Hi my lovelies! I'm so glad the few of you who have read this like it so far! I really appreciate all your attention! So Here's the next chapter! Things may seem a little OOC in this chapter, and it may seem like it happens fast, but next chapter will bring a new light to a lot of things. Anyway Enjoy!

Chapter Four

A New Journey

Three days is all it took to get from Rivendell to the long lake. The ponies were strong and carried the dwarves – and Bilbo – well. Though the five of them insisted, quite often, that they take longer breaks Thorin had been eager to press onwards, and none of them could really blame him as they all felt much the same. Counting the minutes it would take to get back to the lonely mountain, Erebor their true home. Once they reached Mirkwood a band of elves – who had apparently been notified by Lord Elrond – had come to escort them safely to the other side of the forest. There were still webs covering the top of the under-tree line and many spiders roamed freely. Bilbo still didn't like the way the forest felt, but at least they made it safely beyond the forest lines. And on the eve of the third day they finally made it to the long lake. With Erebor in sight Thorin seemed to have a new found strength, which made Bilbo feel a bit more at ease but he was still very concerned about the dwarf.

They could all see how Thorin was pushing himself much too hard, even though he insisted he was fine and didn't use his right arm too much, it was plain on his face just as the hard lines of stress and the paleness were. Bilbo kept his new pony close to Thorin's side, and constantly made sure he was, at the very least, drinking the fresh water Rivendell had supplied them with. The dwarf made it verbally apparent he did not care for the over protective motherly-like worry, but everyone else was chuckling under their own breath. Thorin was in pain but he still was trying too hard to hide what was so obvious – well to everyone but Bilbo.

Fili was sure he'd made his teasing apparent with each comment, trying to hint that there was something on both sides, but Balin could see it wasn't giving the right impression on either of the targets. Thorin was sure they were only teasing Bilbo because his cheeks reddened so easily, and Bilbo thought his feelings were perhaps too obvious where as Thorin might only see him as a friends – surly. Balin was prone to sighs of frustration as they ventured on their ponies, wondering when these two clueless fools would finally look at each other and see what everyone else could.

They stopped at the Long lake, with the ashen remains of lake town glittering off the setting sun, for the third night. Thorin needed a good rest, Bilbo wouldn't let him refuse any longer, and everyone else was quite in need of a break from saddles as well. They set up camp with three tents, two in each, which was something unplanned and not truly brought to Bilbo's attention until after dinner. Oin had brought a few things along from Rivendell, just enough for them to cook a simple stew, and Bilbo – with his hobbit cooking skills – made a mostly veggie stew. Oin had also brought medicines to keep a watch on Thorin, as Bilbo sat in front of the fire that Dwalin and Fili had crafted together with the cast iron pot hung above the burning pyramid of small logs stirring the broth, Oin tended to Thorin's wounds. Thorin was doing much better than earlier in the week, but all the riding was tiring him out, as was plain to see.

Oin made him lean against a log close to the fire as he peeked at his wound on his shoulder, applying a quite salve to make sure he fights fever and infection. Giving him a medicinal tea he had brewed over the fire, before Bilbo started cooking, he handed it to Thorin as they waited patiently.

"You have to take care of yourself, Thorin." Oin spoke quietly, knowing if any concern was raised it would worry the little hobbit. "We're just in sight of home, so slow down a bit. It's not going anywhere." They all cared for the mountain immensely but it would mean nothing if they couldn't take care of those dusty stone halls with Thorin to lead them.

Thorin only grunted in response. He hadn't, in truth, taken his eyes off Bilbo for what seemed like days; only not watching him when it wasn't possible to keep him in his sights. Something had been bothering him, driving him nearly insane as he was left with nothing but his thoughts to mull over as they rode. He knew he should be planning, thinking on what needed to be done within the mountain, charting out his course of action once he was on his throne once again. But he couldn't think of anything but the hobbit, hovered over the spot watching the broth boil slowly.

What was bothering him so much wasn't anything Bilbo had done, in fact it was something within himself that was making his anger fester. Every time he made eyes contact with those hazel orbs and he watched the expression change from distracted to pure joy; his eyes would sparkle and his lips would turn up in a smile that made Thorin's heart beat hard against his chest, while his stomach clenched tight. Fighting the urge to smile back he ended up glaring each time, and though he could see it was starting to confuse the hobbit so much that he was beginning to avoid eye contact, Thorin still didn't like what was happening to himself.

