Chapter 2:

Old friends

It was the longest hug he had ever experienced.

Bilbo couldn't deny the tears forming in his eyes as memories of past times flooded his mind. The time Thorin arrived at Bag End, the road that led them to the Trolls and Rivendel, the moment when they were trapped in that Goblin city, the Eagles, Beorn, Mirkwood…everything was back and Bilbo hugged Thorin just as hard as the Dwarf was doing it.

"You look well, for an old man, Burglar." Bilbo snorted backing away to see the brilliant smile on Thorin's face.

"And you look as majestic as always, Thorin. Although, I can see the proudness and arrogance are still there..." Bilbo winked at Thorin and the Dwarf laughed squeezing Bilbo's shoulders. Aulë smiled widely seeing the two old friends reunited again, his eyes moved swiftly to the left where another group of Dwarves made their appearance. The Hobbit, however, was busy focusing his eyes on the Dwarf prince he never noticed the group approaching until one of them spoke.

"Uncle has the nasty habit of remind us that very same fact every day, Master Baggins."

"As well as remind us of what a good burglar, companion and friend you are."

Bilbo turned around, his eyes opening very wide as he saw them. His friends. The ones who put him out of his Hobbit hole and showed him more about the world that his maps and books back at home would ever do. The people who showed him about loyalty, bravery, friendship…

Bilbo suddenly found himself wrapped in two pairs off arms. Fili and Kili were hugging him just as tight and warmly as their uncle had done so moments ago. Balin appeared then smiling shaking his head while sharing a knowing look with Thorin. Thorin cocked his head the hint of a smile on his face while he observed the scene.

Aulë moved behind Thorin leaning in for the young prince to hear him, "Now I see what you were talking about, Thorin Oakenshield. You have my blessing."

"Okay, okay lads, move over it is my time…" Fili and Kili did so and Bilbo, this time around, was the first one to make a move and take into his arms the old man. Balin wasn't surprised but rather pleased; he knew Bilbo considered him his friend, a dear friend for he was the one who kept constant correspondence with the Hobbit he would be the one visiting constantly. They would spend their afternoons smoking outside Bilbo's home and watching the landscape while talking for hours.

Of the ones in Thorin's company that had survived the battle, Balin had been Bilbo's closest friend.

"My dear Balin, you do not know how much I miss you."

"I think I have an idea, Bilbo. I think I do…"


AN: I just couldn't leave the others behind.