Chapter one
In another life, we would be as one
Disclaimer; I absolutely don't own anything, but I would've wished I did. Warning: This story will be focusing on dark themes. Beware.
The trek from the shire and back to the lonely Mountain had surely taken a huge toll on Bilbo, both physically and mentally. His body had gotten accustomed the weather and the long travels. As for mentally he still had to prepare himself for the incoming welcoming he was going to receive from the shire. Not looking forward to it. Honestly, Bilbo would have stayed with the rest of the company if it had not been for that blasted letter from one of his relatives. Turns out everyone in the Shire thought him dead and they had been auctioning all of his stuff, no doubt Lobelia had something to do with.
He rubbed his temples just thinking the events that transpired when he arrived, all he cared about was getting back to his dwarves. He was far away from home, huh? Bilbo wondered when the Shire had stopped being his home. He shrugged and looked up at the pointy peak that rose above the clouds, soon he would be home. "Thank you, Tauriel."
The red headed elf glanced down at the hobbit a smile gracing her features, "No need to. But, you're welcome either way." Not long after the battle did Bilbo find out that Tauriel had saved Kili's life, again. Bolg was so close of killing the young prince when Tauriel spotted Kili fighting and managed to get to him in time before he was killed. They walked in silence, both keeping a mindful eye on the forest around them. The spiders may be gone but the dark presence still lingered around Mirkwood, Tauriel wondered if it ever was going to go away, both the hobbit and elf kept their guard up just in case.
"You miss them." Bilbo tore his gaze away from the mountain peak and glanced up at the elf warrior.
"I do, it's been too long." The hobbit missed every single member of the company, he couldn't wait to see how far they've come along.
"The clearing is just up ahead, there Bard will be escorting you to Dale."
"Bard?" Bilbo was surprised, from all the people to escort him to the mountain, Bard was taking him? "I'm sure he had lots of things to worry about, as lord of Dale."
"And as lord I can decide what to do with my free time." The voice surprised Bilbo, Bard the Dragonslayer, and now the lord of Dale stood with his bow in hand and quiver of arrows strapped behind his back. He looked the same since Bilbo last saw him, except for a few gray hairs marring his dark tresses.
"I'll leave you too, take care of Bilbo." Tauriel gave Bard a look before turning to face Bilbo.
"Thank you again, I'm sure Kili will ask of you." There was a hint of a blush creeping up the elf a face, she gave a cough and said farewell.
After a whole day of nonstop walking , Bard had finally declared a rest, Bilbo wanted to continue but knew that if he wanted to get the mountain he needed to replenish his energy. While Bard created the fire, Bilbo couldn't help but wonder how Thorin was doing, had the sickness taken reign of him? Was he well? How were the plans of reconstruction going? He knew it would take time before Erebor would be restored to its former splendor or even greater than before. The fire casted a light warm glow around the two, Bard just hoped his son was faring well in his absence.
"Everything go well back at the Shire?" Bard didn't miss that face Biblo made, he shook his head already knowing the answer. "That bad? Hm, well now you don't have to worry."
"Yes, I don't." The hobbit turned back to the mountain one last time before turning over, a smile on his face as his dreams took him.
"My apologies." Bard placed his hand over his heart and head casted down. Bard's name was called from several different places, "Duty has stopped me from taking you any further." The hobbit expected many things from Dale but chaos wasn't one of those, the streets were littered with people crying out for Bards attention. From what Bilbo could tell was that Dale had undergone much construction since the battle, the eastern part of the city held the living quarters and right across it a small market was placed. The rest still had a lot of work.
"Do not apologize, I appreciate all that you have done. Thank you." Bard gave Bilbo a smile, he kneeled so he was at eye level with the hobbit. "Stay safe, your last escort has arrived." Bard stood up and turned to leave, quickly taking leadership and command of his people.
"So, this is the hobbit." Bilbo twirled around and came to face a dwarven that heavily resembled Thorin, strong blue eyes and dark hair but gentler features compared to his dwarf.
"Seems like the Royal Family doesn't have an manners." Bilbo retorted but quickly regretted it as soon as the words came out, Dis' expression further proved that. Mentally preparing himself and thinking up a retort he was thoroughly taken aback by the musical laugh coming from Dis. Not sure how to take it, Bilbo just waited till the dwarf finished.
"Thorin was right about you."
"Thori-
"Come. let's get you to the mountain." Not able to say anything the hobbit was dragged along side the princess, Bilbo trying to be in step with her. The journey to the mountain was only minutes away, his excitement clearly visible that Dis did not miss it. "You look at the mountain as if it was your home, why?' Honestly, the hobbit had asked himself that question more than once and he never had an answer, it just felt right.
"It could have been the moment I set foot out of bag end, or the moment I saw the mountain peak for the first time. Maybe my home is by Thor-" Bilbo realizing what he was about to say, clamped his mouth shut and averted his gaze away from Dis' knowing smirk. Of all the things to say, blurting out that Thorin was...wait. Why was Thorin one of the reasons? Of course he missed his stubbo- there he goes again, calling Thorin his. Mentally slapping himself, Bilbo opted to just look ahead and ignore everything around him for the time being, Dis stayed quiet but still had a smile on her face.
