Love
LOVE - A temporary insanity curable by marriage.
8 weeks later…
Time flies when you need to take care of a baby and Thorin and Bilbo had their hands full with Frodo who was apparently very fond of the idea of waking up his parents at least three times a night. They were exhausted after a few weeks. Thorin was able to escape the crying baby for at least a few hours a day because after two weeks of absence he resumed his role as a King. Fíli was still with him, helping where he could so that Thorin didn't have to do everything. Bilbo on the other hand was bound to Frodo 24/7. Frodo needed to be fed every few hours, changed, cleaned, put back to sleep… It was a tiring job and Bilbo was very happy when for the first time, almost eight weeks after being born, Frodo slept through the night.
Even Thorin was in a better mood when he had a good night sleep. He left early in the morning and returned to the quarters for lunch. Bilbo was now doing all the cooking and everyone was very happy with everything he prepared. After lunch Thorin would normally take a quick nap because he was really tired, but this time he didn't need one. He waited for Bilbo to finish feeding Frodo and put him down so that they could finally spend some time together.
"You are staying here?" whispered Bilbo after he came back from the nursery. The last thing he wanted was for Frodo to wake up.
"I have some time."
Bilbo smiled and climbed on the bed next to his husband. "I was hoping you would say that."
"Why? Do you have something in mind?" playfully asked Thorin and gave his husband a kiss.
"I do," answered Bilbo and climbed on Thorin, so that that he was straddling his tights. "I wanted do to this for weeks," he said and leaned down to capture Thorin's lips.
Thorin moaned in appreciation and pulled Bilbo closer. He really hated the clothes his husband was wearing at the moment. Bilbo's fingers found their way in Thorin's hair while Thorin's hands explored his back. Thorin tried to squeeze everything he could reach because he got those amazing sounds from his lover, and it didn't take long before his pants became uncomfortably tight. The teasing from the hobbit didn't help. Bilbo rolled his hips over Thorin's groin several time, but every time that he felt Thorin lifting his hips for more friction he moved away. He really enjoyed teasing his husband especially when he knew that it won't take long before Thorin will be begging him to get his release.
"You, my love, are an evil creature," said Thorin when Bilbo once again denied him body contact he wanted so much.
"I've been called worse," answered Bilbo and sat on Thorin's tights before he started unlacing his husband's pants. He was about to reach under the fabric when someone interrupted them.
Thráin barged into their room without knocking or being invited it. "Dad, I need your help," he announced. He seemed undisturbed by the fact that his parents were in rather compromising position and that he caught his Papa having his hand almost in his father's pants.
Bilbo looked at his son, but before he could say something Thorin spoke. "Get out," he ordered sharply.
"But…" protested Thráin.
"Out," repeated Thorin and pointed at the door. Thráin frowned but did as he was told to. "No manners at all," muttered Thorin when Thráin closed the door behind him. Bilbo smiled and shook his head before leaning down for another kiss, only to be interrupted again.
There was a knock on the door and once again Thráin entered their bedroom. "Dad-"
This time it was Bilbo who had enough. "Thráin, get out," he ordered, leaving no room for argument.
"Arghhh," groaned Thráin in frustration and left the room.
Bilbo took a deep breath to calm down before he focused back on his husband. "Where were we?" he smiled and captured Thorin's lips in a kiss.
And once again there was a knock on the door. "Can I come in?" called Thráin.
Thorin rolled his eyes and Bilbo sighed. "We just might let him tell us what he wants, otherwise he won't stop."
"No manners at all," muttered Thorin and helped his husband sit back on the bed. "Come in," he called.
The doors opened and Thráin walked in like he did twice before. "Dad I need your help."
"Can't it wait?" asked Thorin.
"No. I need your help now."
"Brat," muttered Thorin and Bilbo squeezed his hand.
"He'll come. Two minutes, okay?" offered Bilbo and Thráin nodded before he left the room.
"That's not fair," cried Thorin. "I wanted to do something else. Well, I wanted to do you," Thorin smirked. "But now I have to do Mahal knows what with Thráin."
"It's amazing isn't it," started Bilbo. "He comes in and tells us what he wants and he expects us to do it immediately." Bilbo got off of the bed and pulled Thorin with him. "When we tell him to do something it usually takes hours or even days before he does what we told him to do."
"In situations like this I feel this urgent need to tell him to shut up and leave me alone."
"Well you can't do that," smiled Bilbo as he finished lacing his husband's pants. "But I'm sure you will be able to find someone in this mountain you can release you frustrations on."
"I want to release my frustrations with you, or better said: in you."
Bilbo smiled and rolled his eyes. "I've been waiting for this for months and I've been drinking that awful tea every morning for the past two weeks so I know how you feel. But if I can wait a few more hours so can you."
"Maybe we could have a quickie," suggested Thorin with that glint in his eyes.
"In two minutes?" laughed Bilbo. "You are good in bed, but not that good."
"That's because I'm getting old. You should have seen me when I was young…-er," Thorin added.
"Oh, I can see you," teased Bilbo. "I would dare to say I'm living with your exact replica." He got on his toes and gave Thorin a quick kiss. "And you are getting old," mocked Bilbo. "See all this silver hair," he said as he ran his fingers through Thorin's hair, "This wasn't here when I married you."
"This is all Thráin's doing," said Thorin.
Speaking of the devil. "Dad!" called Thráin. "Are you coming?!"
"You should go," said Bilbo. "Whatever it is that he wants is probably important."
"Nothing is more important than you, me and that bed," said Thorin and pinched Bilbo's butt.
Bilbo jumped away and smiled. "Remember Thorin, patience is a virtue."
"Patience is a virtue I do not have," retorted Thorin. "I'll see you later."
"I'll be here," said Bilbo before Thorin disappeared.
