AN: I don't own any of the hobbit characters I am just taking them out of Tolkien's toy box and playing with them.

I have posted a one shot in It's worth fighting for about Fili and Kili's thoughts on the story so far.

FanFiction Queen: Which bit confused you? If you let me know I'll try not to do it again. At least this time round you only have to deal with Dwalin being clueless: D The one shot sounds good, might even get it put up before this chapter…The joys of working Christmas, I have very little time or energy to do long chapters-I don't like putting half assed ones up so I hope you will allow longer between chapters this month rather than hunting me down:D.

Chapter Twenty-Preparations.

Dwalin's cheery outlook didn't last long and he glared at Bilbo's wardrobe as if it had offered him grievous insult. The hobbit didn't seem to own anything that wasn't embroidered or made of soft fabric. The humorous look Bilbo was sending him didn't help and Dwalin huffed again as he looked over the piles of clothing spread across what was once an immaculately tidy bedroom. "Really Bilbo," he groaned, leaning heavily against the mahogany wardrobe, "You seriously don't own and heavy clothing, leather armour or anything?" He honestly didn't know why he was surprised, after all Bilbo had owned to not being a warrior or a traveller only hours earlier, but yet a small part of him had still hoped that he had been exaggerating. "You really don't travel much do you?"

He winced as Bilbo shot him a wry look from where he was starting to put the clothing back into the wardrobe, "Ya think?" Dwalin bit his lip and heard Bilbo sigh, "Sorry Master Dwalin, it's just … I'm a little on edge now."

Dwalin looked at the smaller man in shock and reached out a steadying hand, but stopped before himself before he clasped Bilbo's shoulder, drawing his hand back and stuffing his fists into his pockets. "Is it because I'm here Bilbo?" he asked unconsciously worrying his lower lip.

Bilbo looked across at Dwalin and sighed, feeling guilt well up at how he had treated the dwarf throughout the past day. He wrapped his fingers around Dwalin's wrist and squeezed gently getting half an eye crinkle in response. Giving up on putting the clothes away for now Bilbo slid to the floor gestured for Dwalin to do the same, he smiled as the dwarf settled next to him, glad some trust was still there after his stupidity earlier. "It's not you Master Dwalin," he glanced at the dwarf from under his lashes and took some strength from the fact Dwalin was examining his bare knuckles rather than looking at him, "It's definitely not you." When he got a huff in response Bilbo let out a nervous chuckle, "Honestly I'm telling the truth, it's your crown prince and the wizard." Lowering his own eyes Bilbo didn't see Dwalin look sharply at him and continued on nervously, "I don't think they are bad people per say but something about them has me on edge." He entangled his fingers trying to stop his hands shaking, not noticing Dwalin had shifted closer. "I know Master Oakenshield doesn't trust me, hell I know he has taken an instant dislike to me…but then none of you really trust me yet and I doubt you can honestly like me without trusting me so that shouldn't bother me that he thinks that. But it does. Although it might have something to do with how rude and obnoxious he was before I had even spoken to him. I mean really who walks into someone's home, a home they have opened up to a bunch of strangers out of the goodness of their hearts and insults them? Who make their first question to a stranger about fighting or weapons of choice, unless he was itching for a fight himself? He circled me like I was a rabbit and he a wolf, acted like I owed him something now correct me if I am wrong but wasn't it him who sent twelve other dwarves to my house uninvited and it was only thanks to you I had any idea of them coming. I mean can you imagine if you hadn't gotten here a day early."

Bilbo took a deep breath, barely registering that Dwalin was now sitting shoulder to shoulder with him, "Then there's the bloody wizard. I meant what I said he's an interfering old fart. I told him I didn't want to go on no sodding adventure and he ignored everything I said, vandalised my property and aided and abetted Master Oakenshield in getting my home filled with dwarves, of course I blame Gandalf entirely. If he hadn't contacted Master Oakenshield then the prince wouldn't have thought to send you all here. Man needs to learn the meaning of the word no. of course he didn't explain anything to me just asked if I wanted to go on an adventure, I mean I am a hobbit who asks a hobbit that?" He barely recognised his own voice anymore, but found he couldn't stop, "I have no blame for the rest of you, believe me, despite how much it hurts that you all can't trust me I can understand why you don't. Heck if I were in any of your places I would probably be ten times worse, I mean at least you are willing to eat what I provided you, drink random crap I shoved at you all when you were hung-over. Master Dori was willing to tell me his families' history, Master Kili has even given me a hug. I honestly can't believe you willing left off your armour and weapons around me, if what you told me is all that you have been through personally I am amazed by your willingness to be anywhere near me let alone without weapons. I know you don't really need them against me but still it must have been hard for you too…oomph!"

