin joined him and told him the tale of Durin's crown. How Aule's forge burned so bright that it sparked stars without the help of Varda. How those seven stars shone above the reflection in the Mirrormere for his ancestor. A sign Durin the Deathless took from his God to settle within the Misty Mountains. The history of Khazud-dum's settlement left him in awe. Bilbo could only stare at Thorin's profile and wonder how he would look with a crown of seven stars atop his raven curls.

With that memory fresh on his mind, Bilbo took advantage of Erebor's reconstructed library. With the help of Ori, the hobbit drank in Khazud-dum's history like a dry sponge. A shame that elves were the only ones known for their relationship with the stars when such a phenomenal tale was the foundation for dwarf history.

What better way to weave together their cultures like the history of Thorin's royal ancestor with Bilbo's family tradition? It had been a few years since the last quilt he had made and Bilbo wasn't afraid to admit he would be rusty if he deigned to create one again. And yet, designs and ideas haunted Bilbo as his feelings for Thorin mounted. Out on the road with death breathing down their necks, a quilt seemed an easy challenge.

Now, with a growing mountain of fabric before him, Bilbo bemoaned his excitable nature. His fingers and wrists ached, and his back was more than unhappy with him. Even though he had been slowly and steadily working on it for the past few months, the short weeks leading up to offering it to Thorin were painstaking. Every prick to his finger and cramp in his back would be worth it when he saw Thorin's reaction. And if the King didn't react in his favor well, nothing could go as poorly as his betrayal with the Arkenstone.

At the very least he was proud of his quilt. Bilbo was not the most skilled artist, but the image of stars overhead the Misty Mountains and reflected in the lake below was so strong it came easy to him. As he took a break from sewing on the edge, Bilbo appreciated his work.

It took countless hours leading up to this last hurdle in his process. Cutting the fabric into squares and triangles, marking the seam allowance, and then sewing row by row until it all came together was well worth it. Even with all the infuriating mistakes he realized annoyingly too late where a piece was backwards or simply misaligned. It was the largest quilt Bilbo had ever made and would easily cover both him and Thorin together.

That thought made his heart skip.

Bilbo chuckled to himself and sighed. Oh, when did he become such a sap? Let alone for a dwarf who didn't even know of his regard!

He could only hope that no one else managed to wow Thorin before Bilbo had a chance to display his hard work, and his heart.

~

Resentment sat heavy on his heart with every gift displayed to him. No matter who stood before him, all Thorin could see was Bilbo. How unlike the dwarf was to the hobbit, or in the rare instance how similar they were.

Most of all, he struggled to see himself being married with any suitor. The gifts were impressive, there was no doubt of that. Every dwarf presented their craft with dignity and pride, a just attitude to have for such gifts.

And yet, none called to his heart. An unsurprising fact that he knew going into the week long torture.

Even so, Thorin put on a smile and showed his gratitude. Regardless of marriage, the King was touched by the amount of love and care that went into his gifts. Not all of course, as there were many that sat hollow and were clear attempts for his favor. But a great many shone with genuine care.

And yet all Thorin could think of was Bilbo and how long it had been since he had last seen him. The hobbit must have finally seen sense and realized it was better to be at a distance from Thorin. The hobbit only wished for his happiness, and yet Thorin was too cowardly to go after such a fate. For if he did, would Bilbo be happy? How could he, when Thorin was irritable and moody at the best of times? When he was selfish and stubborn? When his past still heavily weighed on him despite the peace he finally fought so hard for was in his grasp?

No, Bilbo could not possibly find happiness within such a dark, heavy soul. It was safer to keep him at a distance as a friend. As much as Thorin yearned to hold and treasure Bilbo as a lover, he would settle for simply sitting across the fire from him as the hobbit read his romance novels. So, Thorin swallowed his bitterness and began his attempts to decide the impossible.

~

Bilbo had hoped that he would have had the quilt done sooner. It wasn't until the final day of court where he was able to present himself as a viable suitor for the King Under the Mountain. He would have to apologize to Thorin for making him wait so long.

Bilbo's nerves kept him up the entire night, countless scenarios playing out in his mind. He only slept when his body could no longer keep up with his brain's antics.

In the morning, he ironed the quilt one last time.