:::
Bilbo went to check on Frodo and for the first time in weeks started reading a book. Frodo was asleep, Frerin was with Fíli and Kíli, and Thráin was with Thorin, so he was finally allowed some time for himself. After an hour he decided to stretch his legs and get something to drink. He walked to the kitchen when he heard Thráin and Thorin in the study room; he couldn't help himself and check what was so important.
He smiled and entered the room. "What are you two doing?"
Thráin, who was sitting behind the desk next to his father, lifted one of the books up when Bilbo spoke.
Khuzdul. Bilbo immediately recognized the book and understood why Thráin called for Thorin. "Anything interesting?" Thráin just shook his head and continued reading.
Thorin offered a smile to his husband. "Men eleneku menu o bepap opetu ezirak." Bilbo smiled back because he understood what Thorin said. Thráin on the other had just rolled his eyes. The only thing he understood was: desire, vein and mithril.
"Men lananubukhs menu," said Bilbo before he left. Thráin at least understood what his Papa said so he had an idea what his dad said earlier.
"This is boring," complained Thráin.
"You asked for my help," reminded him Thorin.
"I know," sighed Thráin. "Can you do it for me?" Thráin put on his best puppy eyes.
"Nooo…" Thorin shook his head. "This is your homework, not mine."
"Please…" whined Thráin.
"No. I will help you, but I won't do it instead of you."
"Papa would have helped me," pouted Thráin.
"Mhmm… Good travels to you."
Thráin rolled his eyes. "Gamut meliku ai-meni."
"Ai-menu," corrected Thorin.
"No one would notice the difference."
"Balin would," Thorin pointed out. "Greetings to you."
"Do I have to?"
"Yes," answered Thorin.
"I don't know."
"Then use your head. I was fluent in Khuzdul when I was you age."
"That's because your father forced you to speak it."
"Is that your way of saying that we should speak Khuzdul while we are together?"asked Thorin.
"No! Never, please," pleaded Thráin.
"Then let's finish this because I have some things to do. Greetings to you."
"Vemu ai-men." Thráin didn't sound sure, but his dad smiled so he knew it was the right answer.
:::
The next day Thráin was 'forced' to spend some time with his little brother. After lunch Frerin demanded to go out with him and Thráin couldn't say no to him because Papa was there, so he had to take him with him. Tora was very happy that Frerin came with Thráin, others not so much.
"Thráin!" called Tora. "Slow down a bit. We are not so fast." Tora was holding Frerin's hand because Thráin refused to do it.
"He shouldn't be here. He is slowing us down."
"He is five," reasoned Tora. "And there is no need to run so fast."
"Thráin!" called Frerin.
"What?" snapped Thráin. He saw Frerin shift uncomfortably and he knew that he needed to use the toilet. "Can't you wait a little longer?" Frerin nodded even though he needed to use the toilet. By the time they reached the lower halls Frerin couldn't hold on anymore. He called for Thráin again only to make him angry. "Why don't you go ahead and I will take care of this," Thráin said to Tora and took his brother's hand.
"I'll be down with the others. Come quickly."
Thráin nodded and waited until Tora disappeared before he turned to his little brother. "Why did you insist on coming with me? Just so that you could annoy me?"
"You are mean," said Frerin.
"Well you are annoying."
"Thráin," whined Frerin again and shifted uncomfortably.
"Right… I forgot about that. Right now I don't have time so you'll have to go alone. Do you know how to get to the throne room?" Frerin just stared back at him. "I'll take that as a yes. Go to the throne room and find dad. He missed lunch so he's probably still there. Find him and he will take care of you. Do you understand?" Frerin didn't answer him. "Great. When you are done you can find me," said Thráin before he disappeared, leaving Frerin alone in the middle of the hallway.
Frerin didn't know what to do. This was the first time he was alone outside the chambers so he didn't know where to go. He walked back from where Thráin led him, but it didn't take long before he panicked. There was no one in the hallways and the memories of the hours he spend alone in the library came back. He started running, but with tears in his eyes he got lost very quickly. He wanted his Papa or daddy or anyone who would help him get to them. After a few more minutes he was completely lost and sobbing. He called for daddy several times, but no one came. He was scared and he forgot about the toilet so he once again wet his pants.
It was only a matter of time before one of the guards would see him and luckily for Frerin it didn't take long before two guards find him crying his eyes out in the middle of the hallway.
One of the guards nudged the other one. "Look. Another one that got lost."
"I always tell the parents not to leave them wandering alone. It's so easy to get lost here." They walked to Frerin and Boin crouched in front of him. "Hello, little one. Can you tell me your name?" Frerin didn't stop crying so Boin pulled Frerin's hands away from his face. His eyes widened when he recognized him. "I'm so sorry my Prince." Frerin didn't understand why Boin apologized.
"You really are new at this," said Dagar, who was much older. "Come here, Frerin." He scooped the young prince up and Frerin immediately wrapped his arms around his neck.
"Are you crazy?! We are not allowed to do this. Do you even know who this is?" exclaimed Boin.
"Of course I know."
"Then why are you doing this? You'll get us in trouble. You are not supposed to call him by his name and you certainly can't just lift him up and carry him around."
Dagar just rolled his eyes. "He is five. He doesn't understand the concept of being royalty. The only thing he wants right now is his parents. Do you want to go to daddy?" he asked and Frerin nodded.
"I can already see myself on a few weeks patrol," cried Boin. "Why are you doing this to me?"
"I'm not doing anything."
"We were told to show them the respect by addressing them properly. Do you know that one of my cousins was sent on patrol for two weeks because he called Prince Thráin by his name," said Boin.
"That's because he did it while Master Dwalin was there. When there are elders around you should always address them properly. They don't approve that you call them by first name. When they are alone you can call them by their name. Lady Dís's sons and the King's children, they don't mind. Well, Thráin does when he wants to do something he is not allowed. He will try to use his authority to get what he wants."
