This story was written by me and my writing partner Neonfartiez on tumblr. The artwork cover for this story was made by the lovely closetshipping on tumblr.
A year have passed since the battle for Erebor, the dead were buried and life was slowly returning to the land. Thorin was crowned king, taking his rightful place on the throne. The battle made him realize what was important, having almost lost his own life and his nephews. He asked Bilbo for forgiveness and to spend life with him in Erebor. The hobbit couldn't decline. The company began placing bets on when the two would go the next step and start courting the other. The two have yet to do so, just simple smiles and nods to each other in the halls. Gentle and quick touches to the shoulder. Thorin had even given Bilbo a room in the royal courters for his service to the crown. Which Bilbo refused for a long time, until Thorin talked him into excepting it. During this time, Fili and Kill started getting restless, they were going to get those two to admit their love to each other.
Bilbo had settled atop his feather stuffed bed, a little fortress of books stacked around him from the dwarven library Ori had so kindly picked out for him, no doubt he had meticulously translated them all from Khuzdul to common tongue to preserve the ancient books of their ancestors for future generations to come. Bilbo just had to keep himself busy with Thorin still signing papers for Lake Town's gold share, on top of that the gold needed to rebuild Dale to its former glory and more just as the great king promised. Bilbo had asked many times if he could assist the King with his duties but to no avail. He was shrugged off with a soft tussle of his hair partnered with a gentle smile that made him question either to be angry that he (a well respected fully grown hobbit no less!) was being treated like a child or to lean into the friendly touch.
Sighing wistfully he unearthed his nose from the gardening book he was so rooted too. The thought of growing even moss in the dark, dusky, dim lit place that the dwarfs called home was impossible, let alone tomatoes! Needing endless sunlight and care, how would they ever flourish? He had brought this topic up to Thorin on a few occasions, stating how the Dwarves need their own way of growing food. Dale was not yet ready to begin planting or harvesting anything at the moment, the land still ruined from Smaug's desolation. Thorin taking Bilbo's decisions on high regard (Most likely do to the way he had treated him) quickly agreed to this. Sending out plans to remodel a place just for Bilbo to have his own green house with all he needed. But Bilbo wondered, wasn't this a bit much more than a fourteenth of the share of wealth? They would need to buy highly polish mirrors to reflect the sun into the cavern, an area mined deep into the stone to make way for dirt and the roots that would worm their way down in search of nutrient, a whole shipment of seeds needed to be bought to start for a reliable food source. He knew that the Durin line held a lot of wealth, but surely not that much along with all the other people needed to be helped.
With a sigh Bilbo got off his bed, stretching and popping his back. It was almost time for second breakfast and he thought he'd ask Bombur what was cooking. As he went down the bright polished halls of the kingdom he was suddenly pulled aside by the Durin brothers. "Hello, Uncle Bilbo" the raven haired dwarf grinned at him. Bilbo sputtered, "Told you not to call me that.." he blushed.
"Thought you'd like to know your garden arrangements have been sent out." Fili informed as he vagely gestured down the hall with a flourish of his hand. "Better make your way down there now ey'?" His younger brother said, still with that suspicious grin curled on his face, one that made Bilbo arch his eye brow.
"I guess I'll make my way down there now." He thought aloud "Give them my knowledge on to which soil to use hmm?" he murmured shouldering his way past the sly boys. "Have fun!" called out Kili followed by a rather loud "ow, what was that for!".
Chuckling to himself Bilbo was reminded of his younger family, always fighting, over his property... Hair fuzzed feet found their way to the would be gardens of Erebor, the large extensive cave was infact quite humid. He was too lost in the thoughts of his plans for the grand given space that he didn't notice when a certain dwarf was stood just next to him, his mouth upturned to an amused smirk watching the gawking hobbit next to him.
"Do you like it Halfing?" a low voice murmured, causing Bilbo to jump. "T-Thorin! I..I..I didn't see you there." The dwarf king chuckles, "Indeed. What do you think? I had them pick out the best opening for you. Will your plants grow here? If not, I can make plans to search for a better spot." Bilbo looks away from him, hoping his blush couldn't be seen in the dark cave. Confound it! He's been around Thorin many times, why does he have to start blushing now?
"Uh..yes..I..I believe so..but we just have to see of course. You can give plants love, but they decide if they want to grow." he chuckles nervously. He hadn't been left alone with Thorin for a long time now, usually they are with others when they are around each other. Those small hallway smiles that made his heart beat loudly, the simple touches that made his cheeks burn. They haven't had alone time together since he almost lost the king to his wounds.
Putting those dark memories behind him, Bilbo tilted his head to gaze at the dwarven king who he found was warmly smiling down to him "I'm pleased that you are happy with the arrangements." Thorin said as he unclasped his hands from behind his back, and placed one atop Bilbo's shoulder, shaking the hobbit from the spell of Thorin's stormy eyes. Bilbo cleared his throat to reply "Yes, yes well errm I'm very pleased, but don't you think this a bit too much for me?" Throin looked upon Bilbo with a quizzical look "Why is that Master Baggins? You deserve more than I could ever give!" Thorin told him.