Dwalin had listened to Bilbo talking with growing concern, that they had made the gentle creature feel that way in his own home was un-defendable and he would be having a private word with Thorin later about his role in it, but for now he had to figure out a way to make Bilbo understand that he wasn't afraid of him without giving offence or making the hobbit feel un-needed. Stopping him talking was the simple part as Dwalin merely wrapped his hand around his mouth, the action also had the added value of drawing Bilbo's green-hazel eyes to his own. "Stop Bilbo!" he rumbled, carefully removing his hand from the other's mouth and dropping it to rest over the nervously twisting fingers. "Please relax." He held Bilbo's gaze, deliberately invading the other's space, stopping when their foreheads were touching gently. "Thorin was out of order and my brother will have already talked to him, unfortunately there is nothing we can do about the wizard," he added wryly, and somehow that made the spark come back to Bilbo's eyes. Dwalin decided to continue, it was always Bilbo comforting him but he hadn't realised just how hurt the hobbit had been by their actions. "I for one am finding it stupidly easy to trust you, and yes I like you, I think most of the company like you, and the trust thing will happen with time." Dwalin smiled gently, hoping his words were comforting Bilbo slightly, or at all. He squeezed the long fingers he captured and pulled away so he could look at the hobbit properly, "Now why don't we try this packing malarkey again?" he questioned with a cheeky grin, he knew the hobbit wouldn't be able to see.

Bilbo felt embarrassed and ashamed and yet Dwalin managed to calm him down and make him feel better with just a few simple words, "Of course," he smiled gently at the dwarf, wishing he knew him well enough to be able to tell the difference between the eye crinkles, "I'm sorry for… well having a hissy fit on you twice? Three times today." The laugh he got in response lifted his spirits. He thought back to what Dwalin had asked before and it suddenly hit him. "Did you ask if I had any heavy or leather clothing?"

Dwalin followed along behind Bilbo, one hand still captured by the hobbit. He didn't know why the smaller man had a gleeful grin on his face, but was happy to find out. They didn't seem to bump into anyone as they wandered further into Bag End and Dwalin spent a moment wondering where everyone could be, before he walked into Bilbo's back. He blushed and got a light chuckle in response. Peering over Bilbo's shoulder he watched as the hobbit unlocked the door and took a light from the wall. He followed Bilbo into the dark room, wondering why he felt a sense of loss at getting his hand back. The trunks lined neatly along the walls soon distracted his thoughts and with a nod from Bilbo Dwalin was moving to look through them. He whooped out loud as he found travelling gear, obviously old but in remarkably good condition. He smiled widely at Bilbo as the hobbit laughed at his excitement, "I thought you said you didn't travel?"

He got a chuckle in response as Bilbo came up to him, "Oh I don't."

The breath over his ear almost made Dwalin miss the inflection in the sentence, "oh and just who did then?" he turned his head and found himself nose to nose with Bilbo. He was startled for a second before he realised the hobbit had once again drawn himself up to his full height. Without thinking he blurted, "Why do you do that?" all it got him was a confused look and so he expanded slightly, knowing that Bilbo could well withdraw at such an impertinent question, "Why do you hide your true height?"

Bilbo felt himself blush at Dwalin's words, and perched himself on an unopened chest before answering, "I suppose because I am that used to doing so." He smiled sadly at the confused dwarf, "I am a hobbit Master Dwalin, and we are not tall." He cricked his neck and wondered how to explain, "I come from two family lines that are above average height for my race, as a kit I was teased for my height, especially at the beginning of my tweens when I was taller than some adults. " He tilted his head so he could look Dwalin square in the face, "I guess I just learnt to hide my height so I didn't stand out so much." He could see Dwalin understood and desperately searched for a way to change the conversation, "I'll try not to do so as we travel, but first I need stuff to travel with," he gestured at the open chest, "any of that any good?"