"And what do you do then?" asked Boin as they walked to the throne room.
"You tell him to stop acting like a child and you don't do what he tells you."
"That's disrespectful. You are defying you future king," reasoned Boin.
"You can just as easily do what he tells you, but then you have to be prepared for the worst thing possible."
"And what's that?"
"The Consort."
"You are joking," laughed Boin. "He never intervenes."
"He does if his children are involved. You think two week of patrol is a horrible punishment, but you have no idea what six months in Mirkwood will do to you. That forest is haunted."
"He is not allowed to do that."
"The King doesn't dare to oppose to him, especially when it comes to their children."
"So what happened?"
"Thráin wanted to start a fire in the middle of the hallway. The young guards like you didn't dare to say no to him so when the fire was put out and the Consort informed of what happened, the guards were sent to Mirkwood," answered Dagar.
"And the Prince? Was he punished?"
"On the contrary to what people believe our King and his Consort are normal parents, so yes, he was punished. I was once ordered to accompany them to the markets of Dale. Frerin here was much younger back then and Thráin was causing trouble as always and they dealt with it like any parent would."
"It's so hard for me to imagine our King being, you know... all domestic. He is always so calm and collected. He doesn't look like that type of person."
"You should see him at the training area with Thráin. The last few times they were down there together, Thráin beat him fair and square. Our King had trouble catching his breath while Thráin looked like he could go on for hours."
"That's because he had training almost since he was born."
"He hasn't been training for long," corrected Dagar. "But he does have the best teacher. Perks of being the son of a King."
"My daddy," interrupted Frerin.
"Yes your father is the King," confirmed Dagar. They walked to Thorin's private room where he put Frerin down and took his hand. Frerin offered his other hand to Boin who eyed him for a second before accepting it.
"So what are we going to do?"
"Knock," explained Dagar. "Like anyone would." Boin swallowed hard when Dagar knocked on the door and entered. "Your Majesty, I'm sorry to interrupt but we-"
"Daddy!" interrupted Frerin and pulled both guards into the room with him before they were able to let go of Frerin's hand.
"Hello, sweetheart," smiled Thorin and cupped Frerin's cheeks when he stooped next to his chair. "Is everything alright?" Frerin nodded at first and then shook his head. "Were you crying?" Even though the question was for Frerin he turned to the guards for an explanation.
"We found him in the west halls alone so we decided to bring him here, Your Majesty," explained Dagar.
"You went out with Thráin?" asked Thorin after Frerin climbed in his lap. Frerin nodded and the smiled at the guards. "Thank you Master Dagar, Master Boin," said Thorin.
The guards bowed and left. "Did you hear that?" whispered Boin. "He knows my name! The King knows who I am."
"Bye, bye," waved Frerin. Boin waved back and closed the doors behind him.
"You like him?" asked Thorin and Frerin nodded.
"Mhmmm."
"I see. Will you now tell my why were you crying and why are your pants wet again, though I have a pretty good idea why."
"Thráin," said Frerin. "He didn't go with me. He said to find you, but I didn't."
"Okay. We will talk with your brother later. Let's get you cleaned up first."
:::
Thorin took Frerin back to the quarters and ran a bath for him. After listening to his whining for a few minutes, Thorin gave in and brought him a few toys, drained most of the water and left Frerin alone for a couple of minutes to check on his husband and Frodo.
He found them lying on the bed, close to each other. "How is my favorite hobbit?" asked Thorin and climbed on the bed. Bilbo expected to receive a kiss after a question like that, but Thorin ignored him and pressed a kiss to Frodo's nose.
"Hey!" complained Bilbo. "I'm here."
"I know," smiled Thorin. "But I was asking my favorite hobbit."
"I thought I was your favorite," pouted Bilbo like a child and Thorin couldn't help but laugh.
"You are my favorite," he said and gave his husband a kiss. Frodo was lying on his back between his parents, his arms in the air, reaching for everything that he saw so that he could put it in his mouth. "And you are also my favorite," smiled Thorin and blew a raspberry on Frodo's tummy. Frodo giggled and reached for one of Thorin's beads, but Bilbo took it away from him before it would have ended in his mouth. "Is he hungry?"
"I just fed him. So no, he isn't hungry," answered Bilbo. "He just has that faze when he tries to put everything in his mouth. If the things are shiny he likes them even more."
"You are such a big boy, aren't you," cooed Thorin and made silly faces so that Frodo would smile.
"Why are you here? I thought you have some things to do."
"I have," confirmed Thorin. "But they are not urgent. And to answer your question: I'm here because Frerin had a little accident and I brought him back to clean him."
"You left him alone in the bath?" asked Bilbo with disbelief.
"I drained most of the water," explained Thorin, "And allowed him to bring a few toys."
"Good luck getting him out of there," snorted Bilbo. "I have to change his nappy," he said and took Frodo to the nursery.
Thorin went to get Frerin and he brought him into the nursery, wrapped only in a towel. "Can you dress him? I want to get something to eat." Bilbo nodded and Thorin left.
"What are you doing," asked Frerin.
"I changed Frodo's nappy and now I have to put his onesie back on," explained Bilbo.
"I'm cold," complained Frerin.
"Almost done," said Bilbo and adjusted the sleeve a little before putting Frodo in his crib.
"Can he stay with us?"
"He will. I just put him down for a moment so I can dress you," said Bilbo and lifted Frerin on the changing table. "Oh, you are heavy."
"I'm not," protested Frerin.
"Lay down," ordered Bilbo and pushed Frerin back. He dried him up as fast as he could and Frerin giggled all the time. "What's so funny?" Frerin just smiled. "Stay here for a second." Bilbo turned around for a second to find something in the drawer and when he looked back Frerin was standing on the changing table completely naked. "Frerin! Sit down!" Frerin pouted but did what his Papa told him. "You know you are not allowed to do that. It's dangerous."