When the hell did he become so enamored with someone else? Thorin had always prided himself a dwarf with strong conviction and unwavering focus, but now he was overridden by the desire to stay by the hobbits side and forgo all other responsibilities. Which no matter how tempting the hobbit was, he could never allow himself that luxury; even if Bilbo was the softest creature he'd ever seen. Even if those honey curls flowed so gently he found his hands craving to touch the locks as they bounced slightly in the breeze that blew over the lake. Even if the small hobbit had the courage of a dwarf regardless of his comfortable upbringing. Even though he had shown such loyalty throughout the journey to Erebor and even with complications of the arkenstone, although he was beyond thankful to his kin for not abandoning him when he was consumed with the desire for gold; it was Bilbo – and Bilbo alone – who had the courage to do what he thought was right. Despite Bilbo telling him – twice now – that he had already forgave Thorin for his actions, he still deeply regretted how he spoke to the hobbit that day. Bilbo had not deserved the treatment he had given, and Thorin did not deserve the forgiveness he was getting from the little hobbit. But Mahal did it make his heart thump hard, pumping warm blood fast through his body every time he was near the half-ling.

Thorin was definitely in trouble.

xXx

When the stew was done Bilbo handed out the wooden bowls they had stuffed in the pack they had brought, one pack of three, and held onto his own and Thorin's only filling the two after the others had filled theirs. Coming to sit by the dwarf's side against the log – Oin having left as soon as Bilbo got there – he held out the steaming bowl to Thorin.

"Sorry its not much, I know you must be sick of potatoes by now." Bilbo apologized. For the last three days they'd been eating the same stew, for it was the quickest thing to make and it was all they had brought with them. Even knowing there would be a feast when they got back it still felt like the cooked meats they would eat then were miles and miles from them. Thorin grunted in response, taking his bowl carefully from the hobbit.

At first they ate in silence. The broth was warm and seasoned well, the potatoes and carrots soft. Luckily this evening Dwalin had killed two rabbits to add to their food, but thanks to the winter that was harsher this side of the misty-mountains the rabbits hardly had any meat on them. Bilbo then spoke up feeling the silence between them a bit awkward.

"H-..How is your arm?" Bilbo hadn't thought of what to say when he decided to speak, so he was left with only what first popped into his head. Thorin didn't even glance at him as he spoke.

"Better."

Bilbo felt there was something now between them that he hadn't felt earlier that day, and couldn't help but wonder if perhaps he had done something wrong in the past hour or more. However he knew better than to ask, if all those months with Thorin had taught him anything was that the dwarf was not the type to open up when tired, if at all. So they finished their supper in silence.

Fili and Dwalin cleaned up the cook-spit and put more logs on the fire to keep away the cold. Balin and Oin went ahead into the first small tent at the north of the fire, Fili and Dwalin would share the middle one, which left Bilbo and Thorin to share the last. Bilbo was only nervous for the awkward silence between them, feeling as though for what ever reason the dwarf was giving him the cold shoulder. Attempting to help the dwarven king stand, which was help Thorin hardly accepted but Bilbo wouldn't back away, then waited for him to enter first.

The two wool bed rolls had been rolled out were not but a few inches apart from each other. The closer they were the warmer the two of them would be, but the tent itself was also forcing the rolls to lay close as they were rather small. Thorin was already laying himself down, not stripping off any of his clothes and grabbed the first of the folded fur blankets. He lay with his back to Bilbo's roll and the hobbit couldn't help but sigh. It would seem the dwarf had no intention of talking to him any this night, even though just the night before they had spoken quite a lot. When they'd camped in the edge area of the forest, all of them sleeping under the stars with the elves taking turns on watch, Bilbo and Thorin had spoken softly to each other.

Of course the whole camp could hear them whispering and all pretended to sleep while they tried to listen in. Though it was hardly anything of note, which they were talking about, but just sharing tales they knew about the stars and how they seemed brighter closer to the mountain. Bilbo had spoken fondly of the fireworks Gandalf used to bring to the shire, and wondered if perhaps he'd show them at the mountain. Bilbo wished for all his dwarven friends to be able to see the magnificence of the fireworks Gandalf made.

