Disclaimer: I do not own any familiar characters/settings/plot featured in this story. They belong the Peter Jackson and Lord J.R.R. Tolkien and I hope he forgives me.

Chapter 2

"For the last time Gandalf, I am truly alright. It was simply the—"

"—sun's heat that caused you to faint. Yes, I heard you the first time quite loud and clear. Seeing that it's the third time you're saying it, you are indeed alright," Gandalf interjected, not unkindly, his eyes filled with mirth. "I have to say, you gave me quite the scare there Master Baggins. The simple mention of an adventure seems to frighten you."

Bilbo chuckled, swatting the wizard's hands away from helping him into his armchair. "Please, just call me Bilbo." he smiled.

It was awfully easy for the hobbit to just fall into the pleasant presence of Gandalf. Even if the current Gandalf knew nothing of Bilbo's memories, just having the wizard there was more than enough.

The temptation to tell the wizard of what he knew was strong but without fully understanding the current situation himself, Bilbo couldn't risk it. This might very well be the only chance he gets his…second chance. He'll keep it his own little secret for now.

"Well, I don't imagine any normal hobbits would have much interest in adventures. Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things and worst of all—make you late for dinner!" said Bilbo with forged horror.

On the inside, the hobbit was laughing at the familiar words being spoken and as to the first time he had spoke those words, this time the feeling was different. He was different.

Gandalf's face instantly fell upon the words and the look of disappointment was clear as day.

Bilbo knew that look very well. It was the look Gandalf makes just before his chiding and if Bilbo remembered correctly, the first time was an earful. That just won't do this time.

"But," Bilbo said abruptly, stopping Gandalf from speaking, "I am not any normal hobbit. Therefore…about that adventure you spoke of…" he beamed, "I am quite interested."

And just like that, the disappointment was gone from Gandalf's face, leaving on only a tender smile.

After Gandalf left with the note of a few guests arriving at nightfall, Bilbo instantly went to work. The first thing he did was bring out two empty trunks, placing it just right by the door. "This one's for the weapons...this one the cloaks…" He nodded slowly before trotting toward the pantry. "I must prepare for supper. They will be hungry from all that traveling."

Bilbo quickly filled his arms with as much food as he could carry. Moving with haste, he set the food down on the dining room's table and instantly went back for more. He repeated the process a few more times until he had emptied his pantry and the table was piled with food; aside from the blue cheese of course. Not forgetting about the ale, he carried the barrel to the side of the table for easy access and he makes sure a cup of red wine was placed for the wizard.

Remembering the wreck the dwarves had made the last time they were here, Bilbo took it upon himself to bring the chairs into the dining room this time around. As he placed the chairs around the table, he lifted his finger up to count them to make sure there was enough for everyone. "One two, three four five…Gandalf would be here…"

Smiling at the right amount of chairs, he let out a shaky laugh; his hands gripped the top of the chair, using it as an anchor. Soon enough the small laugh increased tenfold, he listened as the loud sound echoed around the room and back to him. Hearing himself laughing made him laughed even harder, his hands tightened on the chair as he wheezed slightly from laughing so hard. "Oh Eru…this is really happening. I'm really doing this, ha. I'm really…" His lips trembled as a strangled sound escaped from the back of his throat.

"I'm seeing my friends again…" he brought his hand over his mouth and let out a broken sob. "I'm seeing them again."

That was the moment Bilbo allowed reality to sink in and finally let his sobs be heard in his quiet and lonely hobbit home.

After cleaning himself up, this time not staying in his nightgown, he went over everything twice just to make sure it was all in order. Things that needed to be put away, like his mother's glory box, were put away in case they get ruined, again. The table was set and to make sure he have enough food to feed thirteen dwarves and one wizard, Bilbo had paid a visit to the food market just to be on the safe side. A few more bacon and eggs will do everyone well.

Eying the table full of food with a bright smile, the hobbit nodded to himself and claps his hands together proudly. "This should do it."

Bilbo didn't even notice how late it had gotten until the first bell chimed loudly. The sound nearly gave him a heart attack as he yelped in surprise; almost falling over as he quickly turned his attention to the door. His breath quickened as his heart pounded loudly in his chest. If his memory didn't deceive him, the first that arrived was Dwalin.

