SIX:

They had raided the shop before leaving, cleaning it out of provisions and grabbing what they thought they would need-including some more clothes for Bilbo. It had been chastening and a little embarrassing to find Thorin leading him round the rather limited selection and handing him heavy jeans, tee shirt, plaid shirt, sweater and coat, as well as smallthings, socks and a pair of sturdy walking boots. He glanced at Bilbo and added gloves and a scarf as well then dropped a cap on top. Bilbo knew he would need to change most of the sizes but Thorin paused.

"We're going into the mountains and it will be cold," he explained. "We all have appropriate clothes with us but you don't. Change the sizes but not the garb. I'll wait at the cashier to pay."

"You don't have to…" he began but Thorin grunted.

"As you weren't granted the opportunity to pack a bag and bring your own clothes, departmental policy dictates that we pay for suitable garb. And that extends as well to when we take you to a location where specialised clothing is required." Bilbo sighed, conceding the point.

"Okay. Thank you," he said in an awkward voice then gestured. "I need to change the sizes. I mean, I'll be swamped in most of these…" Nodding, Thorin paced over to another rack as the rest of the Company browsed, his eyes laser focussed on his task though Bilbo caught him casting a brief, intense glance at him. Frowning and mildly disconcerted, Bilbo went to collect the correct sizes and in some cases, colours. Thorin had typically chosen his signature blacks and dark blues while Bilbo was really a green and brown man and if he was going to be dressed for the wild, at least he could look a bit more like himself. Finally satisfied at his selections, he returned to the cashier to find Thorin already paying for a carrier bag full of items. He gestured to the cashier. "He's with me," he added briskly. The man grinned, eyes sliding between the two men.

"Boyfriend, eh?" he assumed and began to scan the items through as Bilbo blushed scarlet and Thorin rolled his eyes.

"That obvious, hmm?" he said in a low voice as the young man continued scanning through.

"You'd be surprised," the cashier commented, folding the clothes expertly as he slid them into the bag.

"Oh."

"Off somewhere?" the young cashier persisted amiably as Bilbo now looked like he was about to burst into flames.

"Hiking to a nice secluded cabin, off Greenwood," Thorin offered equably, sounding most unlike his usual gruff self. "My friends are heading off on a hiking challenge but we're looking for a quiet getaway."

"Have you been together long?" the cashier asked, finishing bagging the items and jiggling the carrier to fit in the little packet of smallclothes. Thorin cleared his throat.

"Not that long," he said. "This is our first weekend break alone…" The young man chuckled and handed the purchases over to Bilbo, who took it silently. Thorin handed his card over without comment and signed the slip, then nodded.

"Well, have a good break," the young man wished them and Thorin nodded with a faint smile. Bilbo managed a strained smile as he followed Thorin out and then glared at the Police Officer once they were outside.

"Why…?" he began but Thorin sighed, rummaging in his bag and pulling out a green and brown backpack, handing it over.

"He'll remember the gay couple going hiking and heading for a cabin near Greenwood," he said as if it were obvious. "So if anyone asks, that's what he'll say. We're heading in the opposite direction." Grasping the backpack, Bilbo nodded, curiously annoyed that his private life-but not really-was being used as camouflage.

"I don't suppose there are changing facilities?" he asked more snarkily than he had intended.

"I'd use the restroom," Thorin advised. "There may not be much time later…" So Bilbo headed back into the building with an irritated glare while Thorin gazed after him, folding his arms across his chest.

"I recognise that look," Dwalin told him. A curt nod was the only reply. "You're getting to tolerate him."

"He's not designed for cold, harsh conditions," Thorin said flatly. "He's a child of the kindly west. The Shire is perhaps the best part of Eriador, save the valley of Imladris which is secluded from all comers, save by invitation."

"Don't suppose you could swing one of those?" the big man asked.

"My grandfather-maybe. Me-not a hope," his leader told him plainly. "I think I insulted everyone at the last conference on organised crime when they all agreed Smaug, Firewyrm and the Gundabads are solely ours to deal with. Blasted elf descendants. Never wanting to involve themselves in anyone else's problems until the monsters are directly knocking on their doors. And treating us as if we were lesser…" Dwalin patted him on the shoulder, recognising the edge of an old grudge.

"I get the idea," he said gruffly. "No one ever likes Ereboreans, do they?" Thorin sighed, forcing himself to calm.

"My ancestors didn't really help with relations to the other Kingdoms but times have changed," he murmured. "I thought we were supposed to be the ones to have long memories…but it seems, no one ever forgets." Dwalin grasped his shoulder.