"Erm... I don't think you understand" Bilbo paused "I'd be happy to help you get your people a healthy garden going...but..this would be to big of a gift just for me...It's likely that I won't stay here forever...I know I said that I would...but...I have already been gone from home for quite a long time...I can't leave Bag-End in the hands of my relatives...who knows what will happen to it.." Trailing off Bilbo stopped completely at how much the handsome dwarves face had fallen during that sentence. The Mirth in the dwarves azure eyes replaced by sorrow "It would hurt me to see you go Halfling." Thorin all but growled out "Are you sure about this?" The question rang through his mind, as much as he wanted to stay in Erebor, with the friends he had grown so fond of...some more then others. But he knew he could never win the kings affections. He would have to take a wife and produce heirs to his kingdom someday.
And though it was true, both Hobbit males and females could produce young. He doubted Thorin want any half hobbit heir, even if he did, he didn't want to cause him any trouble with outraged dwarves who didn't like the idea. "Yes...that would be best..I..I thank you for allowing me to stay here, Erebor truly is beautiful and I am happy to see it returned to you and your people...but...I should be planning on leaving sometime soon...Bag-End...don't want any of my cousins getting a hold of it..." he chuckled sadly, "I...Thorin..." I love you, he wished he could just say those three words "...thank you..for everything..really.." he looks down, not able to look into his eyes.
Lifting the hand from Bilbo's shoulder Thorin hooked a finger under the hobbits chin, forcing him to make eye contact with the steely eyes of the mighty king of Erebor, who was currently looking at him dreamily. Wait, no! Dreamy doesn't sound right... "E-eh Thorin?" Eyes flickering around to look any were but the face that was oh so close to his. With those eyes, god those eyes could be as harsh as a raging storm. Since staying in Erebor he had only been graced with the kindest of gazes, the delicate touches he thought not a dwarf could bistoew upon another, rough beings with rough customs. Thorin had quite blatently gone about changing how he was with the halfling, warm hugs instead of cracking foreheads together as a sign of greeting or a gentle touch of the shoulder instead of a smack to the back with such impact you would be winded. You see Bilbo had noticed these things, the little conciderations Thorin had taken in just for him with his quite humble way of life, it was tearing him apart. Who was he to ask after the love of a dear friend, a king atop of that?! He had taken too much from him already. Too buried in his thoughts to realise Thorins face was growing nearer to his, he startled when he felt a soft touch of their foreheads together, Thorins azures never drawing away from his forest verdents. Backing away Thorin chuckled brushing a thumb over the bottom lip of Bilbos slight agape mouth, a content look he wore upon his face "A crying shame then." a tilt of Bilbos head carried on his sentence. "I shall miss having my burglar within my castle, perhaps you will change your mind yet hmm?" the rumbling voice mused. "Good day, Bilbo." Thorin turned on his heels, swiftly leaving behind a confused if so slightly distraught hobbit.
Bilbo and turned around, watching as he walked away. "...Thorin.." he whispers, letting his back fall against the cave wall. His heart racing as he tried to recover from what just happened. Why did he look at him like that? Why must he do those things to him. Why does he break his heart with the soft and warm touches, knowing there can never be any love behind them. He choked back a sob as he moves his finger over his lip where he touched.
Fili and Kili where meanwhile grinning at their uncle as he passed them, "Hello Uncle," "Yes, hello. See our little hobbit lately?" The blonde grinned. Thorin caught himself before answering, those boys were up to something. Thorin Grumbled "Aye, that I did." This triggered a badly hid snicker from Kili which was silenced by his elder brother with a quick swat to his ear "So tell us Uncle," Fili started "Why is Bilbo nervous around you?" a sly smirk creeper soon his face as he watched Thorin's eyes widen with surprise. "Nervous? Why I don't know, it was my thinking he is naturally flustered..." he trailed off, hadn't he made himself weary of his actions towards the fidgety little one? "Aye!" Kili piped up "Maybe even scared? We heard Hobbits have a completely different set of customs for everything!" fanning his palms out just like he would when he told a ghost story. The elder of the two tuned in "That's right! There's table manners, greetings, merry making..." Fili paused "Courting, marriage, gender roles, it's all different over there, perhaps get Gandalf to teach you Bilbo's Hobbity ways eh?" winking to Thorin, Fili took of trailed by a childishly smirking Kili bright red from holding in laughter.
Thorin blushed lightly, "..I don't see the point...he is leaving m-" he pauses at the boys grinning at him, "...leaving here anyway...he wishes to go back to the Shire..." he half growled out. The brothers looked at each other, "Did you tell him you wished for him to stay?" Kili asked. "Yes, uncle. We all know you want him to stay here, you gave him one of the best rooms we have." the elder brother pointed out. Thorin shoots them a glare, which soon softens "...of course I do...but I can't force him..he clearly has had enough with dwarves..." Once again Fili had a badly disguised smirk on his lips "Well then my dear uncle..." Fili started with a patronizing tone "You'd best give him reason to stay!" Mahal's beard how that boy could tease, he would get him back later, but there was work to be done.