But their last night before entering Erebor once more, was spent in silence. Bilbo had curled up and just stared at Thorin's back, watching his shoulders slowly move with the movement of his breathing, until he finally caved into sleep, unaware that Thorin himself was wide awake fighting growing urges within himself that were becoming increasingly hard to suppress.

The dead silence of air around them and the coldness of the morning that Bilbo woke to seemed to be of insignificance after they arrived – finally – at the stone halls of the Lonely Mountain. The gate had been rebuilt to its former glory, as Bilbo observed as they approached closer; the six of them were greeted warmly by a small guard duty and Kili – with Dain not far behind. It was a small welcome party – as Kili explained after tackling his brother nearly to the ground – because they were sure the six of them would want time to relax after the long journey. A shorter journey then Kili – and Dain by extension, whom did not fail to let everyone know he was not happy with the sudden return – had expected them to make. Apparently Elrond and Gandalf had sent a messenger bird with the estimated arrival time of the returning Thorin party, Bilbo was impressed.

Kili had fully healed from his minor injuries, as he explained to both Fili and Thorin as they took the head of the group into the mountain halls. Bilbo let himself fall to the back of the crowd, though he wanted to remain by Thorin's side he found his exhaustion getting the better of him. Being further away meant he could only catch part of what was being talked over, but he caught the important parts. Thorin took in information that had for the most part already been passed to them from the mountain to Rivendell, but the dwarf wanted to hear it from Kili himself. Then a meeting was called, with most of the original company called to be there as well as Dain and some of his captains.

Before Bilbo and the rest of the dwarves were left without the permission to be present, though Bilbo was assured he could be there he opted out, he noticed a quick exchange between Dwalin and Ori. Barely a fleeting touch, but it made him smile sadly. He was sure he was probably the only one who had been picking up on the signals between the two of them for quite a long-long time now, though he did have his suspicions that Nori knew.

With a meeting fast in track and the few of the company left to lead on the instructions of earlier Bilbo was shown his quarters, a small span of connected rooms that would be his for as long as he wished to stay with them. The rooms, as Bofur was guiding and telling him about, were built just for Bilbo on the end of the royal wing. Not directly adjacent to the royal family, but very close to the durin house extended. Bilbo felt like it was much to much for him, but smiled and thanked the dwarf. Bofur patted his shoulder, seeing how tired the hobbit was, and left him to his own devices with one last bit about how guards would soon be posted on the hall should he need anything.

Although Bilbo did wish to explore few connecting rooms he would learn to call home he felt exhaustion overwhelm him and he decided to just call it a day. Finding the bed in the far left wall, close to a hearth already burning, he climbed up the one stone step and into the much too large four post bed. Furs covered the mattress and the blankets underneath were thick and soft. Bilbo sighed as he shifted under the blankets finding his comfortable spot curled up under so much warmth. He found it wasn't too hard to fall asleep, and only thought how hard it would be to get himself out again.

As it would turn out, over the next few days, it was becoming increasingly harder each time to pull himself out of bed. Bilbo did his best to make himself available without seeming too obvious, being near the great halls when Thorin was busy tending to throne duties making sure if Thorin came out they'd have time to talk, and yet somehow the dwarf king managed to avoid him each and every time. He had also tried to talk to the guards posted near his rooms to get them to inform him of when Thorin would return to his rooms, but the newly returned dwarf hadn't at all in the last few days.

Bilbo was starting to get self conscious and rather unsure of what to do. By the fourth day of not having one chance to talk to Thorin, nor more than a passing glance of the dwarf, Bilbo decided to go get advice. As it was either that or he would have to go seek out Thorin face-to-face, and he just wasn't ready for that.

Things had been advancing fast in Erebor and most of his dwarven friends were as keeping themselves busy, as there was a lot to tend to still and a lot that had been already done. Bilbo was impressed with how much work they had accomplished in the four days he'd been here, not to mention all that had been tended to already while they weren't there.