"Neither do I," he murmured. "Not that night…and what came after. You saved my life, more than once." Awarding him a small smile, Thorin mirrored the gesture.

"Then we are even," he said. Dwalin leaned close.

"Get some sleep, Thorin," he advised. "You look like shit. Balin knows the way."

"I'll consider it," he sighed and nodded to the older man who had silently walked up. Balin extended his hand and Thorin handed over the keys with an approving look from the older man at his younger brother.

"A wise decision, laddie," Balin commented. "Though I was afraid you may consider handing over the keys to Fili."

"Never again," Thorin swore, his brows dipping in a scowl. "He almost got himself, Kili and Bilbo killed."

"A move worthy of a raw, eager and completely reckless young recruit I once knew," Balin commented dryly, his eyes twinkling. Thorin scowled at him.

"I was never that reckless," he objected.

"You attacked and fought the Gundabads when you were alone," Balin reminded him. "You should have run."

"They would have found Frerin and Dis," Thorin bit out, his voice tight. "I had to stay to cover their escape. And I would never surrender."

"You nearly died," Balin pointed out. "And when we found you, you were on the brink of death. You were the wildest member of the Company at the start because you were so desperate for vengeance…" Thorin shook his head.

"Just don't banish the boys," Dwalin murmured quietly. He was greeted with a scornful look from their leader.

"No matter how angry I may be at them for their recklessness, I can still recall what it was like being young," he said. "And I promised her to look after them as my own, to protect them. I can't do that if they aren't in the Company. I'll talk to them before they set off again." Balin nodded as he drifted to the car while Thorin looked around and headed off towards the two shapes of his nephews, who were deep in conversation with Ori and Bofur. Balin sighed as he watched Thorin beckon his nephews and pull them aside for a private word. Both young men paled but pulled back their shoulders and faced the brooding shape of their Uncle bravely.

"Well, they don't lack courage, just the wisdom when to exercise it," he mumbled. "I think having our Mister Baggins with us for a few days will help them all." Dwalin folded his arms and frowned. "Bilbo seems to have adopted them like younger brothers. And Ori. Bofur really likes him."

"He ran off," Dwalin pointed out.

"He had just found out his closest relatives had been killed-and not one of you others made any move to reassure him. He was right-we have been slack in welcoming and reassuring him. Thorin sometimes forgets that we aren't all invested in his personal quest. But even he has unfrozen very slightly to our Bilbo." Dwalin nodded, reluctantly conceding the point.

"I'l round up the Company," he said practically. "It's time to go."

When Bilbo emerged in his new clothes with his belongings all securely stowed in his new backpack, he glanced over to see Thorin having a serious talk to his nephews, their heads bowed and shoulders slumped. A large part of him wanted to go over there and speak up for the lads…but he recognised this was Thorin's Company and his kinsmen. But from talking to him, he trusted that Thorin would not cast aside two of his men when they were all fleeing for their lives and from the chastened way that the younger men were holding themselves, it seemed they were having their ears chewed off. Perhaps it would provide a lesson to think before they acted in future.

He sighed and headed for the car, standing by the gently smiling shape of Balin.

"You look much better prepared for an adventure now, Master Baggins," Balin commented with a twinkle in his eyes. Fashioning a small smile, Bilbo gave a small spin and returned to face the older officer.

"Do I pass muster?" he asked with a small smile.

"Aye, laddie-you'll do," Balin said cheerfully as Bilbo's eyes drifted over to the young officers.

"He won't send them away?" he asked softly. "That was what they were most worried about-and I could see they…well, they're idiots but they absolutely trusted you would get them out of the mess. And they wanted to protect you all." He sighed. "Sorry-it's really none of my business but I can see they're just young…" Balin patted him companionably on the shoulder.

"Underneath his gruff exterior, Thorin loves his nephews and will do anything to protect them," Balin murmured, smiling cheerfully. "He'll put the fear of Mahal in them before he finishes but he won't let them out of his sight. Hopefully they will learn." Bilbo nodded as the three men walked back to the car. Fili and Kili were subdued while Thorin was scowling. He jerked his head.

"In-and no more mistakes," he snapped, getting into the passenger seat. Bilbo occupied his window seat, this time getting Fili sitting next to him. The blond young man flashed a brief, watery smile, though he looked thoughtful. Balin clambered into the driver's seat and carefully adjusted the seat to his much shorter stature. He cast a look at the shape of Thorin, settled comfortably in the passenger seat and he nodded. "You know the way, Balin," Thorin assured him. "Wake me when we're half an hour away." And then he closed his eyes and he was asleep before they had even pulled away.