Dwalin recognised the subject change and nodded to himself, he'd make sure Bilbo walked tall, he shouldn't have to hide, "Aye Bilbo it is good quality if a little musty. I want to see what's in the other chests before I say it's the best though." He paused, "Is that okay?"

He was granted another laugh and a blinding smile, "Aye Master Dwalin I wouldn't have let you in the room if it wasn't okay…oh and if you see anything any of the company could use please take it…don't argue!"

Dwalin shut his mouth with a snap and stared at Bilbo in astonishment, he knew he must look odd but it was taking his brain a while to filter what he'd just been offered. "Anything?" he breathed.

"Aye Master Dwalin, Anything." There was humour in the hobbit's voice and Dwalin flushed slightly before grinning.

"Thank you Bilbo," he paused, "Can I ask if you would mind dropping the Master?" he smiled down into the still seated hobbit's eyes, "I would much prefer to be just Dwalin if it pleases you."

Bilbo felt the smile spread across his face as Dwalin offered him a great display of trust, "I would be honoured Dwalin," he grabbed the weapon worn hand, "why don't I leave you to rummage in here while I go check on the rest of the company, any of the clothes should fit me and you will know what I actually need and what the company will actually need." He paused at the door, "and yes Dwalin I meant you could take anything." Bilbo nearly skipped up the hall, only stopping himself by the mental reminder that Master Oakenshield already thought he was useless. He entered the kitchen and smiled warmly as he realised Nori and Ori had even tidied up after themselves, the dishes stacked neatly on the table as they didn't know where they went. Humming softly Bilbo returned them to their homes before wandering into the dining room. He stopped at the door and grinned across at a starry eyed Kili. Walking lightly on the balls of his feet he reached the dark haired dwarf unnoticed by anyone else. He sat down carefully and eyed the dreamy expression on the young dwarf's face with a soft smile. It seemed Kili had a small crush and it wasn't on Fili as he'd originally thought. Deciding it was none of his business he elbowed the dwarf softly. Kili's dark eyes flashed to him, instantly alert, and so he held his hands up palms outwards, "peace Mister Kili," he soothed, watching the tension drain from his shoulders. "I just wanted to say that if we are indeed leaving in the morrow then we should all probably get some rest." He looked at Kili who was shaking his head, "we're not leaving tomorrow?" he questioned softly. "Nay Master Boggins, Uncle has decided that we could all do with a bit more rest and so said day after."

Bilbo eyed Thorin ruefully at the dark haired dwarf's answer. Of course the stubborn bugger would change his mind now Bilbo was raring to go. Oh well it would give him time to make sure the Sackville-Baggins' would never get their grubby hands on Bag End. He could also have a small bit of fun, grocer indeed.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o00o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Dwalin was having a great time as he rummaged through chests that hadn't been opened for a great many years. He was surprised to find that much of the travelling gear was more feminine in design and carefully placed it back in the chest he had found them in. He did keep the pair of daggers he'd found with the feminine clothing to one side, he knew Bilbo had admitted to not knowing how to fight but they were small enough to be used as knives if the hobbit so wanted. He had more luck in the next chest where he found several pairs of thick trousers, rough spun shirts, and a leather jerkin. He carefully placed them on the floor and carried on looking. He allowed himself a chuckle as he pulled free a sturdy looking pack from the bottom of one chest, shaking it free of the delicate material it had been hidden under. He eyed the clothes, the pile seemed small but he supposed Bilbo would have every day wear he could have for over or under it. Besides if he took too much more then there wouldn't be room for other essentials. He delved into a black leather bound chest and smirked as the first thing he found was a sleeping roll. It even still had its blanket, it was made of a strange material but Dwalin had no doubt it would be just as warm if not more so than their own, after all hobbits seemed to like comfort. Prowling around the room Dwalin came to a stop by one chest and knelt by it carefully, it was dustier than the rest as if it had been pushed into the furthest corner and promptly forgotten about. He gingerly opened the lid and couldn't help the gasp that escaped his throat. He carefully lifted the bundle of parchments from their hidey hole and recognising Bilbo's writing sat down on the floor to read.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