"I'm sorry," apologized Frerin and laid back down.
"It's alright. Lift," said Bilbo and patted Frerin's bum. "Come on, Frerin. I don't want to fight with you over this." He knew that his son won't cooperate with him the moment he saw his eyes filling with tears. He sighed, lifted him by his ankles and slid a nappy under him. Frerin put up a fight and tried his best, but Bilbo held him down until the nappy was secured and then waited for Frerin to calm down.
"I don't want it," cried Frerin and tried to push Bilbo's hand away.
"It's not for debate," answered Bilbo, leaving no room for argument and Frerin once again started crying. "We have the same discussion every time and I know you don't want it, but you need it."
"It won't happen again, I promise," cried Frerin. "I promise."
"I'll make you a deal." Frerin immediately stopped his tantrum. "If your nappies are dry for a week you won't have to wear them anymore."
"Two days," tried Frerin and Bilbo scoffed.
"Six."
"Three."
"Five. Last offer," warned Bilbo. Frerin nodded and tried to push the nappy down. "Oh no, young man, this one stays on." Frerin pouted a little but allowed his Papa to finish dressing him. "Lift." Frerin did what he was told and Bilbo quickly slid clean pants on him before he urged him to sit so that he could pull a shirt over his head.
"Can we play with Frodo?" asked Frerin once Bilbo put him back down.
"I'll bring him in a moment. Why don't you wait for me in the bedroom," offered Bilbo and Frerin nodded before he ran back to the bedroom.
In the meantime Thorin was in the kitchen, eating leftovers Bilbo left for him from the lunch, when someone entered the quarters and Thorin decided to check who came.
"Balin," greeted Thorin with his mouth full.
"It seems that I came in a wrong moment. I'll come back later," offered Balin and was ready to leave but Thorin stopped him.
"Nonsense. You are not interrupting anything. I didn't eat lunch so I'm eating what Bilbo left for me. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," said Balin and followed Thorin to the kitchen.
"So what brings you here?"
"I wanted to talk to you about Thráin," explained Balin and Thorin knew that it was nothing good.
:::
Almost half an hour later Thorin came back to the bedroom. Frerin was playing with Frodo on the bed while Bilbo was watching them with a smile. Thorin smiled at the scene and joined them on the bed. He wrapped his arms around his husband from behind and placed a kiss on the nape of his neck.
"Balin was here," he stated simply.
"Is something wrong?" Bilbo asked as he leaned back onto his husband.
"Can I tell you later?" Bilbo nodded. "Two letters for the elves came today. Do you want them now or can I use Thráin a little."
Bilbo was quiet for a minute. "Balin came because of Thráin, didn't he?" He could feel Thorin nod behind him. "Is it serious?"
"No, he just did something wrong, again." Thorin sighed. "Why don't you come down with me? Just to stretch your legs a little. You haven't left the chambers for almost two months."
"I can't go," reasoned Bilbo. "I need to take care of Frodo."
"He could use a little fresh air as well."
"I don't want to go," answered Bilbo sharply. "Please drop the subject."
"As you wish. Frerin do you want to go with me?"
"Yes!"
"Say goodbye to Papa and to Frodo." Frerin gave his Papa a kiss on a cheek and then he gave Frodo one as well. Thorin repeated the action before he took Frerin's hand and led him out of the room.
"Where are we going?" asked Frerin as he skipped next to Thorin as they walked down the hall.
"We are going to find your brother and be very angry at him," explained Thorin. "We just need to find him first." Thorin asked few guards and they all pointed to the main gate. Apparently Thráin decided to leave the mountain even if he was told not to. When he left the mountain two guards followed him, so he knew that Thráin had some company as well.
He was very pleased when he saw Boin standing at the edge of the small forest because he knew that he had an eye on his son from a distance.
Frerin immediately waved at him and Boin bowed. "Your Majesty."
"Master Boin, is Thráin here?"
"Yes Sir, he is."
Before Thorin could ask anything else Tora appeared out of nowhere. "Hello Tora. Could you please call my son?" Thorin asked and Tora shivered. Thorin was a little too calm and polite.
Tora nodded and ran to get Thráin. "Thráin! Your dad is here."
"What?" Thráin wasn't sure he heard right.
"Your dad is here and he asked me to get you."
"What is he doing here?" Tora shrugged. "No, this is not happening," groaned Thráin. "He is doing this on purpose, I know he is."
"Frerin is with him," said Tora.
Thráin sighed. "Great. Just great. The only thing missing here to make my life more miserable is Papa. He isn't here, is he?"
"I didn't see him. You should go check what Thorin wants because he didn't look happy."
Thráin just rolled his eyes before he went to check what his dad wanted. "What are you doing here?"
Thorin pretended not to notice the way Thráin spoke to him. "I could ask you the same thing. What are you doing here, Thráin? If I recall correctly the quarrel you and Papa had this morning he told you not to leave the mountain."
"He can see me from the balcony," complained Thráin. "I didn't go far and that bloody guard is following me wherever I go. Nothing will happen to me."
"Language," warned Thorin and Thráin rolled his eyes. "This is not about your safety. This is about you, disobeying us, again. Papa told you that you are not allowed to leave the mountain and you left it anyway."
"But-" Thráin wanted to protest.
"Come, let's go back inside," interrupted Thorin.
"Please don't do this, dad. Not now," pleaded Thráin.
"It's not for debate. Let's go," repeated Thorin.
Thráin narrowed his eyes. "I won't go! You can't force me to go!" Thorin raised an eyebrow when he looked at his son. The guards took a step closer, to prove Thorin's point. "They are not allowed to touch me! I'm an heir to the throne and by right I have almost the same control over them as you do." Thorin just shook his head. "I checked and uncle Balin confirmed this to me."