-o0o-

The afternoon was waning when the cars pulled off the main road and started up a long and rough track that finally led to a picnic area. Finally, the convoy pulled to a halt and the cramped Company all clambered out with relief. Thorin had woken as they turned off the main highway and was muttering to Balin in rapid Khuzdul so that Bilbo was tempted to reveal that he could understand them. Yet there was a stubborn core of irritation that made him hold his tongue: he had lived in Erebor for a couple of years and if they assumed he hadn't picked up any of their blasted language in that time, it was their own lookout. At least Thorin looked less exhausted and more like his controlled self as they exited the car and gathered their belongings.

In fact, Bilbo was amazed how much luggage they had managed to cram into the random assortment of vehicles as more and more backpacks, duffle bags and rucksacks emerged and the Company grabbed their coats, bags and provisions. Thorin slung a long leather coat over his body and folded his suit coat into the duffel bag he slung across his shoulders, glancing round his Company. Bilbo realised that they were all kitted out in tough boots, hardy but warm clothing and armed and as he glanced over at Thorin, he gave a nod.

"This will be a trek," Thorin explained gravely.

"I have done my fair share of walking holidays back in the Shire," Bilbo shot back spiritedly. "I've even gone as far as Frogmorton once…" Raising an unimpressed eyebrow, Thorin huffed.

"Stay in the middle of the Company," he ordered Bilbo. "Fili, Kili, Bofur, Dori-keep close to him at all times. Dwalin-with me. Bombur, Gloin-bring up the rear. Move out!" Adjusting his backpack and stowing away his scarf, hat and sweater before he started, Bilbo cast a last glance back at the cars-carefully concealed with branches and brush-and headed off into the woods with the Company.

Thorin set a stern pace, his eyes locked on the mountains rising ahead. They had turned west from the road to the Greenwood and had driven as far as they could into a deep ravine before taking to the trails and heading up. Bilbo was muttering to himself about blasted interfering coworkers when they topped a low ridge and paused for a break, glancing over another stretch of rolling woodland. Flasks of water were handed round and Bilbo glanced over at the others. Half of them looked grumpy and the rest just looked tired: it had been a long and rather eventful day. But after ten minutes, they were walking again, heading back into the woods. It was only as the light began grow golden with impending sunset that they hit a steep rocky path and Thorin glanced back at his team.

"Not long now," he called in encouragement, though the steep pathway just caused another chorus of groans. Fili and Kili fell into step beside Bilbo as they trudged up the track.

"Do you know where we're going?" the Librarian asked in a low voice, his heart sinking as the two young officers shook their heads. They were carrying sturdy rucksacks and were laden with weapons.

"Thorin didn't really share with us," Fili explained. "And technically, we're out of Ereborean jurisdiction anyway. Though when we're hunting Smaug and his gang, it doesn't really seem to matter."

"Except to HQ," Kili added. "Usually when something's got shot up, blown up or generally trashed and they want to get an explanation from Uncle Thorin." Fili chuckled.

"Yeah, he's never especially happy after those conversations," he confirmed as Bilbo's mind supplied the details. Thorin, zealous and driven to catch the man he clearly knew and loathed, pushing the boundaries and then trampling far over them and causing all sorts of chaos. And then facing superiors with cooler heads and no personal skin in the game who wouldn't understand Thorin's passion and his stubbornness…and who would tear strips off him for making the force look bad and causing them embarrassment rather than understanding his determination to do whatever was needed to catch a vicious murderous gangster.

"So do you do this sort of thing often?" Bilbo asked, his eyes sweeping up the steepening trail, the light grey stone dappled by the westering light. Thorin was maintaining a brisk walk, Dwalin keeping pace at his side and sharing a discussion in low Khuzdul. Fili sighed.

"We haven't been with the Company that long," he admitted, "but the others have told us about the times when they needed to go off the beaten track…"

"You mean Thorin makes a habit of this?" Bilbo checked as the brothers shared a look.

"Well, he used to take us out camping and walking when we were younger," Kili revealed. "He wanted us to do all the things he got to do as a boy. So we used to go wild camping, hunting, mountaineering…"

Bilbo's mind unhelpfully supplied an image of Thorin scaling a sheer cliff, the wind catching his hair and he had to mentally kick himself as he stumbled and almost fell over.

"Oh?" he managed.

"I know he looks like a miserable scowling grump but honestly, he was so much fun when we were kids," Kili continued cheerfully. "I mean, he taught us to trap, to fight…he even taught me to use a bow and arrows! I never even knew he could fire a bow…it's kind of looked down on as an Ereborean…"

"Yes-traditional Ereborean weapons are axes and swords," Fili continued. "But Ki just didn't seem to have the knack with swords especially when he was a shrimp so Uncle Thorin found a weapon he could use and master…" He grinned. "He was actually incredibly patient."