The first time he had encountered the Dwarf, Bilbo was extremely frightened of the dwarf's gruff manner and because of that reason alone, the two never got close. In all honestly, he had every reason to believe that the dwarf didn't even trust him enough to want to be his friend. Even so, Bilbo knew the man was a noble warrior with a loyal heart and this time around he will make sure that things will be different. He will definitely befriend the dwarf.

Bilbo swallowed and nodded. "Alright, here goes."

Walking over to the door, he let out a deep breath before grabbing the handle and opened it in one swift movement.

Maybe it was the difference in the situations or perhaps it was the changes in Bilbo himself, when he looked at the dwarf standing with his back turned, he felt no intimidation or even wariness; instead, there was a sense of familiarity and even warmth upon seeing the dwarf. Dwalin was as he remembered, rugged and quite tall for a dwarf, not to mention that the top of his tattooed head was just as hairless as the first time he saw him.

Dark intense eyes met his light brown ones as the dwarf finally turned around, a disinterested expression on his face.

Bilbo chuckled inwardly, Typical Dwalin.

"Bilbo Baggins," he begun with a wide smile, "At your service!" he finished with a bow.

Dwalin eyed the Halfling in front of him with curiosity before clearing his throat. "Dwalin…at yours…" He said slowly, mirroring a bow in return.

Bilbo smiled brightly before stepping aside, motioning for the man to enter. "Welcome Master Dwalin. Please, please come in. I've already prepared supper. Feel free to help yourself until the others arrive." He turned around, heading toward the dining room. "Just follow me. The food is this way."

Bilbo was already half way to the dining room until he remembered the empty trunks. "Ah! If it isn't such a bother, can you place your weapons in the trunk next to the door, Master Dwalin? You can also place your cloak in the second trunk next to it!" he shouted over his shoulders before stepping into the dining room again.

Dwalin stared after the hobbit in confusion. In all honestly, the Halfling's merry personality threw him off quite a bit. He had not expected the hobbit to be so welcoming and to complete strangers nonetheless. It was quite odd.

How strange. He thought with a frown as he slowly ducked inside the warm hobbit home, closing the door behind him. Eying the trunks on the ground warily, he placed his hammer in the first one and his cloak in the second.

He followed the way the hobbit went and as he entered the little arched entry, his eyes widen as he came to a complete stop.

Oh there was food alright.

The amount of food that was on the table was entirely absurd. Piles and piles of food occupied the whole space and even Dwalin was having trouble figuring out what types of food were on the table.

"You…prepared all this?" the dwarf asked slowly.

Bilbo who was just tidying up the chairs stopped and turned his attention to the dwarf. He blinked and tilted his head to the side in a puzzled manner. "Yes? I am the only one here if that's what you're asking."

Dwalin's eyes narrowed as he stepped a bit closer to the hobbit. "That was not what I was referring to," He scowled. "You did all this. A meal this grand must have taken you hours to prepare. Why go through all this trouble?"

Bilbo rolled his eyes with a scoff. Naturally the dwarf would be suspicious over something as trivial as a fancy meal. "That is such a stupid question," Bilbo murmured. "You all are my guests. I don't know about you, but I like to treat my guests with kindness and respect. Does that bother you?"

The dwarf's mouth dropped open in surprise and before he could answer the hobbit, the bell chimed for the second time that evening.

"Pardon me. That would be the door," Bilbo said before heading for the door, leaving a wide-eye and speechless dwarf behind.

So much for befriending the dwarf, Bilbo. You just made yourself sounded like an arse! Now he must think you're an old grump. Fantastic, he scolded himself inwardly.

Shaking his head, he pulled open his door for the second time. He couldn't help the wide smile that surfaced on his face, his previous annoyance forgotten.

Balin was standing on his doorsteps.

Dear old Balin who Bilbo came to care deeply about throughout the journey was standing right in front of him. The white-haired dwarf was one of the few who Bilbo actually became friends with and seeing the dwarf once again brought him great joy.

From what he had heard from Frodo, when the fellowship came across Moria, the dwarf and the others had already perished. Finding out of the dwarf's death had strike the hobbit quite hard and upon seeing the dwarf now, alive and well, mended his heart.

Chatting with the dwarf would be something to look forward to once again.

"Balin," said the dwarf with a smile, his arms wide open as he bow shortly, "At your service."