Bilbo changed his outfit multiple times only to end up wearing the one he chose in the very beginning. A deep blue waistcoat with embroidered flowers in silver was most certainly the highlight as it only felt befitting to wear Durin blue on such an occasion. Perhaps it was a tad forward to mark himself with Thorin's color, and yet it made his cheeks pleasantly warm and his stomach flutter.

Silence was all Bilbo could muster as he walked to the throne room. The hobbit had asked for Tauriel's assistance to present his gift. She was an understanding, calming presence by his side as she dragged along the hanger. Bilbo had been too nervous to indulge his dwarf friends with his plans, afraid for loose lips to spill his plan. The elf though, he knew he could trust, even from telling her husband.

When he entered the hall, a crushing silence fell over the council attending. It didn't strike fear within him, not when countless faces curled up in relief or excitment. Balin was practically beaming beside the sorrowful King. And that certainly wouldn't do, Thorin had no right to bear such heavy sadness after having done so for so long. Bilbo could only hope he could relieve him of it and bring some light back into those sapphire eyes. He approached the throne alone.

~

The last few hours of the last day held a dreadful weight upon them. Thorin's vision was blurred and he half heartedly listened to the final few propositions. It isn't until a very special hobbit entered the room where Thorin returned to himself. He heard a few dwarrow gasp and the King felt his own eyes widen in shock. The hobbit must have been confused, must have turned a wrong corner.

And yet, Bilbo met his gaze with confidence despite his shaking hands clasped around a bundle of fabric. He wore a Durin blue vest Thorin had yet to see, and his hair perfectly framed his handsome face. Thorin's heart nearly lept from his chest and into Bilbo's arms.

With a bow, Bilbo shattered the silence with his voice. "Thorin Oakenshield, Son of Thrain, Son of Thror, I, Bilbo Baggins, Son of Bungo, humbly come to you today to offer your Majesty a courting gift." Bilbo's voice didn't shake, how could it when he had waxed poetry to a dragon? Thorin was stunned so all he could do was nod. His breaths were shallow and he was grateful for the fact he was seated.

Bilbo swallowed and he took a deep breath. "I may not be noble born, or a master of my craft, or even a dwarf, but I am confident I am still worthy of your hand. I stand here before you as a friend who has been a foolish coward for far too long now." The small, warm smile sent Thorin's way made his knees weak. "For even though I am but a simple hobbit, I'm a hobbit who knows you. Knows what each grunt and glare say when you don't have the words. Knows what you like to read with what tea when you finally allow yourself a respite before bed. Knows how you treasure family and friends more than any jewel or gold."

Thorin must have been dreaming. Or perhaps he hit his head with Dwalin sparring earlier and this was all an illusion. He hoped so, as he was certain his jaw was dropped and his eyes were burning with tears. Thorin nearly whined when Bilbo turned away from him, continuing his speech as he and Tauriel began to display the mysterious gift.

"Amongst my people, we have a custom I found befitting for today. This gift has taken me months of labor filled with love, along with some tears and blood. It was well past worth while. A-And it may not look like much, but to hobbits the beginning of a marriage is marked by a quilt. A piece of art to cradle a new couple in their bed. As the one gifting it, it was my honor to create a design to show you that I know your history, welcome your family, and look forward to weaving one of our own."

He stepped back to reveal the quilt, and Thorin was on his feet before he realized it. His steps felt loud in the hall, and Bilbo looked back at him. The hobbit quietly said once Thorin was by his side. "My heart is yours, Thorin. I can only hope that I may earn the same in return."

The quilt was large, standing a few feet above them both where it hung. It was beautiful this close, and Thorin couldn't help but brush his fingertips along the soft fabric. It was clear from the moment it was unveiled to him which part of his history the piece represented.

"Why Durin's Crown?" He couldn't dare meet Bilbo's gaze when he whispered it, not when he was still scrambling to understand that Bilbo loved him. Bilbo loved him, wished to marry him. Thorin could only stare at the stars in the deep blue of kheled-zaram.

"It stuck with me after that night… A blatant display of dwarven beauty and power. And, I-I think that was one of the first times I regretted letting you leave my side to sleep."