The throne room had been brought to its former glory as tapestries were rehung and statues polished, carvings in the stone pillars touched up as years of damage had worn away at the edges. Though truth be told Bilbo had only been there once in the last four days, when he thought he might try and talk to Thorin the second day back but quickly retreated upon just seeing the dwarf from such a long distance. His stomach had clenched so tight he was sure he would barf, so he chose to run instead.

Two of the great halls had been remade, the statues of great dwarves past re-carved and put back together, while the broken tables that once lay shattered and burnt on the floor had since been cleared out and new stone carved tables replaced. The stone taken from most of the rubble that lay about the mountain molded back together, the carvings so beautiful that Bilbo wasn't sure it would be right to simply eat off of. They were works of dwarven art, even though they hadn't been used yet for their intended purpose and would soon serve as wonderful tables for the feasts Bilbo was sure would be hosted along with any other celebrations, and Bilbo hated that they may – in such occasions – be a little mistreated.

The rooms that had been prepared were lovely as well, though nothing like his smial back in the shire, they were warm and cozy. The fire place in each room had shafts leading out and up, the dark stone of the mountain reflecting light like the night sky. Although his rooms were slightly different – at least form the others he had bothered to explore – they still had the same styles. Bilbo's personal rooms were much smaller, which he was sure was an attempt to make him feel more at home, and he appreciated all that they had tried to do. However, he hadn't had the effort to decrate any of the bookshelves that had been put up, nor had he bothered to set up anything else of his that was present in the moutain. He knew eventually he would gather the things he so desired for comforts in his home, and maybe even get a few things back from Bad-End; but somehow he just found he didn't have the energy to do anything. Well, anything beyond trying to just be in a hall that Thorin might pass through. Though that was going really well so far.

Which was why he had decided to seek out guidance. He could have gone to Balin, who would always give him honest answers, but he was also likely to confront Thorin with what ever Bilbo presented in front of him, and Bilbo didn't want to make the dwarf unavailable to the king as he knew Thorin would not be able to spare his wisdom. He also could have gone to Bofur, who over the last couple days had been checking up on him, but Bofur wasn't exactly the closest to Thorin and he may not have had the best insight. So that left only one option, well actually two. Fili and Kili. Though they were pranksters at heart they knew Thorin well, and would know how to approach or deal with him when angry. So with his targets in mind he set out, leaving his room on the mid afternoon of the fourth day back in Erebor.

It took little under an hour to find them within the giant mountain, each new hall opened and cleaned enlarged the whole of Erebor and Bilbo often found himself getting lost. But he did eventually find the two brothers in some sort of armory that was being fixed and repaired, a room that had been not too far from throne room and major halls. A pair of guards had let him know the two princes would be in this area, and he hadn't needed to look for too long.

"Fili, Kili?" Bilbo called out as he stepped through the iron doors and into the large room where the stone walls were being decorated with armor stands and weapon displays, the brothers were busy taking knew pieces freshly forged in the mountain's smithies so it would be ready in case war came to their door again.

"Bilbo?" Kili turned first and looked concerned.

"Whats wrong?" Fili asked as he took a step toward the hobbit. After spending so much time together in Rivendell he knew there could only be one thing that worried Bilbo as much as his face was showing.

"Uh, no. Nothing, well, not really." Bilbo glanced around nervously his fists clenching and un-clenching at his sides, clearly unsure whether or not he wanted to speak his mind.

"Are you alright? Is Thorin alright?!" Kili stepped forward growing concerned as well, both brothers seeing straight through Bilbo. Bilbo squinted and looked confused.

"Why? No, I mean yes he's fine, but why would you think he's not?" Bilbo looked side-long at the bothers for a moment, not understanding how his nervousness made them sure Thorin was the cause – even though it truly was. Both brother's looked to each other and smirked before looked back to Bilbo with more relaxed now, and more patient.

"So what's up master hobbit?" Fili teased as he stood relaxed with an elbow on Kili's shoulder.

"Er well.." Bilbo hesitated again. "I had something I wanted to ask you both." Bilbo, with his confidence lessening. Perhaps this isn't a good idea. Bilbo thought to himself, but he'd come this far so there was no turning back. "There's something I think I may have done wrong."

Kili squinted, confused and Fili sighed.

"Bilbo, I highly doubt you could have done anything to upset anyone."

