Bilbo blinked up in surprise at the hulking Dwarf. "You're here!"
"I said I would braid your," Thorin gently stroked the array of curls, hia fingers skating dangerously close to the Hobbit's ear, "unruly mop."
"Unruly!" Bilbo scoffed.
Thorin lightly grinned at him. Tonight, his Halfling was clad in a long, velvety, deep green shirt, tight, black leggings clinging to his legs. The effect was most pleasing. He teased the curls, the hair just reaching past Bilbo's shoulders and smiled warmly. He was going to enjoy the braiding.
They both took a seat on the bed, Bilbo sitting between Thorin's legs (and almost unable to breathe because of it), and Thorin's large, but nimble fingers worked thorugh the coppery locks, deftly tying them into a braid of commitment, to warn others that this Hobbit was being saved for another. Whether Bilbo knew what the braid meant, Thorin didn't know. What he did know was that other Dwarves would. Heheheh. To show others just who this one was being saved for, he took out a silver clasp, engraved with his carvings, and snapped it over the interwoven strands.
Bilbo smiled up at him when he'd finished. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"I haven't got a clasp." Bilbo said, worriedly. "I can't do your hair."
"It's fine." Thorin lightly touched the halfling's shoulder. "Really."
The Hobbit was so oddly perfect with his bright, large green eyes, coppery curls, slender limbs, large, hairy feet and innocent outlook- so different from any Dwarf- but Thorin knew that he would not have him any other way.
Tall, strong, long hair, stormy eyes, a tendency to growl and that beard...Thorin was not one a Hobbit usually would go for. Yet, there was just a certain something, Bilbo couldn't put his finger on it, that made him very desirable. Bilbo allowed his eyes to roam over the silvery, fur-lined waistcoat the King wore over an icy blue shirt, dark trousers covering those legs... Did Thorin even know what he did to him?
Cold, disjoined metal brushed against his throat. "Thorin?"
"Shh. Keep still."
And then Bilbo could see a large green gem, a clear, beautiful green like secret pools gleaming aorund his neck. Little, pale links of silver were attached to this splendid stone. "Thorin, it's too.."
"Shh," Thorin said again, his voice low and husky as it had been earlier. He pressed a finger to Bilbo's lips," I want you to wear it."
"I have nothing to give you."
"You do, little one." Thorin breathed.
Their faces were close now. Both were staring to pant and when Bilbo looked up, he could see that Thorin's blue eyes were full of fire and passion. The Dwarf's lips were parted, chapped, rosy skin, beckoning his own lips to meet them. He closed his eyes... only for Thorin to stand straighter.
"We should be on our way." The Dwarf told him. "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Good. Bilbo?"
"Hmm?"
"If you need anything from the treasury, and I should have said this before, you are welcome to it."
"Are you certain?"
"Indeed I am. Dwalin and I were discussing what repairs to do with Dale and I remembered I still haven't paid my burglar."
Payment was not what Bilbo was after, but the King wasn't to know that. He settle for nodding politely. The shield could not be ready soon enough.
He was put in mind of Bag End and the unexpected party. With Dwarves singing and telling stories, and having contests, he also had to admit that Hobbits and Dwarves truly weren't so dissimilar.
"Hey, I bet Bilbo could drink more'n you, Bombur!" Bofur yelled, giggling at his brother.
"Oh, aye?" Bombur snapped. "We'll see about that!"
And before Bilbo could protest, a pair of hands had inserted themselves underneath his armpits and he'd been deposited unceremoniously on a chair between Dain and Dwalin, a large mug of Dwarven beer in front of him.
"Now, neither of you two have had a drink yet, aye? So, you and Bombur see wh can drink the most."
"He's a lightweight!" Gloin laughed. "I bet our burglar could beat him easily!"
Bombur's eyes crinkled in a cheerful smile. "Best of luck, Master Baggins!"
Nine beers later and Bilbo coulldn't see straight. Everyone had twins and he felt very left out.
"I want...a twin person too." He slurred.
"A twin?" One of the Oins smiled.
"Yup. A twin is someone who looks like you."
"This is brilliant!" One of the Kilis cackled.
Then something shifted and the twins disappeared. "Where did they go?!"
"They went back home." Dori smiled.
"Home is here, with you." Bilbo mumbled. "I never thought I'd like you, but I do!"
"I don't know what to think." Balin said, trying not to smile at Bilbo's antics.
"I like you all, but I especially like him!" And with that he pointed at Thorin.
"Oh, really?" Dain asked, leaning forward and leering at him.
"Yes!"
"Why?"
"Because he's a very sexy Dwarf."
Thorin pretended he wasn't hearing this. He was flattered, but why did it have to be here that Bilbo said all this? Fili and Kili were hooting with laughter. For Mahal's sake.
"Do you think," Bilbo murmured, dreamily, "that he might like me too?"
"I'm sure he does." Dain said, lightly ruffling Bilbo's hair. He caught the tip of his ear and was surprised by the sound of pleasure from the small creature.
"You mustn't, that's what Thorin has to do. Not anyone else." Bilbo told him. He caught hold of his mug and lifted it to his lips. "This is a bit very strong."
"My apologies, Master Baggins."
"'S alright."
"Do you love him, then?" Dain asked.
"I can't tell you that." Bilbo said, almost dropping his mug. "He's supposed to know first!"
"Good Mahal, I'm making mistakes tonight." Dain muttered, shaking his head.
Thorin smiled. This was turning out to be a very good evening. "No worries, cousin." Looking at the Halfling, whose head was slowly drroping, he shook his head. "I'd better get him to his chambers."
"No funny business!" Dwalin called out, roaring with mirth.
"Thorin?" Bilbo looked up at him, big green eyes dozy from drunkenness, gazing up at THorin as he was led away from the group. "Where are I going?"
"We have to get you back to your chambers, little one."
"Oh, are you taking me?"
"Yes."
"Oooh, yes! Would you wish to lay together tonigh-?"
"Bilbo!" Thorin thundered, though he kept his grip on the Hobbit gentle. A small hand reached up and threaded itself through his beard.
"You're my everything, Thorin Oakenshield."
Thorin gently caught hold of the appendage, lightly rubbing ot with his calloused thumb. "Can I tell you something?"
"Yes."
"You're very dear to me."
"Am I?"
"Yes." Thorin twisted the door handle and gently ushered the little Hobbit inside.
"That's good." Bilbo hummed. He was starting to feel woozy now. "Aule, my head feels strange."
"It's the alcohol." Thorin replied. "You will have an ache tomorrow."
"Will you be here tomorrow?"
"Aye."
Bilbo's legs suddenly gave way and he fell, only for Thorin to catch hold of him. "Sorry."
Thorin shrugged. "Think nothing of it. I've been worse." He gently guided him to his bed. "You should get rest." He advised as he lifted the halfling onto the mattress.
"Stay with me?"
It was a better offer than sleeping on the couch in his room again, so Thorin agreed. He was worried about what Bilbo might do, considering he had just offered relations, but instead, the Halfling seemed content to nestle into Thorin's chest, clutching onto his shirt. His little body started relaxing and soon he was sleeping. Thorin gazed down at him. Such a small thing, with such power. it was ridiculous. He kissed the Hobbit's forehead and slowly, sleep also took him for her own.