Large furred feet hurriedly made their way around the cave instructing on to what? He wouldn't know. Bilbo's body and mouth working for him as his mind was elsewhere, thinking of the feather light touches to his skin. Those touches did not follow Dwarven custom! Rough grabbing, head knocking and hard hits were characteristic of the dwarfs, but what he was given didn't follow.
He was being treated like a child again, incapable of holding his own. That's probably why Thorin had a garden built for me Bilbo thought. Through out the journey to reclaim Erebor he was coddled, given minor tasks to perform as they thought he wasn't able. Even collecting water he would have the pale whisked away from his hands with the typical phrase 'Let me help you with that little hobbit', he was a fully grown hobbit! He should be treated like any other! With Thorin babying him too?! He would enjoy being home once and for all... but leaving the friend he had a perpetual amount of respect for, who had turned into the dwarf he had an overflowing brew of love for. That's what killed him inside.
To probably never see those piercing blue eyes again, the long raven hair that was just the right length. Too never hear his deep voice, the grumble of his laugh. Not even his scent, which he had grown comfort in. The smell of earth, not Hobbit earth, but of rocks and stone, even the smell of the smithing the dwarves were known for. It made his heart ache, the thought of walking away from him forever. But was it better to just stay here and be treated as a soft flower by that same person he has come to love? He faced a bloody dragons! He's fought in the battle the same as they did! And in case Thorin had forgot, he did save his life before. Bilbo closes his eyes and signs, "Confounded dwarf..." he turned and left the cave, returning to the polished floor of the grand kingdom. He quickly rubbed his eyes dry, trying to ignore the still tingling feeling of Thorin's touch.
Heavy leather boots made echos throughout the tall hallways of the castle, as Thorin hastily made his way to his quarters, Mahal was he drained from everything he had this day. Groaning, Thorin remembered what the following week had in store; He had to train the new dwarves for the city guard, then plan with an even spread around the city a route for the few guards left, (thank god with help from his shield brother Dwalin) listen to the requests of his people still settling into the grand carved out mountain he ruled and come to an agreement on what he could do, have a meeting with the rantings of the many guild masters in the city, (Masons, Forgers, Farmers, Traders, Warriors) followed by a meeting with the council members for the well being of Erebor and it's people. By the Gods how he dreaded that meeting! The Guild Masters were hard working people that he could understand, just as he was when he built his life before reclaiming Erebor, toiling tirelessly over hot metal to feed his nephews and family, but the council members were a different matter... They were the noble dwarves of the city, older and wiser than he, educated in running and keeping their own houses in check. He would never admit it, the brave, stone heart king he was. He was anxious when it came to the matter of politics, if he said something he would look that same as if he left Balin to say everything. A Fool.
Thorin was snapped out of his thought as someone walked into him. He blinks and looks behind him, finding the Hobbit straighting his cloths "I'm terribly sorry, lost in thought, didn't see...oh...Thorin.." Bilbo looks up, blushing some as he cleared his throat "..um...Hello again..sorry...was just heading back to my room.." Thorin watches him, suddenly remembering his nephews words. "..it's alright...I'm heading that way as well...lot of paper work I have to do..."
Bilbo nods, "Course...only been a year since this place was won back...still much to do to fix it back up.." Thorin nods, "Yes..uh...have a lot to do...training, making sure everyone is settling In..." Bilbo nods, the hall returning to an awkward silent. "..well..I..I won't keep you waiting..." The hobbit doesn't look into his eyes as he speaks, "..I...I'll just be going.." As he walks past him, Thorin's mind acted on it's own and he grabbed the Hobbit's hand.
An intense gaze formed in Thorin's eyes. The stress and sleep deprivation apparent from how sunken in they were to be paired with the dark circles, giving him a more menacing demeanor. Thinking carefully on what he could say, he needed Bilbo to stay longer, he needed more time with him. He needed to begin the courting ritual! "I wish for your presence in the council meeting...uh...the members could use the extensive knowledge your people have for a bountiful crop." Thorins hastily rumbled out at a gaping Bilbo. The Hobbit was shocked, though Thorin had always welcomed his input, he had never allowed him to attend the council's meetings. All he could do was nod, "Well I spose I won't pack then eh?" he chuckled nervously looking up to Thorin a few times, never meeting his stare "Erm, I'll go then..." Shrugging his arm from the Kings grasp the patter of hobbit feet could be heard behind him. Oh Mahal how would he ever woo this infuriating yet wonderful creature!
Thorin groans and leans his back against the wall, would dwarf courting even work on him? Would he even except his weapon? Would he know what it means to except it? What if he does and turned him down? He pulls at the edge of his hair, "...I need to learn about Hobbit courting...giving Bilbo jewels and weapons won't work...he does not care for such things...not for riches and strength of a courter..." He needed to read up on this topic some more, he would have to send for Ori to bring him books on Hobbit courtship, while he went through his paper work for the meeting. He sighed, another sleepless night.
We hope you enjoyed the first chapter of What Does Your Garden Grow, we will try to get the next chapter up as soon as we can.