Disclaimer: I do not own The Hobbit
AN: a little Christmas fic based on a picture I saw of Thorin tied up for Bilbo's gift.
Hobbits, Fili and Kili found, had odd holidays. For example, during winter they insisted on giving gifts to everyone. Bilbo explained it to the boys saying during one day in winter everyone gave gifts to people they cared about. It was found offensive not to give someone a gift if they had given you something. It usually lasted more than one day, spilling over into the following days where everyone tried to get gifts out to everyone. Bilbo said it had begun when the Shire was first blossoming and the hobbit's leader had a birthday. As it is customary for the birthday boy to give gifts out he would make sure everyone in the Shire got a gift on the day. After that, everyone just tried to make sure everyone got gifts on the day. Kili and Fili thought it was odd but after everything they'd been through with the small hobbit, the battles, being hunted, nearly eaten by trolls, etc. they just went with it and graciously received the gifts Bilbo offered them. They spent a lot of time in the Shire; it was so peaceful, just what they needed after the horrible events of the adventure. "Now the idea is to give exactly what the person wants most." Bilbo said as he handed the perfectly wrapped gifts to each boy. The brothers looked at each other skeptically, sharing a moment about how odd the Hobbit's holidays were before opening their gifts. The brothers looked surprised to find the beautiful chests they had buried in the troll caves. The three shared a moment reminiscing about the events, laughing and musing.
"Is it a custom of yours to wrap these gifts in paper?" Fili asked holding up the paper that had been encasing his gift.
"Yes. And you tear it off. It's fun." Bilbo said beaming as he cleaned up the trash.
"It just seems wasteful." Kili said.
"It makes the gift a surprise." Bilbo said.
"Would it not be a surprise when you give it to us?" Fili asked.
"I can take it back if you don't want it." Bilbo said smiling at the brothers who clutched their chests closer to themselves as they began plotting where in the garden to bury them.
"Are we expected to get you a gift?" Kili asked looking suddenly frightened.
"He said if is offensive not to give a gift to someone who gave you a gift." Fili said looking equally frightened.
"But it's your first time celebrating so I won't be offended." Bilbo laughed reassuringly.
"Have others given you gifts?" Fili asked.
"Yes." Bilbo replied. The brothers looked at each other guiltily.