"What does Uncle say?" Kili added. Bilbo sighed, knowing this was a mistake but what else could he do? He had already wasted so much time just wandering the halls hoping to get a chance to talk to Thorin, all the while what ever had made Thorin angry could be getting worse.

"Its Thorin that I've upset." Bilbo admitted softly not looking up from the stone floor. Fili and Kili were silent for a moment then Kili scoffed and Fili moved forward to put a hand on Bilbo's shoulder.

"I highly doubt that master Bilbo." He smiled softly when Bilbo looked up. "Tell us what happened." Bilbo sighed but nodded, they walked him over to the benches in the middle of the room and the three sat together with Bilbo in the middle.

Bilbo began where Fili remembered them arriving in Erebor, but mentioned Thorin's oddness that last night they were by the lake. And continued on with how even after Thorin has continuously avoided Bilbo's presence all together. Though he quietly admitted he hadn't directly gone up to the dwarf king yet, as he was much to nervous to have Thorin yell at him.

"I just..I'm not sure what could have happened, but he is most definitely avoiding me. So what do I do?" Bilbo looked up to both the brothers, worry on his face. Fili waited a moment, humming softly as he thought.

"Well I don't think you actually did anything wrong."

"Yea, not likely." Kili added.

"But-"

"No Bilbo." Fili continued when the hobbit tried to protest. "I'm not sure why he is avoiding you, if he his, but I know its not something you could have done." Patting the hobbit's shoulder he smiled, hoping to himself that his foolish uncle would soon confess or do something about the small hobbit who cared so obviously. It was painful to watch the two of them do this dance.

"Its best if you just talk to him directly." Kili added patting his other shoulder, smiling his goofy smile.

Bilbo sighed and stared at his feet for a long moment, knowing they were right was different then having the courage to do it. Looking up he stared at each brother, they were kind enough to listen to him and offer him advice but he wasn't sure if he could truly just walk up and ask Thorin what was the matter between them. He wasn't scared of the dwarf king, and he hadn't ever really been, but he feared making what ever was wrong worse. He had already seen Thorin at his worst with dragon sickness, and though he highly doubted Thorin was in its thralls again he feared risking offense to the king he cared for.

Bilbo could feel nervous sweat build on the back on his neck as his heart raced in his chest. Just thinking about Thorin and the way the dwarf made him feel brought butterflies to his stomach. Rubbing his face trying to hide the heat he was sure was showing on his face, knowing the two princes would tease him for blushing.

"But..What would I even say?" Bilbo barely whispered and the two brothers perked up, seeing their chance to tamper with things in the way they loved so much.

"Oh it'll be easy!" Kili began, passing a knowing glance to his older brother, Fili gave a quick understanding nod.

"First you gotta find him, when he's alone. Or at least nearly." Fili pondered knowing his uncle would probably keep Dwalin or Balin at his side while dealing with Erebor's issues. "Then.."Fili let his words drop so Kili could continue.

"You start by complimenting his hair!" Kili said his voice pitching with excitement and Fili smacked the back of his head.

"No, by saying something about what he's doing for Erebor." Fili glared at Kili, muttering under his breath that his brother was an idiot. Yes they might tease Bilbo a bit, and maybe give him slightly bold advice, but in no way did he want to risk what was so obviously between this hobbit and his uncle. Kili needed to reign in his meddlesome tendencies. Kili groaned through his chuckles.

"Yea, feed his ego a bit." Kili groaned a little rolling his eyes, like his uncle needed a higher horse. "But.." Kili dragged out the word as he gave a side long glance to Bilbo. "You might get his attention better if you compliment something a little more personal." Kili gave a wink, the joke passing over Bilbo's head.

"But why would that help?" Bilbo looked back and forth between the princes unsure of how this was supposed to help.

"Well obviously to butter him up." Fili chuckled. "You're never going to get him to talk if he's all tense, so you have to break the ice." Bilbo sighed, it sounded like he had a difficult encounter ahead of him.

"But you're sure that its not something I did?" Bilbo still wasn't convinced. Kili sighed and wrapped his arm around Bilbo's neck pulling him in for a rough hug.

"Trust us master hobbit, that uncle of mine couldn't be mad at you if he tried." Kili winked yet again and Bilbo simply shook his head.