"He's always been incredibly patient with us," Kili reminded him pensively. "No matter how we messed us. And he never let us take the blame when we caused trouble and he was supposed to be in charge of us."

"Like that time we went hiking on the slopes of Mount Erebor and Ki ran off," Fili continued. "He bet me he could bring down a ptarmigan for lunch and he just shot off. I of course ran after him and before Thorin could stop us we were both halfway down a scree slope and accelerating as half the slope followed us. He ended up having to race after us and when he finally caught up with us, Kili had sprained an ankle and I had a lump on my head the size of an egg from the sliding rocks. He ended up basically having to carry us both back up the mountain slope to try to get back to the vehicles. But instead we all got caught when a blizzard hit out of the blue. I think Thorin knew it was coming when he told us it was time to turn back-which we ignored-but he didn't yell at us: he just dug us in, hunkered down and made sure there was a fire and shelter and we stayed alive. The mountain rescue found us after about twelve hours and took us home. Mom and Dad were madder than I'd ever seen them."

"Not with us, of course," Kili explained. "We were given some really good hot chocolate and burgers while Dad yelled at Thorin." He winced. "I thought he was going to go mental. I mean, I had never seen Dad that mad, before or since." Fili grimaced.

"He told Thorin that we were not his children and that he had no right to put us at risk just so he could pretend that he was still the Head of the family with Heirs to raise. That it was Thorin's choice not to have a family. That we were Dad's sons not Thorin's and that he wanted nothing to do with Thorin's history and his cursed family. That if he ever risked us again, he would kill him."

"Mom was worse," Kili reminded him. "She punched Thorin. Twice. And yelled that he was irresponsible, selfish and reckless. She basically threw him out of the house…and he went. Not a word. No argument. He didn't defend himself at all. He just gathered himself up and left."

"Ki and I ran down after he had left and tried to argue with them…because he looked completely defeated. I mean, this was Thorin, who had tramped halfway across Rhovannon with us and who knew how to survive a blizzard and had sheltered us with his own body to keep us warm but they wouldn't listen. Mom was so upset because she thought something horrible had happened to us-so Ki owned up that he had run off and Thorin had to rescue us." Fili's brow furrowed. "They still didn't listen. They blamed Thorin because he was the adult and we just felt awful because we were the only family he had."

"No one argued with Mom when she was mad," Kili told Bilbo. "I mean, she was scary! Even Thorin used to try not to annoy her."

"She sounds like a formidable woman," Bilbo said softly, realising the memories could be hard for the young men. He wiped his brow as the path grew steeper.

"She was," Fili admitted. "But she was absolutely furious with Thorin after that. I heard her yelling on the phone to him later that evening."

"Mom and Dad didn't let us see him for six months," Kili sighed. "And it was always awkward afterwards even when Mom said he could see us again. But he took still us on treats, hikes, activities whenever he could-though Mom and Dad insisted he told them exactly where we were going. I literally think we were the only holidays he ever had-especially from observing him since we've been in the Company and in the police service. Mom and Dad wouldn't invite him over again for any holidays-well, Dad wouldn't. He always said that Thorin was trouble, that his obsession threatened us all. So he spent all the holidays without his family." He shook his head. "It wasn't fair. Especially with what happened after…But Dad…just never trusted him."

I wonder why? What else is going on that you don't know-or aren't telling me?

"But when Mom and Dad died, Mom asked Thorin to look after us, to protect us," Fili murmured softly. "And he did. We were just devastated and he was…always there. I think he took time off work to be with us, to make sure we weren't alone. And you've seen that his work is everything. He was great. And though we did family stuff, he never let us forget Mom and Dad. Though he did take us on more hikes to toughen us up…"

"Though I never ran off again…" Kili pointed out.

"Technically, you both ran off with me today," Bilbo pointed out as the lads looked at him-then burst out laughing.

"Okay-until today," Fili conceded. "And Thorin chewed our asses off for being such idiots."

"You were idiots," Bilbo told them. "But you're Thorin's idiots and I think you both know he won't kick you out of the Company. Though if there's latrine duty or something similar, you'll be on it…"

"I never thought you were so mean, Mister Boggins," Kili teased him. "That's almost exactly what Thorin said…"

"Great minds think alike," Bilbo replied airily as they hit a flatter section of path, breathing heavily. The others had already rounded the corner and there seemed an awful lot of pathway still to go. He sighed. "Now all we need is to find wherever we're getting to and then I can finally sit down and allow my feet to fall off in peace…"