"Welcome to Erebor." Dis stated, her arms opening wide. Having Forgotten of their earlier conversation Bilbo's lips curved into a small smile then completely widden at finally making it back.
Erebor was exactly as he remembered with several differences, the front gate had finally been rebuilt, the door open wide as merchants made their way in and out. Many stopped and stared at the unusual hobbit but continued on their way.
"This way." Bilbo followed behind the princess as she spoke about the remodeling that had commenced after the hobbit had left for the Shire, all in all Erebor was slowly returning to its former glory if not better as Thorin as the ruler. The dwarf lead Bilbo through different passageways that all looked eerily similiar , his head swam with all the turns they made. He hoped that he would be taken to his living quarters because he did not think he could go for much longer.
"Bilbo!-
"Our favorite-
"Burglar!" The last was said in unison, the hobbit instantly reenergized as the two princes ran towards him, he was about to speak up when he was slammed by both heirs. They wrapped their arms around the smaller hobbit, each trying to get a hold of some part of Bilbo.
"I've missed both of you dearly, but please let a hobbit breath!" The two princes let go of their hobbit each sporting smiles, Fili then spoke up, "Mother brought you in one peace-
Kili then interjected, "We thought she would- ow! Mum?" Kili rubbed the back of his head, giving his mother a cautious look.
"Don't give me that look, I'm right here. Now both of you leave. Bilbo is tired from the long journey. He needs to rest."
"No, No. I'm alright, I can-"
"See mum, he said he's fine. Come, Bilbo. We have many things to show you." Dis raised an eyebrow at the hobbit not convinced at all, Bilbo sent her his best smiles. "Don't keep him up, Thorin will not be pleased if he hears that Bilbo has yet to rest." At hearing Thorin's name , the hobbit perked up a tad bit more, he wanted to stay up a littler longer to see him, even if he only got a passing glance, his bed could wait for a an hour or so. Oh how Bilbo would come to regret his decision.
The company surrounded their hobbit, each letting him know of all the things that had been happening since his departure, Bilbo kept his smile up although his could feel his body slowly shutting down, now he really regretted not taking the bed instead.
"Bilbo! The company, like a switched stopped talking, all of them turning to the booming voice and moving away from Bilbo, creating a path for Thorin.
"Thorin!" Bilbo exclaimed as the king under the mountain and man that had taken over his thoughts marched up to him. Not sensing the waves of anger that Thorin was sending, Bilbo just smiled. His thoughts elsewhere, finally after hours of talking and spending some quality time with the rest of the company Bilbo let out a sigh of contentment that soon turned into a yawn. Seeing the halfling yawn, Thorin glared at the dwarves he came to call friends. They took several steps back. The first thing Bilbo noticed about the king were his stunning blue eyes, they shined like gems in the light. Then his long dark hair, messy and full of knots, he mentally told himself that he would fix that. His braids looked messy too.
"You need rest, let's get going." Just like he remembered, Thorin's voice was deep and raspy, he could fall asleep by just listening to it. Bilbo had no idea what had gotten into him but he reached towards the dwarf and wrapped his arms around his waist, head resting on his hard chest. Feeling of peacefulness and safety engulfed Biblo. Thorin gently returned the gesture by wrapping his own arms around the hobbits slender shoulders, his eyes softening. A cough got him to look up, he sent glares each member of the company, daring them to say something, anything, Bofur was the first to scramble away, the rest soon followed all content at the scene before them. Thorin felt the arms around his waist slacken, on reflex Thorin scooped the hobbit into his arms and began walking in the direction of the royal bedrooms.
Bilbo scrunched up his face at the fact that there was light shining upon him. How odd he thought, he knew that his bedroom would be dark and the only source of light would be coming from the torches that aligned the room. So, why was there sunlight hitting him? Wanting to know, Bilbo slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times as the sun blinded him. The sleepiness soon left him as seeing what was before him. Flowers, surrounded the hobbit, from yellows, reds, violets and many more. He was in awe at the scenery, his ears perked up at the sound of water, he turned his head and not far from him was a small waterfall, looked big enough for two to fit. Bilbo could not believe it, how in middle earth did he get to such place?
"Do you like it?" Bilbo stared in confusion at the dwarf who happened to randomly appear, Thorin had and uncertain look on his face. "Are we in the mountain?" Thorin replied with a yes and Bilbo was speechless. He wondered how such a place existed in a mountain, he knew the lonely mountain had its secrets yet to be found but flowers? And the natural sun streaming through baffled him. How on earth?
"It's your for now on. No, I made this place just for you." The King said before Bilbo could speak his objection. Keeping his mouth shut would be the best course of action, the hobbit wanted to bathe in the sunlight and his surroundings. Loving the feel of the bed of flowers beneath him.
"Wait, you said you made this? What do you mean?"
"When you left, I...set out to make this place just for you, in case you got homesick. Wanted you to have some nature here in the mountain." Bilbo could feel the exact moment his heart skipped a beat, Thorin had created something just for him, of course Bilbo got the occasional gift from many of his relatives and friends but, making such a place, just for him pulled at his heart strings. Not sure to smile or cry at the sentiment, he just bit his lip.
