I just..I can't even. I go eat in a pizzeria and come back to find 36 messages in my inbox. So here, have another chapter ahead schedule, you deserve it!

Also I have the worst memory ever, this chapter takes place in Laketown, not Mirkwood *facepalm*

Thorin was received with open arms into Laketown, and he was pleased with the house given to him and his company. The rooms were spacious and he had graciously given Bilbo the bedroom next to his as an honor. His wounds had healed and the rest of them were feeling much better with free flowing ale and food into their starved stomachs. He was at dinner with the Master of the town, enjoying it with the others and listening to the man's stories that paled compared to Thorin's.

The hobbit however opted to stay away from dinner for now, instead leaning against one of the railings gazing into the water. He was partly exhausted after using the ring for so long, but he was relieved that everyone were safe and back in the good mood. Fili and Kili had embraced eachother after being reunited, not even caring that they were middle of everyone when Fili had all but crushed their lips together and Bilbo had seen Fili's name on Kili's wrist. It shouldn't surprise him, the brothers were close. His own thumb rubbed his wrist unconciousy, where was no mark. No red color to bind him to anyone.

Thorin had excused himself a little while later, getting rather bored with the man. He ambled back to the house, closing the door behind him and leaning upon it with a soft sigh. It was nice to have rest, but going out and having everyone constantly cheering you if you even poked your nose out the door was exhausting. He pushed himself off, enjoying the quiet for a moment but spotted the Hobbit leaning outside. He made his way as quietly as he could outside, standing behind the hobbit. "You weren't at dinner," Thorin observed softly. "I thought Hobbits loved parties."

Bilbo turned his head surprised, small smile appearing on his lips at the sight of Thorin. "We do, but...tonight I was just not feeling up to it." He said softly, gazing at the reflection of the moon on the surface of the water.
Thorin moved beside Bilbo, resting on the railing next to him. "Understandable. The men know how to feast but sometimes I believe that all of this goes on for too long with them. It's great to have help, anyways." He chuckled, watching the water below and remembering the wild barrel ride down from the Elf King's palace. "Are you feeling okay, anyways. You've seemed… tired, lately. And not just from lack of sleep."

"I'm fine." Bilbo closed his eyes for a moment, relishing in the moment of peace they had. "Using the ring made me more exhausted than I thought...I guess it's not supposed to be worn so much at once." He chuckled brushing his fingers through his hair.
Thorin nodded. "Something that makes you invisible would do that, I suppose. It's magic and magic has a way of wearing someone down. Not that the dwarves ever used magic except to imbue armor and weapons with certain attributes we find encouraging." He let out a small cough. "You'll have to use it in a couple of weeks but try not to besides that. Men wouldn't understand a disappearing and appearing burglar, no matter how good he is.

"You have a point." Bilbo agreed stretching his arms above his head with a yawn. "What about you? Are you feeling better?" He asked concerned, turning his eyes on Thorin like he was trying to see the wounds on his body.
Thorin returned the gaze evenly, keeping his eyes on Bilbo's eyes as the other's eyes darted a little bit. "I'm always feeling better," he replied easily. "Dwarves are hardy and I'm no exception. My heart is light and my company's morale is up. It's all I could ever ask for, burglar."

"I meant your wounds." Bilbo chuckled looking a little relieved. "But you seem to be alright." He added smiling.
Thorin laughed low, something it seemed he hadn't done in years. "Yes, my wounds are feeling better and I have full range of motion," he replied. He glanced up at the moon for a second before his eyes searched the water. "I'll have scars but that's nothing. I already have plenty."
"That's good. N-Not that you have scars, but that you're feeling better." Bilbo said with a smile. "And scars...well, they are stories to be told to youngsters back home."

Thorin paused for a second, halting at the 'youngsters back home' part. He frowned for a second. "Fili and Kili would know of our journey and… Gloin would tell Gimili." He leaned against the railing again, averting his gaze from Bilbo and watching the water again.
"I didn't mean that." Bilbo smiled shaking his head. "I'm talking bout Erebor. Because we're getting it back, and then your people can return home and grow. Like you used to." Bilbo smiled softly, he was of course worried about Smaug, but he had to try. He had made the promise, and these dwarves needed their home back. They deserved it.

Thorin smiled at him slowly, nodding his head. "Yes, of course. This journey will be put in the history books of course. Against all odds and we're going to reclaim our mountain from the oldest wyrm in Middle Earth." He smiled, looking up and seemingly forgetting how hard it was to kill a dragon like that.

Bilbo felt something in his heart tug at the sight of Thorin smiling so wistfully, and he lowered his gaze confused. He had felt it few times now, always around Thorin though he didn't know why. "S-So, it's late so I think I'm going to retire for now."
Thorin nodded. "Enjoy your sleep, Bilbo. I think I'll follow you sometime soon, I think." He shook his head. "Night Bilbo."
Bilbo chuckled waving his hand gently. "Good night, Thorin." he said softly, brushing past him going in his room.

Thorin stood there for awhile, looking at his bare wrist with a frown. The feelings he secretly harbored for Bilbo were rather unfitting without the mark. He shook his head, walking to his own bedroom hours later to fall into a fitful sleep.

Aaaaand that's the end. Sorry it's so short but...yeah. Next part is going to be a little angstier, taking place right after the war of five armies. Stay tuned and keep your lovely reviews coming~!