"I'm not sure I won't mess up somehow." Bilbo was finding it hard to find his courage, But Fili and Kili stood him up from the bench and began walking him to the door of the armory, or more like shoving him to it.

"Well, then, we better go find him now." Fili pushed on Bilbo's back while Kili held Bilbo's wrist and pulled him forward.

"Yes, don't want loose what courage you do have and waste your life away in your room, like you have been." Kili chuckled with a pointed glance down at Bilbo, of course everyone had been keeping quiet tabs on him and Thorin, just to see what was going on between them.

"Wait, but-!" Bilbo started panicking a little as the brother's guided him a bit forcefully down the windy halls of Erebor. Though if he were to be honest with himself, he would probably never get the courage to do this on his own, so the princes were truly helping him.

After a few long minutes of wandering around and a few questions to the guards raguarding their uncles where-abouts, with the princes never taking their hands of Bilbo's wrists knowing if they did he'd run, they finally found him in the throne room. Bilbo and been finally released and shoved through the small wood-and-iron door that lead down the side pathway to the large, newly restored throne. The arkenstone shined once more above the seat of the king, and Bilbo could help but feel a sense of dread as he slowly approached. He couldn't help but worry, wondering if perhaps Thorin was once more affected by its curse, but as his feet took slow steps closer he could see Thorin's face clearer and saw that other than a stern look full of irritation – or so Bilbo assumed – he looked normal.

Before the dwarf looked up as he approached he had been glancing off to Balin who stood to his left and was in the middle of telling him something rather important – Bilbo guessed – but he hadn't truly tried to listen. He'd been lost in those tired spring-water pools, but was painfully aware of the stiffness that filled Thorin's eyes and tightened his mouth as he saw Bilbo walking towards him. Bilbo hesitated, debating running away as his hand twitched and clenched against his trousers, feeling once more that urge to throw up.

"Ah, laddie. What can I help you with?" Balin said with a friendly smile after a long pause where Thorin stayed silent. Bilbo took another hesitant step forward and stood at the bottom of the steps and looked up at Balin.

"Ah, well, I was hoping to talk to Thorin...actually.." Bilbo let his eyes wander over to the dwarven king but Thorin was holding his gaze elsewhere. A sharp ping of pain flew through Bilbo's heart. Why was Thorin acting so odd, Bilbo wondered, maybe he had done something truly unforgiving.

Balin nodded understandingly and looked hard at Thorin, clearing his throat to get the stubborn-hardheaded dwarf's attention. When he finally looked their way again his face was set in stone, unreadable.

"Heed my advice." Was all Balin said as he stepped away and began walking out of the throne room, the two left in silence and stayed silent until Balin was securely out of the door. Bilbo knew he would have to speak first but his mind was so clouded with nervous panic and all he could hear was his own heart beating loudly in his ears.

"uhm.." Bilbo shifted on his feet avoiding Thorin's gaze, unsure if he would even look his way. "Well, the thing is.." why was it so hard to find the words?! Bilbo tried to remember what the princes had said. "I've noticed the changes around here.." Bilbo cleared his throat nervously and chanced to glance up at Thorin, and of course the stubborn headed dwarf was not looking his way. "It's amazing how much you've accomplished, already." Bilbo bravely kept his eyes trained on Thorin, though his voice wavered a bit.

For a few moments the dwarf king said nothing, but then he finally turned his gaze and Bilbo saw something swimming in Thorin's blue orbs but couldn't place what emotion it was. Though he spoke not, the unreadable stare making Bilbo even more nervous. He didn't know what to do with these kind of reactions. Bilbo nervously took a step forward onto the first stone carved up-step.

"Thorin.. I" Bilbo started but licked his lips as they suddenly felt dry, his eyes darting around the hall quickly. "I am sorry..If I have done anything to offend or upset you." His voice quite and low, as worry and shame filled him. If he truly had done something he was ashamed of himself for not knowing he had, and not being able to offer a true apology.

"What?" Thorin's voice was gruff and sounded confused, and echoed in the dead silence of the hall. Bilbo looked back up at him meeting unsure sky blue swirling eyes, the color he couldn't get out of his head and found himself wishing he could stare into them forever.