"So by your logic Frodo has the same control over the army and guards as I do?" Thorin asked just to prove his point.
"No… he is too young."
"Exactly. Until you are of age you don't have any rights even if you are an heir to the throne." Thorin gladly filled in the missing information.
"As a King you still can't tell me what to do! The laws don't give you that right because I'm an heir."
"Correct," confirmed Thorin. "But luckily I'm your father so even if you would be a reincarnation of Durin you would still have to do as I tell you. And now I'm ordering to go back inside with me. I'm not asking, I'm ordering you."
Thráin pouted before he started walking toward the gates. Life just wasn't fair. Thorin directed them to his private room and Thráin had a feeling he would have to do something extremely boring.
"Busted," giggled Frerin and Thráin sent him a look. "You got busted."
"Shut up, Frerin!"
"Enough," ordered Thorin and put Frerin on a chair before giving him some parchment and a quill he could draw with. "Do not wipe your hands in your shirt. Do you understand?" Frerin nodded. "Good."
"Why am I here?" asked Thráin.
"You will do something for me." He found the letters that came from the elves and gave them to Thráin. "You will translate this for me."
"You can ask Papa to do it. It would be much faster," Thráin pointed out.
"Or you can do it," simply said Thorin. He sat down behind his desk and started reading the reports.
Thráin quickly read the first line. "To the Consort Under the Mountain I wish to express-"
"No," interrupted Thorin. "I want you to translate the letter in Khuzdul and write it down." He pointed to the parchment and ink on the desk in front of him.
Thráin swallowed and stared at his father, but Thorin ignored him and returned to reading the report. After a couple of minutes of silence Thráin spoke. "You know I can't translate the letter."
Thorin lifted his gaze from the parchment in his hand and looked at his son. "Interesting. You know, Balin came to see me today because he wanted to show me something. Something that you did." Thráin swallowed hard. He knew he was caught. "We are not stupid. Even if your Papa is very smart and you are, thank Mahal, like him, that doesn't mean we are stupid. Balin brought me your answers because he knew something was odd. It must have been a coincidence that the questions were the same as the ones I helped you with. He was very impressed with your knowledge but he knew something wasn't right."
"I'm sorry."
"Busted," teased Frerin.
"Shut up, Frerin."
"That's enough you two," interrupted Thorin. "You know that what you did was wrong, but I'm not going to let this slip. Not this time. I don't even want to know how you got the questions, but this was the first and the last time you did something like that. Understood?" Thráin nodded. "You will apologize to Balin and you are grounded for two weeks." Thráin wanted to protest. "It's not negotiable."
"I don't like lessons in Khuzdul. They are boring."
"It's very important that you learn it. Even if you find it boring now it will be very useful in the future," explained Thorin.
"Menu shirumund."
"Frerin…" warned Thorin. "Try not to repeat everything you hear from Fíli and Kíli."
"Why?"
"Because it's not appropriate to say things like this," explained Thorin. He turned back to Thráin. "You took Frerin out with you today and then you left him alone."
"He gave me no choice. I had to take him with me."
"He is your brother," reasoned Thorin. "All we asked you to do was to keep an eye on him, but you couldn't do that. Two guards brought him to me in tears." Thorin sounded disappointed so Thráin didn't dare to look him in the eyes.
"Do I have to stay here or can I go?" asked Thráin.
"You will help with the reports." Thorin gave him a pack of reports. "Read them, if you find anything interesting give it to me, otherwise just sign it."
"Interesting?" questioned Thráin.
"I really don't care about every rock that they move in this mountain, I really don't," sighed Thorin.
"Do you really get reports like that?" Thorin nodded. "That's just stupid."
"Yes, well. We have a lot to do so you better start. I'm not planning on being here for the rest of the afternoon." Thráin nodded in understanding before he started reading.
:::
With Thráin's help they finished the reports much faster than anticipated and Thorin was looking forward to finally spend some time with his husband. It's been months and even if Bilbo was drinking the tea for two weeks they still didn't find time to be together and Thorin was slowly losing his patience. He was hoping to get back to the quarters, have a bath, eat dinner, put the children to bed early and then have some fun. But things don't always go the way you want them to.
They were returning back to the quarters, with Frerin running down the hall when he suddenly tripped and fell. It took a couple of seconds before he sat back and started crying.
Thorin was next to him in a few short steps and he scooped him up. "It's okay," he soothed. "It's okay. I'm here… Calm down…"
Thráin checked Frerin's knee. "It's a little red, but no blood. He will probably get a bruise."
Frerin stopped crying after a couple of minutes. "See, all better. You will be fine."
"I want Papa," Frerin demanded. Thorin wasn't really surprised. Whenever something was wrong his children always wanted Bilbo. He was the last case emergency and his children came to him only if they couldn't find his husband.
"Let's go to Papa then." Thorin made a few steps, but stopped again. "You know what. We will go somewhere else first."
Thorin led them down the corridors and Thráin quickly realized where he was leading them. "Why are we going to the infirmary? He is fine, you do know that?"
Thorin didn't answer, he just led them to the infirmary. The moment they entered Dís saw them.
"Thorin? What are you doing here?" she asked and approached them. "Is everything okay?"
"I fell," explained Frerin and Thorin passed him to his sister. Thorin looked around to find a guard and whispered him something.
"You fell?" questioned Dís and put him on the bed. "Were you running?" Frerin nodded. Dís checked his hands and his knees. "Thorin… why did you bring him here? He is not hurt." One look at her brother explained everything. "Oh no…"
:::
Bilbo was surprised when he heard someone knock on the door. He wasn't expecting anyone and his children or husband would never knock. He put Frodo back in his bassinet and went to check who it was.