"Is this not to your liking?"
"No, it's…" It got silent for minutes, Thorin visibly deflated and looked around trying to comprehend where he went wrong. We're the flowers not good enough? He knew he should've made a pond instead. The hobbit now realized what he said he wanted to make things better, "No, you silly dwarf, this is perfect." Bilbo stood up from the comfort of the flowers and walked his way towards the king, Thorin visibly confused.
Standing in front of the stubborn King, Bilbo reached over and took a chunk of Thorin's hair and pulled him down, pressing a soft kiss on his stubbly cheek. The red that tinted Thorin's face caused Bilbo to let out a small chuckle. "Halfling, if you don't wipe that smile off your face, you're going g to have to face the consequences." His tone was filled with amusement, Bilbo raised an eyebrow in challenge. "I'll cut your hair," with a gasp Bilbo reached up to his honey brown curls, now longer than he ever had them.
"You wouldn't."
"Don't think I hadn't noticed you grew it out." Thorin couldn't keep the smile from forming, he winked at the hobbit. Bilbo swatted at his shoulder, relaxing a bit.
"Now all we have to do is braid this part so it doesn't block your view." Calloused hands played with Bilbo's curls, wrapping strands around his fingers. "And beads."
"That reminds me, can I add something to your hair?"
Raising an eyebrow, the King hesitated before nodding, trusting Bilbo fully. Usually he wouldn't let anybody touch his hair unless they were family, then remembered. Bilbo was family. The hobbit directed Thorin to the water fall, made him sit at the edge and got behind the dwarf. Retrieving a comb from his pocket, Bilbo set out in an attempt in taking Thorin's wild mane, occasionally dipping the comb in the water. For half an hour Bilbo worked, concentrating on recreating the braids and adding a few more. Seeing that he was done Bilbo made one last minute addition.
"I'll be right back! Stay where you are." Shaking his head Thorin agreed, he was tempted to turn to the water and take a look at his reflection but one look from the halfling had the King looking away.
Minutes passed before Bilbo skipped his way towards Thorin, a beaming smile on his face and hands behind his back, probably hiding something. Thorin wanted to question him but Bilbo dashed behind him and felt something being placed atop his head. The hobbit moved around and faced the dwarf, looking a bit worried and a hint of a smile.
Moving towards the water, a dwarf with tamed hair, with a crown made of flowers stared back at him. Surprisingly though the dwarf liked the crown very much, it was different from the heavy crown he was to wear on important business. The crown gave him an idea, and he hoped Bilbo would accept once he told him. The hobbit couldn't see Thorin's reaction, it gnawed at him that he wouldn't be able to prepare for his expression or thoughts about the flower crown. It was childish to even place it on the King, but for a while now he wanted to see what the dwarf would look like.
Like a bullet Bilbo awoke with a start, his eyes scanning the area, he could see the outline of his bed and the rest of his furniture. Sting laid beside Bilbo's bed, ready to hold incase- who was he kidding, nothing was going to hurt him at the shire. But having sting by his side made him feel a little better. They were gone, his dwarves, he would never see them. Like always the dream ended with Thorin's smile imprinted in his mind, the way he lovingly looked at Bilbo, and threw himself at him, asking if he could court the hobbit. Every time Bilbo had that dream it attacked him inside out, slowly ripping into him until there was nothing left. His cheeks would be marked for the the tenth time, as the tears fell. As the last images of the dream faded, Bilbo was left with an empty echo of his happiness, he died that day Thorin did, at first he thought a piece of him was forever with the dwarf but he knew, knew that was not. All of him was left behind. His home was not his anymore, he felt no warmth, no protection and it felt unfamiliar. Clutching onto the only thing that made him feel save, the Mithril shirt that Thorin had gifted him. As his fingers held onto the gift, sobs escaped him leaving his throat raw from his cries. His body shook as the waves of pain hit him, reminding him that his wish was only a dream. That his love was lost forever and the line of Durin was no more. His mouth was open as another sob escaped him, his left hand turning white as he held onto Mithril, his right hand pulled at his hair hoping the pain would somehow lessen the rest. He could faintly remember what Kili's and Fili's laughter sounded, and with each day passing by Thorin's laughter was fading quicker. If only, if only they had lived. His dreams would've been a reality. Now, their bodies buried beneath the mountain, hoping that their fight in reclaiming Erebor had not gone to waste and the new ruler was adequate enough to rule. The hobbit since meeting Thorin knew he would be a great King, not rotting away. So, Bilbo let himself be taken back into the land of dreams, where he could be with the people he loved even if it was just a dream. Be happy for only a little bit before he faced reality. Bilbo's last words echoed, hoping that this time he would not awaken to reality. "In another life, we would be as one."
Author's note; Hello lovely readers, this was my first attempt at a bagginshield fic, as you could probably tell. I tried my best- hopefully it paid off. I apologize about the ending. This story could be up to five chapters in total, showing what happened after Bilbo's loss. Feel free to review or not. Either way I don't mind.