Disclaimer: I do not own the Hobbit.
It'd been about a week since the dwarves had started Bilbo's rehabilitation. He and Thorin were having another argument. He could walk on his own now and was eating real food but nothing too thick or rich. He shot a look over at Thorin to find the dwarf already watching him. Surprise and anger flashed in his eyes before he quickly looked away. Bilbo sighed and turned back to the path. He felt the Wizard approach him from behind and steeled himself against the riddle that was to come. "Hello Bilbo." Gandalf said in his rough old voice.
"Hello Gandalf." Bilbo said warily.
"I see you and Thorin are having another spat." Gandalf said smiling. Bilbo nodded. "What is it this time?"
"Thorin thinks I shouldn't be carrying my pack." Bilbo said rolling his eyes.
"I see." Gandalf said grinning at the trivial spat.
"He's just having a temper tantrum." Bilbo said loud enough for Thorin's pouting form to hear.
"What does Balin say?" Gandalf asked reasonably.
"Balin said its fine because I'm eating substantial food now." Bilbo said. Balin had borne the brunt of Thorin's anger after Bilbo.
"Did he offer a solution?" Gandalf asked.
"He demanded to carry my pack." Bilbo said.
"And you said no?" Gandalf asked incredulously.
"Yes." Bilbo answered defensively.
"Silly hobbit." Gandalf chuckled and shook his head before walking off. Bilbo frowned and, after a great deal of internal struggle he went over to Thorin.
"Gossiping of me?" Thorin growled.
"Yes. I was talking about your temper tantrum and then I realized it was stupid. Trivial. And if you want to carry my pack you can." Bilbo said sighing. "Because I know you wish for only what's best for me." Bilbo said as Thorin took his pack. "Why won't you tell the other's we're together?" Bilbo asked. Thorin faltered.
"Well I did not wish you speak for the both of us. If you wish for us to be together that is what we shall be and what I shall inform the others of. If that is not your wish then..." Thorin stopped as Bilbo slipped his hand into Thorin's.
"That is what I want." Bilbo said.
"And...You have not said you love me yet..." Thorin said. This time it was Bilbo who faltered. His hand twitched in Thorin's.
"Thorin Oakenshield, King under the Hill King of my heart, I love you more than the air I breath, more than the sun and the stars, more than the sky and the ground. I love you more than life. I love you more than love itself." Bilbo said. Thorin smiled one of those small rare smiles and nodded.
"I love you too my little Burglar." Thorin murmured.