"Your Highness," bowed the guard at the doors that was completely out of breath. "I'm sorry to disturb you but the King requested that I inform you that they are in the infirmary-"
Bilbo stopped listening right there. They were in the infirmary that meant something was wrong. He ignored the guard and hurried back inside. He got dressed as fast as he could and wrapped Frodo in a warm blanket before he almost ran to the infirmary. After eight weeks he finally left the quarters and he has drawn a lot of attention especially because he was carrying Frodo with him. But Bilbo didn't care, he needed to get to the infirmary as fast as he possibly could.
Few dwarfs jumped when he entered the ward. "Where are my children?" he demanded. A dwarf pointed down the hall and Bilbo quickly walked in that direction. He found Thráin sitting in a chair, looking very bored, and Frerin sitting on a bed. "Oh, Sweetheart. Are you okay? Are you hurt?" He pulled him as close to him as he could because he was still carrying Frodo. He cupped his cheek with one hand and looked Frerin in the eyes. "Are you hurt?" Frerin smiled and shook his head.
"He tripped and dad brought him here," explained Thráin from where he was sitting.
"Is he alright?" He looked at Frerin. "Are you alright?"
Frerin nodded. "Knee hurt, but daddy made it go away."
Bilbo checked his knee, which was a little red, and kissed it. "Better?" Frerin giggled and smiled. "I was so worried that something happened to you."
"I'm in one piece," commented Thráin. "Thanks for asking."
"Where is your father?" asked Bilbo, irritated. He had a feeling why Thorin called him here.
"I'm here," said Thorin from behind and Bilbo jumped.
"You," Bilbo turned around and pointed a finger at his husband, "How dare you use our children like this? I was worried sick that something was wrong when everything was okay. You just wanted to get me out of the quarters," accused Bilbo.
"Actually," interrupted the guard and bowed because he interrupted them, "His Majesty asked me to inform you they will be late for dinner because they are in the infirmary talking to Lady Dís." Bilbo narrowed his eyes at the guard, who wanted nothing more but to disappear. "I'm sorry." The guard bowed and left.
"You see," smiled Thorin.
"Yes I see. You needed to inform me you were here because you would be late for dinner." Bilbo let out a breath to calm his nerves. "Fine I'll pretend to buy this little trick of yours, but let me tell you this Thorin: I know why you did it and I was stupid enough to fall for your trick."
Thorin smirked and stole a kiss. "I knew it would work." He lifted Frerin from the bed and put him on the ground. "How about we take a walk now that you are here," he suggested. Bilbo wanted to protest but Thorin spoke again. "We are all here, Frodo is warm and comfortable and if you want I can order an escort."
"Fine," sighed Bilbo. "We can go for a walk."
"Do you want me to carry Frodo?"
"No, I can hold him," answered Bilbo.
Frerin jumped at the opportunity to hold Thorin's hand as they walked out of the infirmary together. Bilbo didn't feel comfortable at the beginning and he held Frodo close to him. Thorin led them down to the markets and when he placed his hand on Bilbo's back the hobbit finally relaxed. He completely forgot how people behaved around him. They smiled at him and were genuinely happy to see him again. Of course the small bundle in his arms has drawn most of the attention, but they didn't forget about Thráin and Frerin. The guards did their job and allowed them to pass through the crowd slowly without any incidents.
"Sire! When are you going to present him?"
Bilbo just smiled and let Thorin do all the talking. "On Durin's day. We just need a little more time with him."
"Does he look more like you or your Consort? How big is he? Who chose the name? Do you plan to have more? What does that mean for prince Thráin? How do they get along? Will you marry him to other families? Why we didn't see you together for so long? When will his Highness resume his duties?"
Thorin stopped for a moment and so did everyone else. "He is a healthy boy," started Thorin, "Who likes to eat-"
"And cry," added Thráin and the crowd laughed.
"And cry. He has an appetite so he usually cries when he is hungry. He is already an official heir to the throne and his birth didn't change anything. Thráin is still second in line and will become a King if Prince Fíli renounces his title," explained Thorin.
"When will his Highness resume his duties?" came a question from the crowd.
Thorin was once again prepared to answer but Bilbo spoke first. "I just need some time. He is eight weeks old so he still needs someone to stay with him all the time. But if there was something that would urgently require my attention I would do it."
"Are you planning to have more?"
"If Mahal gives us his blessing," answered Thorin and the crowd erupted in cheers. "Thank you," said Thorin and waved. Frerin smiled and did the same. Thráin was staying close to Bilbo who waved now and then. It wasn't an easy thing to do if you were holding a baby in your arms.
Bilbo sighed with relief when they were back in their quarters.
"You see, it wasn't that bad. I think they missed seeing you," said Thorin.
"It was nice," agreed Bilbo.
"Papa," whined Frerin, "When are we going to eat?"
"I need to feed Frodo first and then I'll make us something to eat."
"Can I come," asked Frerin and Bilbo nodded.
:::
It was late when Thorin finally came to the bedroom. After dinner he had some things to do, when he came back he had to deal with Frerin who refused to go to bed. Thráin fell asleep in the common room so Thorin had to carry him to bed and after that Fíli wanted to talk about a few things and Thorin couldn't say no to him.
He was worried that he will find his husband asleep when he will come to the bedroom, but to his surprise Bilbo was awake, waiting for him.
"Finally," complained Bilbo and got out of the bed. "I thought you would never come."
"I'm sorry," said Thorin and started taking off his clothes. But Bilbo had another thing in his mind because in his opinion Thorin was talking too much time. He stepped in front of him and started helping removing his husband's clothes. "Little impatient, are we," teased Thorin.
"You have no idea," said Bilbo and pushed Thorin back on the bed before he pulled his boots off and a few seconds later his pants. The only thing his husband was wearing were underpants. "You have no idea how long I was waiting to do this," said Bilbo as he straddled Thorin's hips.