"Well, I.." Clearing his throat again his heart pounded so hard he was sure Thorin would hear it. "I don't always realize when I've done something I shouldn't, or sometimes my tongue gets ahead of my mind. So, I just.." Bilbo gulped. "If I have said something, I wanted to clear the air and tell you I'm truly sorry. I've never meant to cause you offense or harm." Bilbo tried his best to convey his honest apology.

Thorin stared hard down at him, his brow furrowed into a harsh line, Bilbo was sure he'd only made it worse now. Oh Yavanna, let me disappear.

"Master Ba-.." His voice came out strained, but he sighed then took a deep breath before continuing. "Bilbo, what in Mahal's name are you speaking of?" His face released some of its tension but still stared unsure down at Bilbo.

"Uh, well." Bilbo started even more unsure and confused than before. "You've been avoiding me?" Bilbo spoke, though he was sure it was a fact he asked it as a question to just clarify Thorin's actions these last few days. "I was sure I'd done something to anger you..." He added his voice quiet. Thorin sighed deeply again as his shoulders relaxed slightly.

Without speaking he moved from where he sat in the throne and came down to the step in front of Bilbo, leaving them only a few inches apart. He stared down at Bilbo his face still unreadable, his mouth a relaxed line, but his eyes sparkled in the torche's glow against the stone walls. Bilbo could feel his heart about to fly out his chest and was sure his short breaths were loud enough for Thorin to hear. Was it too obvious that he was nervous? Bilbo hoped not, he didn't want to bring any more complication into this situation.

"Bilbo.." There was a softness in his voice as it rumbled over Bilbo like soft thunder through rain clouds. "If I have been absent from your presence it is only because there is much to be done." He kept his eyes trained on Bilbo. "You have done nothing wrong, so do not for one minute think you are causing me any discomfort."

Bilbo audibly gulped, feeling his heart only race faster. He couldn't tear his gaze away from the look in Thorin's eyes, but he couldn't place it either. It was almost like getting slapped by a quick and cold winter after having enjoyed a warm summer. The change in the dwarven king was almost too much.

"So you are not angry with me?" Bilbo heard himself asking, loosing control on his thoughts. But so lost he was in Thorin's eyes he didn't notice the slight movement of the dwarf's hand, as if he wanted to reach up and touch his hair but decided not to.

"No." Thorin said simply, his voice low and soft. Bilbo sighed with relief before he could stop himself.

"Then would it be possible.." His nose twitched out of nervous habit. "To.." Bilbo hesitated not wanting to seem demanding when Thorin had a whole kingdom to worry over. "Well, to visit with you, for supper.." Bilbo spoke so softly he wasn't even sure he had said it out loud, but as soon as he said it he realized how foolish and silly it was to ask. "Er, well I mean, I know you're busy, but maybe we could share a meal later in the week or even with just everyone else.." Bilbo felt an embarrassed panic rise in him, he knew he needed to shut his mouth but he couldn't. "It doesn't have to be.. just us.." Finally managing to bite his tongue into silence he could feel the heat on his cheeks.

It was something Bilbo had been hoping to do since arriving once again in Erebor, as he had shared large meals with most from the company already. But Thorin had not joined any of them, as he was tending to his duties – or so Balin had worded it but at those times Bilbo had been sure he was only avoiding him. And though he was glad to hear that it was not the case, whether or not he wholly believed it wasn't the issue, but it still felt like they needed time to resolve any issues between them further.

"Yes." Though the answer itself was short, as many of Thorin's replies tended to be, there was a gentleness in his gruff voice that Bilbo did not hear often and each time made his stomach do flips. Bilbo felt his cheeks turn up in a smile he could not stop, which only grew larger as he watched Thorin's lips turn up slightly as well. Despite making a fool of himself Thorin did not tease him or reject the offer, and Bilbo tried not to look too deeply into that fact.

"Well, then." Bilbo spoke with new found courage. "Tea is at four'o'clock, always. And supper taken at eight." He spoke as an open invitation, not wanting to probe his desires any further, but he could not help the happiness that spilled onto his face. Feeling as though at least half of his nervous worry had left him, by just a few simple words from Thorin.

Thanks for reading! Please please please please review! It helps fuel me and I tend to run low. I love feedback and lovely words! I know that's needy but please! T^T Thank you all for your time spent reading! Until Next time!