"Welcome," he replied in blithe. "Bilbo Baggins, at yours. Please come on in. I've already prepared supper down the hall. You can also place your weapons and cloak in these trunks." he motioned toward the twin trunks on the ground.

Balin smiled kindly as he stepped through the doorway, pulling his sword and cloak off of his body and placing them into the trunks. "I thank you for your generosity, Master Baggins."

"The pleasure is mine," Bilbo returned automatically, his voice cracking a bit. "Furthermore, we will be in each other's company in this journey, there's no need for such courtesies. Come on, food's just down this way." He closed the door behind Balin before turning toward the dining room.

The white-haired dwarf stared at the hobbit in surprised awe, a small smile growing as he followed after him. The hobbit's amiable nature was extremely pleasant and Balin have a feeling that this journey would be quite…an intriguing one.

Finally entering the room, Balin looked around, his mouth dropping open at the sight of the table of food, but he didn't have time to ponder upon it as a slight movement in the corner of the room caught his attention. His eyes lit up as he exclaimed in delight, "Oh!" he chuckled, "Evening, brother."

Dwalin stopped his short dispute with the cookie jar, emitting a small chuckle before setting the jar down. "By my beard…you're shorter and wider than last we met."

"Wider, not shorter," Balin corrected instantly, "Sharp enough for both of us."

Bilbo winced slightly as the two dwarves' foreheads connected loudly, both of them laughed as if it didn't bother them at all. Even after watching the act done so frequently throughout the journey, he still can't believe how hard a dwarf's forehead could be. To sustain the constant bumping they engage in, they must have the forehead of a stone.

He chuckled softly before stepping closer to the two. "Feel free to start your meal. I've prepared quite a bit so there should be plenty to share with everyon—"

Bilbo stopped instantly as the bell chimed loudly. That was the third time the bell had sounded that evening and he knew precisely just who was behind the door.

He hoped he hadn't sounded off as he mustered up a quick 'excuse me' to the two dwarves before practically dashing towards the door. His hand shook as he grabbed the handle harshly, cursing at the dampness on his palm before yanking the door wide open.

Oh.

The two young dwarves standing on his doorstep were staring at him intensely. The older of the two, with his long blond braided hair and beard, had a small smirk on his face while the younger one, with long dark unbraided hair and stubble on his chin, eyed him up and down, a look of speculation on his face. Both had a mischievous glint in their eyes as they began to speak.

"Fili—" begun the blond.

Oh dear…

"—and Kili—" added the other.

They're really here…

"—at your service!" they finished in unison, followed by a synchronized bow.

My boys...

Bilbo's hand on instinct went to wrap around the beads hanging on his neck. His breath nearly stopped as his hand met with nothing and as he gazed at the dwarves, his eyes instantly landed on the missing objects that was now holding the hair of the dwarves in front of him.

—"No…" he whispered. Slowly and uncertainly he walked over to the bodies on the ground. His lips trembled as he lowered himself, eyes flickering from one body to the next. His hands shook as he brought it up to their pale faces, caressing them softly while tears trailed down his face. "This can't be true…this," he choked at the pool of blood surrounding them.

"Oh…oh…" he whimpered softly. He flinched as the memory of blond's body hitting the ground replayed in this mind. The longer he stared at their unmoving bodies the angrier he seemed to become and soon he was shaking them, demanding for them to open their eyes. "Wake up! Wake up you stupid dwarves!" But no matter how loud he screamed, they wouldn't stir.

Balin's hand on his shoulder was the only thing that stopped his screaming. The dwarf knelt next to him and whispered sadly, "They're gone, Bilbo."

Bilbo's body slumped forward in defeat, his fists loosened as he let out a loud wail like a wild animal in pain. His eyes caught sight of a fallen hair bead next to the blond's head. With a choked sob his hand enclosed around it tightly. He brought it close to his chest while his other hand went to work on the others'.

With the three beads in hand, Bilbo turned toward Balin imploringly. "Is it…can I please have these?" he whispered. "I know…I don't deserve to ask for anything, but I mean nothing of it. I simply…need something to remember them by…"

Balin's hand tightened on the hobbit's shoulder. He flinched as he stared at the anguish in Bilbo's eyes and there was only so much an old dwarf like him can take. He couldn't deny the lad from such a thing...dwarf culture be damned.