"I can only imagine…"
Bilbo leaned down and captured Thorin's lips. The dwarf moaned and pulled him closer. "No foreplay," ordered Bilbo. "First thing I want is good and throughout fucking, after that we can go slow. But if I don't get my release soon I will bite you favorite appendage off. Did I made myself clear enough?" asked Bilbo and Thorin answered with a kiss.
"I love it when you talk dirty."
"I know," said Bilbo between kisses. He went from Thorin's jaw down to his neck, stopping there for a moment so that he could leave a mark. His hands were exploring Thorin's chest and he was rolling his hips the get as much friction as possible.
Thorin's hands were exploring Bilbo's soft tights, grabbing him and pulling him closer. He knew that there will be probably a few bruises left in the morning, but right now he didn't care and neither did Bilbo. Bilbo's skin was soft and it felt amazing under his fingers. The weight he gained during the pregnancy was almost gone. A little that was left on his thighs, butt and stomach only turned Thorin on, because he knew how amazing it will be later to lay on it, skin to skin, nothing between them. He pulled his husband's nightgown up only to discover something. "You are not wearing anything underneath."
"I wanted t-to make things easier," explained Bilbo between kisses. "This feels so good," he moaned as he felt one of Thorin's fingers teasing his entrance.
"The things I will do to you," said Thorin and flipped them over. Bilbo let out a laugh and wrapped his legs around Thorin's waist. "Comfortable?" Bilbo nodded and pulled Thorin down for a kiss.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Thorin put his hand over Bilbo's mouth so that he couldn't speak. "Stay quiet. If we are lucky they will think we are already asleep." The stayed together in that position for a minute, waiting what will happen.
Another knock. "I know you are awake." It was Dís. "Are you decent?" No answer. "Can you please stop with whatever you are doing? Frerin has a fever and he wants you there."
"Why something like this always happens to us," groaned Thorin and rolled off his husband. "All I'm asking is for an hour, two, if it's not too much," Thorin said to no one in particular.
Bilbo quickly went for his robe and went to check on Frerin. Dís sent him a look when he entered the bedroom, but still moved away so that he could sit next to his son. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?" He touched his forehead. Dís was right, he had a fever. "Thank you for calling us. I didn't know. He wasn't warm when I put him to bed."
"I was going to bed, but then I saw that he was once again tangled in the covers so when I touched him I noticed he was warm," explained Dís. "I will call Óin. You should give him a bath in the meantime."
"It's going to be okay," whispered Bilbo and placed a kiss on Frerin's head. The moment Thorin entered the bedroom Frerin reached for him and Bilbo moved away so that Thorin could sit down. "I'll start a bath, bring him soon."
"Daddy," whined Frerin and immediately climbed into Thorin's lap.
"It's okay. You will feel better soon, I promise. You will have a bath and then Óin will check you," explained Thorin.
Frerin didn't have the energy to fight and allowed Thorin to bathe him to cool him down a little. He got a little clingy and refused to let go of his daddy so Óin had to check on him while he was sitting in his lap.
"It's better if he spends the night in the infirmary," said Óin after he checked Frerin. "I wouldn't risk him staying here because of Frodo."
"I'll go with him."
"No," interrupted Thorin, "You should stay with Frodo, he needs you more than he needs me." Bilbo knew Thorin was right so he agreed. Thorin got dressed and carried Frerin down to the infirmary where Óin was waiting for them. Frerin wasn't the only toddler there and Thorin wasn't the only parent.
Óin came in a couple of minutes later and brought some tea. "He needs to drink this. It will lower his temperature."
Thorin nodded and accepted the cup. "Sweetheart you will need to drink this."
"I don't want it," protested Frerin. "It doesn't smell good."
Thorin had to agree with that. "I'll get your sippy cup." Thorin returned a few minutes later, but Frerin still refused to drink it. At the end they agreed that Thorin will sleep in the bed with him and Frerin will drink his tea.
"Can we call Papa?" asked Frerin.
"Papa has to stay with Frodo," explained Thorin and pulled Frerin closer to him and placed a kiss on his head. "He will come in the morning." Frerin let out a few tears and Thorin wiped them away. "Why don't you try to get some sleep? You will feel better when you wake up."
"I don't want to. I want Papa."
"He will come in the morning, I promise." It took a while, but Frerin was finally able to fall back asleep. Thorin stayed with him in the bed and basically allowed him to sleep on top of him. He checked his temperature several times and by morning it was back to normal.
It was very amusing for Thorin when in the morning nurses came to check on their patients and they found the King next to his son. They really didn't expect him there.
"Your Majesty, can I get you anything?"
"No, I'm fine. Thank you."
"I'll call for Master Óin," said the nurse and bowed before she left.
"Thorin," smiled Dís as she entered after the nurse left. "Your presence here had everyone talking. No one wants to work anymore."
"It's not my fault," defended Thorin.
Dís took a step closer to feel Frerin's forehead. "His temperature is down."
"It's been for almost an hour."
"Have you two been like this the whole night?" asked Dís with a smile.
"He wanted this as a reward for drinking that tea," explained Thorin. "And then he wanted Bilbo here and I had to allow him to sleep like this. He's been calm all night. Usually he can't sleep still, but this night he didn't even move."
"Óin might have added a few drops in his tea," carefully said Dís. "Before you start yelling at me I must remind you that I had nothing to do with this and that it wasn't much, just enough so that he fell asleep."
"You are not allowed to drug my children ever again. Did I make myself clear?" Dís nodded. "How much longer is he going to sleep?"
"I would say an hour or so. We didn't give him that much."
Thorin sent her a look. "You are forgetting that he is five. Just don't mention anything to Bilbo, he would skin you alive for doing something like this."