Thorin shook his head. "It's perfect." He stepped back, taking it all in once more. A perfect amalgamation of dwarven history with hobbit craftsmanship into something sweet and warm. Thorin had never seen something so beautiful. Well, except for the hobbit who stood before him. It felt as though it is only the two of them when Thorin trembling fingers reached out to grasp Bilbo's hand. He met Bilbo's gaze, filled with both fear and hope.

~

Bilbo cared little that his hands were clammy and shaking when Thorin took them within his own. The hobbit held his breath, uncertain of the emotions within the depths of Thorin's eyes. "Y-You don't have to- if you don't wish-" All of Bilbo's confidence came crumbling at the precipice of Thorin's response.

"You speak honestly?"

Bilbo's face scrunched up and he flinched. "Of course I do, would you think me so-"

"No-No absolutely not. I-I simply, I am struggling to comprehend…" Thorin's grip tightened and he looked so young with his disbelief on display. Understanding rattled Bilbo to his core. Was it possible Thorin held just as much self doubt?

Raising his hand to cup Thorin's cheek, Bilbo tugged him down to rest their foreheads together.

"I'll say it however many times you may need to hear it, Thorin. I love you. And-" His cheeks warmed and he cleared his throat. "The quilt was quite the jump to hobbit customs, but I hope it's adequate for beginning a dwarven courtship."

Thorin's lashes fluttered and his shoulders dropped. The rumblings of chatter began to pierce Bilbo's ears, but he ignored them in favor of appreciating the smile growing on Thorin's lips. "It's more than adequate, you alone are flawless. Any proposal from you would leave me breathless. If it were up to me, I would begin planning our wedding on the morrow."

Bilbo laughed, his cheeks well past warm. "Awfully forward for a dwarf who has yet to say how he feels in return."

Heart in his throat, Bilbo's body burned when Thorin fell to his knees. More than one dwarf groaned, one of which he was certain was Kili, and the exchanging of coin purses was obvious.

"Allow me to make it clear then." Thorin placed a gentle, reverent kiss on the knuckles of both his hands as he looked up at Bilbo. "I love you, Bilbo Baggins. I adore every part of you and treasure every moment spent together. I too was a coward to almost go down a road where I would be wed to anyone other than you. I accept your gift with pride, and I look forward to crafting a gift in exchange for my future Consort."

Bilbo's heart shone and butterflies erupted in his chest. His smile made his cheeks ache and he became increasingly antsy to be in the privacy of one of their rooms. They had a quilt to enjoy as it were, it would only be proper. "I think we've had enough theatrics for today, mind to get off your knees, my love?"

Thorin's chuckle drew a shiver down his spine. The dwarf stood and shook his head. "Theatrics?" He cocked his head to the side, a mischevious gleam in his eye. Bilbo's eyes widened and before he could stop it, Thorin bent to sweep him off his feet. "I have no clue what you mean." The hobbit gasped and laughed; embarrassed and delighted all at once as congratulations began to pour in around them.

A majority of the well wishes were along the lines of 'It's about damn time' or 'Thank god one of you pulled your head out of your ass.' Bilbo was mortified to learn everyone knew of their mutual pining. Alas, all he could do was laugh and hold his beloved dwarf.

~

With Bilbo in his arms, Thorin cared little about anything else. He did as best he could to rush themselves away from the dwarrow of the court and to his quarters. Bilbo tugged on his collar, "Excuse you, I believe you're forgetting something." His brow was raised and his pout made Thorin itch to kiss him.

"I don't think so, amralime. I have everything I need right here." He squeezed Bilbo.

The hobbit groaned and hid his face in his shoulder. "Oh, you're awful…" Bilbo sighed and bit his lip, holding back laughter. "The quilt, you dolt! The gift I worked ceaselessly on?"

Thorin shook his head. "I'm confident it will be behind us soon." He looked down at Bilbo with all the warmth that burned in the forge of his heart. "What a gift, ghivashel. I look forward to falling asleep under it and with you in my arms until the end of my days."

Bilbo smiled, his thumb gently tracing against the warm skin of Thorin's neck. "As do I… I still can't believe you said yes. I can't believe we both waited so long!" He groaned, abashed by their inaction.

"We are both stubborn. I imagine we'll be hearing about this well after our wedding." Thorin then shook his head. "Is this why I have seen so little of you?"