It was passed midnight when Dwalin finally emerged from the room, he was dusty and carrying a bundle of stuff but it was the look of awe in his eyes that would have caused concern amongst his fellow dwarves. Luckily for him it was Bilbo he bumped into first, the hobbit had obviously been on his way back to check on Dwalin as he had a tray with two large mugs, a pot of steaming tea, a plate of biscuits, sugar and milk balanced on it. He took one look at Dwalin's face and chuckled, "Shall we go back to my room and I can pack those while you have a nice cup of tea?" When Dwalin merely nodded Bilbo smiled and led the way along the hall, he did wonder what Dwalin had found in those old chest to cause him to look like a love struck tween, but thought better than to pry, if Dwalin wanted him to know he was sure the dwarf would tell him. He did keep shooting glances at Dwalin as he packed most of the things carefully into the pack Dwalin had found. He was pleased to see the dwarf seemed to be returning to normal as he sipped his tea, and bit back a smirk as he noticed the dent that had been made in the plate of cookies, a huge difference to Dwalin's first night there.

Dwalin watched as Bilbo moved gracefully around placing things carefully into the pack, he wanted to ask about what he'd found but wasn't sure how it would be received. He'd placed the pages on the small pile he'd found for the company and felt no guilt in taking them, but he did want to know where the hobbit had come across the information. It certainly explained the knowledge the hobbit had shown about the line of Durin, Erebore, Ered Luin and the battle of Azanulbizar. He eyed the slender man with renewed respect. He had been right when he told Balin Bilbo was different. For the first time in a century Dwalin felt hope rise in his chest and stay there. He smiled at Bilbo relishing in the answering grin he got in return. "I do believe I found a couple of things the company might find useful Bilbo, I hope you don't mind but I left them in a pile in the room?"

Bilbo chuckled, "I said anything didn't I Dwalin?" he rolled his eyes, "I'm beginning to question your short term memory," he chuckled to take the sting out of his words. "Honestly its fine," he flopped down beside Dwalin on the bed, "pour me a cup would you, I feel like I need one." He accepted the cup eagerly and smiled across at the dwarf again, "thank you for helping Dwalin, I would have had no idea where to start." He huffed slightly, "I would probably have packed handkerchiefs and some books," he smiled into his mug as Dwalin laughed. He decided the dwarf's laugh was almost musical and he was determined to have it happen as much as possible, even if it meant joking about his inabilities. He relaxed further not realising he hadn't slouched once since Dwalin had pulled him for it earlier.

Dwalin felt a twinge of guilt at laughing at Bilbo's inexperience with traveling the wilds but it had obviously been made as a joke, so he let himself chuckle and slid further across the bed so his back was resting on the wall. "Bilbo," he mused, savouring yet another biscuit, "Where did you learn to cook so well?"

Bilbo laughed at him and slid across the bed so he was leaning against the wall next to the dwarf, "my father taught me most of it. Well the baking and high end cooking anyway. My mother taught me to make simple filling meals from not very much." He sighed as the dwarf chuckled sleepily this time. "Rabbit stew was something I learnt to make through trial and error, mainly catch rabbit, skin and clean rabbit, then chuck rabbit into a pan with some water and any veggies I could lay my hands on." He shifted slightly as Dwalin slid down the bed slightly, "The biscuits are Viennese swirls, but they are not my best, I need more time and no distractions to make my best biscuits." He felt a weight on his should and turned his head slightly to find Dwalin's head rested there, "Dwalin?"

The dwarf huffed slightly, "Can I keep you Bilbo?" before he slipped into a gentle sleep.

Bilbo sat frozen for several moments as Dwalin's words bounced around his brain, before he mentally shook himself and reminded himself that Dwalin wouldn't have meant it in any sense if he'd actually been awake. Smirking softly at the sleeping dwarf Bilbo manoeuvred himself so Dwalin was lying with his head on the pillows. Sliding off the covers he padded to the chest at the end of his bed and dug out the patchwork throw he kept in there. He settled it over Dwalin's curled up form before slipping from the room.