Dís nodded and left because she had some other things to do. Thorin checked if his son was still breathing after finding out that Óin and Dís drugged him. A good half an hour later Frerin finally started showing signs that he was okay.
"Good morning, sweetheart," greeted Thorin and placed a kiss on his head. "How are you feeling?"
Frerin took another five minutes before he gave him an answer. He enjoyed slowly waking up and stretching before he opened his eyes. "I don't know," he mumbled into Thorin's chest still half asleep.
"Does your tummy hurt or your head?" Frerin pointed at his throat. "Throat hurts?" Frerin nodded. "You will drink some tea and it won't hurt so much."
"No tea," protested Frerin.
"Papa will make you some tea," promised Thorin. "You know that your Papa makes very good tea."
As on cue Bilbo walked in with Frodo and Thráin, who was carrying a basket. Thorin would bet that there were cookies in there.
"Good morning," greeted Bilbo with a smile. "How are you, sweetheart?"
"His throat hurts," Thorin filled in.
Bilbo handed Frodo to his husband and sat on the bed. "You are not warm anymore. That's good."
"His temperature is down."
"Morning, dad," said Thráin. With everything that's been going around they completely forgot about him.
"Morning, son. What do you have there?"
"Papa made cookies," explained Thráin.
"Did you even sleep last night?"
"Did you?" retorted Bilbo. "I was worried about Frerin and I couldn't sleep so baked some cookies."
"There are four full baskets in the kitchen," pointed out Thráin and Bilbo sent him a look.
Before they could start arguing Óin walked in. He checked on Frerin and told them what they already knew. Frerin didn't have a temperature anymore. He had a cold and Óin advised them that Frerin stays in the infirmary for the rest of the day so that he would stay in bed. It was Frerin who protested because he wanted to go back to the quarters, but Thorin and Bilbo decided to take Óin's advice. Thorin stayed with him, while Bilbo returned back to the quarters with Frodo. Fíli took over for a day and did everything that Balin told him to do. Thorin spent the entire day listening to Frerin whine about this and that, he had to argue with him to stay in bed and to drink the tea Dís brought him. At the end of the day he was exhausted and happy at the same time because Frerin was allowed to return back to the quarters.
Thorin resumed his duties the next day while Bilbo took care of Frerin. Luckily Frerin was better after four days and by the fifth day he was running around like nothing happened. They were still very busy and at the end of the day they fell into bed exhausted and no matter how much they wanted to be together, they just couldn't.
A week later Bilbo had enough of everything. He understood that his husband was the King, but that didn't mean that he couldn't get a few hours of free time to spend it with him. He knew that Frodo was old enough to spend the night without him without any trouble and if something would have happened he would still be close to him. Still, he did everything he could to make sure that Frodo would be able to stay alone for the night with Dís so he left two bottles in the kitchen. Fíli and Kíli offered to watch Frerin and keep an eye on Thráin so that he wouldn't do anything stupid.
Bilbo headed down to Thorin's office and decided to wait for him to finish the meeting. He loved sitting in Thorin's office, it smelled like his husband, the furniture reminded him of Thorin, even the mess on the table was made by Thorin. He never felt neglected, but sometimes he wanted to have Thorin just for him.
"What are you doing here?" Thorin's question brought him back to reality. Thorin wasn't angry to see him here, he looked very happy to see him. "Have you been waiting for long?"
"I just came here," answered Bilbo and closed the distance between them. "I wanted to see you."
"You did?" smirked Thorin.
"Let me rephrase that. I came here to steal you away."
"I still have a lot of things to do. I'll come back earlier-"
"Thorin!" interrupted Bilbo. "We've been postponing this for weeks. We are tired, we are busy, Frerin gets sick." Bilbo laughed at the last part. "This is not us anymore. We love each other and no matter how tired or busy we are we always find time for each other. We promised that to each other when we got married. I need to have you for myself, even if only for a few hours. I need to feel that you are still mine and I yours."
Thorin let out a breath. "You are right, we need some time alone. This has been going on for too long."
A smile formed on Bilbo's lips. "I thought you were going to lose it, but you held very well."
"I can be good if I want to," retorted Thorin. "But," Bilbo got worried for a second where his husband was going with this, "Even though I want to do things to you that will make you see stars I wants us to go slow. I want to show you how much I love you."
"You do know that you are planning how we are going to have sex?" teased Bilbo.
"Make love," corrected Thorin and leaned in for a kiss.
Bilbo wrapped his arms around Thorin's neck and allowed him to pull him closer. "The mightiest of the dwarf Lords is a romantic," he teased after they pulled apart.
"Only for you," smiled Thorin and gave him another kiss. "Bag End?"
"Lead the way," said Bilbo and accepted Thorin's hand. "I love you."
"I love you, too, my burglar."
Love is a wonderful feeling that the whole world needs plenty of, and if you think for just one moment you can live without it you are only fooling yourself.
Durin's day was fast approaching and so was the arrival of Dain and his caravan. He won't come alone, that's for sure and not everyone will be happy with his visit. The fact is that he will return like: blast from the past.
Author's notes:
All mistakes are mine.
Khuzdul:
Men eleneku menu o bepap opetu ezirak - I desire you more than an endless vein of mithril
Men lananubukhs menu - I love you
Gamut meliku ai-menu - Good travels to you
Vemu ai-men - Greetings to you
Menu shirumund - You are beardless
Only two more chapters. I'm crying here. This chapter is focused more on Frerin/Thráin/Thorin relationship. I hope you had fun reading it. I just can't write smut, I just can't. I don't know how I'm going to write something for TMoL. It's probably going to turn out horrible.
I want to thank everyone who sent questions on Tumblr. I'm always having fun answering them. Anyway let me know what you think… I'll see you at the next chapter.