Blinking slowly, Bilbo huffed. "Of course it was. Why else?"

"Well, before a few moments ago, I had thought I had somehow ruined our friendship… That you finally found better company elsewhere." Thorin's voice was quiet and sullen, the feelings still heavy on his mind.

Bilbo reached up to cradle Thorin's cheek. "I'm so sorry. No, love. I missed you dearly. There's no where else I'd rather be at the end of my days than by your side." Thorin's heart sang and he pushed into the small hand that warmed him to his core. Bilbo's eyes lit up when Thorin's met his, a small smile gracing his lips. "Oh, and now I get to begin my days with you as well! How exciting."

Thorin was grateful to see the doors to his quarters already opened by his guards. He chuckled and kissed Bilbo's palm. "I'm often gone early in the morning…" A fact he would likely despise soon enough.

"I imagine so! I can go back to sleep after I give you a morning kiss." Bilbo easily promised. Thorin's poor heart couldn't handle imagining the bliss of waking up with such a gift each day.

Gently placing Bilbo onto Thorin's bed, the dwarf lost his breath as he glanced down at Bilbos lips. The hobbit smiled as his hands ran down Thorin's arms and to his hands. Before he could finally kiss him, a knock interrupted them. The quilt was brought in, and Thorin was greedy to get his hands on his treasure. "Get comfortable, amralime." He mumbled as he grabbed the quilt.

Bilbo frowned. "Wait! Wait, wait, wait! These clothes are much too uncomfortable for a proper cuddle."

Thorin laughed and set the quilt down on his bed. "Is that so? What do you suggest then? I would prefer to not lose you from my sights just for you to simply change."

Bilbo waved his hand. "No need for all that. I simply need one of your tunics." It was Thorin's turn to flush under Bilbo's mischievous smile.

"Oh. Hm." Thorin's cheeks warmed as his body reacted much too excitedly at the prospect. "Yes- Yes that is easy enough." Bilbo's laughter followed him as Thorin left and began to undo his own uncomfortable armor and royal garb. He returned to the hobbit only in a tunic, loose pants, and soft socks.

Bilbo giggled when he glanced down at his feet. "You dwarves have no right to have such cute, tiny feet under all that intimidating muscle."

Thorin huffed and tossed his extra tunic at the hobbit. Bilbo squawked, "Excuse you!"

"You're excused."

With a snort, Bilbo excused himself behind Thorin's privacy screen to redress. The hobbit donned a pair of pants, and Thorin's shirt hit his mid thigh. His soft, sturdy legs were revealed for Thorin to appreciate in their entirety. The sight was dangerous for the yearning dwarf. Thorin sat awestruck as Bilbo approached him. He pressed his hand against Thorin's chest. "Get comfortable, my love." Could the hobbit feel how fast his heart beat and how he captured it in its entirety?

Mouth dry, Thorin could only nod as he scooted back onto the bed and laid down. Bilbo unfolded his quilt and laid it out over him, the weight a welcome pressure. The hobbit then crawled onto the bed and soon enough, he was under the sizable blanket. Thorin turned onto his side, arms open for his love.

If sitting beside the fire with Bilbo made Thorin feel at peace, then having him in his arms in his bed was heaven. His body melted into the sheets as he felt relaxed down to his very bones. Thorin hummed, lashes fluttering shut as they tangled together. "Oh…" He whispered, nearly slurring. "This is dangerous."

Bilbo giggled and snuggled closer, his nose running up and down Thorin's bearded jaw. "Is that so?" He purred.

Thorin merely nodded.

"Thorin." Bilbo gently called.

Thorin forced his heavy lids open. Hazel eyes met his, and he gently smiled. "Yes, ghivashel?" Thorin rumbled in reply.

"Kiss me?" Bilbo asked with pink cheeks and a coy smile.

How could Thorin deny him?

Gently, Thorin pressed his lips against Bilbo's. It was a soft reverant type of worship as they kissed, pressing every ounce of love they kept to themselves for so long. Thorin clung onto the hobbit, drunk on his touch and his sweet kisses.

"This is nice." Thorin whispered, hidden from the world under Bilbo's gift and burning bright with love. "You'll spoil me, burglar." Bilbo only laughed and tugged him down to kiss him speechless.