Balin nodded. "Of course," He wrapped his hands over Bilbo's and smiled sadly. "You make good use out of them now."

The hobbit did just that.—

"You must be Mister Boggins!" Kili said excitedly, his face lighting up like a child with sweets.

Bilbo placed his hand over his chest; the feeling of his rapidly beating heart reminded him once again that this was in fact very real. These are his boys…his incredibly stupid, reckless and very alive boys.

He let out a shuddering laugh. "It's Baggins. Not Boggins, Mister Kili."

Kili nose scrunched up in distaste, forming a small frown. "Kili is fine, Mister Boggins."

Fili rolled his eyes with a shake of his head. "He said Baggins, Kili."

The younger prince grins brightly before bouncing into the house, looking around the place in delight. "Oh please, I'm certain Mister Boggins don't mind." He winked at Bilbo with a smirk. "It's nice, this place. You do it yourself?"

Fili sighed before entering the house in a much more composed manner, but his confidence had still shown right through at the way his braids bounced off of his shoulders.

Bilbo chuckled as he closed the door after the princes. "It's been in the family for years actually." He turned around to face the dwarves with a smirk. "Of course I don't mind. I don't suppose you would mind if I call you Mister Kili, would you?"

The blonde snorted as the younger dwarf stopped his bouncing, and his eyes blinked rapidly in surprise. "Wai- that's highly unfair! I was only—"

Bilbo held up his finger, silencing the dwarf. "Ah ah!" He smiled gently before lowering his hand to his hip, sighing. "Alright now, I wouldn't want to keep you both from supper any longer. Just put your weapons and cloaks into these trunks and go enjoy your food."

Their faces lit up instantly at the mention of food, a matching smile grew on both of their faces.

"Food?"

"Supper!"

Bilbo chuckled softly at the sound of metal hitting metal as Fili dropped his many daggers and blades into the first trunk. Kili simply threw both his bow and cloak on top of the trunks before dashing off toward the direction of the dining room. Both Bilbo and Fili could hear the sudden whoop of joy from the younger dwarf.

"Oh Aulë, Fili! Look at the amount of food in here! Ah! Mister Dwalin! Mister Balin! You're both here!"

Fili chuckled at the excitement from his brother's voice before unclasping his cloak and dropping it on top of Kili's. He turned around to find the hobbit staring at him with an odd expression. It was not something entirely bad, no. It was simply…puzzling.

The hobbit seemed to realize that the blond was staring back at him; ducking his head quickly, his face was turning into a light shade of pink. Fili couldn't help but smirk at that.

Bilbo slowly looked up again, wincing at the smirk the blond had on. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly before clearing his throat. "Supper's that way," said Bilbo, pointing in the direction Kili disappeared into.

The blond stared at him with the smirk still on for a few moments longer before nodding. "So it is." With a final glint in his eyes, Fili turned on his heels and off in the direction where sounds of cheers could be heard.

It was after the blond had left did Bilbo allow himself to breathe again.

"Oh, that went extremely well Bilbo, you stupid old goat," He scolded himself softly; not wanting to make himself seem any odder by speaking loudly. If the dwarves somehow come across him speaking to himself…oh let's hope that won't happen.

Eying the shadows eliminating from the room, Bilbo wrapped his arms around himself to keep his shaking from increasing.

His boys are in there and they are alive and carefree and that was the only thing that kept him from bawling like a babe. He rubbed the tears in his eyes furiously, not giving them a chance to fall again.

You're not going to cry anymore, Bilbo. You have to be strong for everyone because you are going to protect every single one of them with all you got. This is your second chance and there can only be room for success. It's their lives over yours.

Bilbo sniffed and nodded his head. He was ready to face anything. Bring on the trolls and orcs, for Bilbo Baggins had no fear this time around.

He turned his attention towards the messy pile on the trunks and shook his head. Placing the bow with the pile of weapons and actually putting the cloaks inside the other trunk, Bilbo was just in time as the bell sound echoed once more.

With a small exhale in his breath, Bilbo opened the door slowly. Everything was going smoothly and Bilbo was ready to welcome his remaining friends into his home. What he was not prepared for was the strength the dwarves have and unlike the first time, where he was able to dodge them, this time, the door knocked him onto the ground and he found himself being buried under a pile of dwarves.

Sorry for the extremely long chapter...you guys will probably hate it because it's going so slow...