It felt like dreaming, but somehow it was all too achingly real. Bilbo clung to the pain because it assured him it wasn't just another dream.
"I can do this now without crushing you," said Thorin and Bilbo didn't hesitate, he took all that was offered before him.
And what was offered was an abundance of scents, warmth and firmness.
Bilbo pulled Thorin down to the bed he made. There he paused suddenly feeling clumsy. What were his dreams about? How can he be so foolish to reach out for something so out of grasp?
Bilbo hesitated. All Thorin said was that he can do this but he didn't say what, how much, how far. Maybe all that was offered was a kiss and that might be enough, it would have to be enough, but Bilbo's mind was wandering further for some time now. He had no knowledge of dwarves and their customs, their taboos, their shame.
To establish that he would have to talk but it was so hard to reach his voice. It all might burst like a bubble if he speaks now.
Then Thorin smiled and put his palm on Bilbo's face. It was as he understands.
He placed a kiss on Bilbo's lips and got up. Bilbo was washed away with sadness. Of course, that was all that was offered. It was plenty. Bilbo should be grateful for what he got. Still, the distance between them ached him.
Thorin, as excepted, went to the place he slept before but instead of sitting down he just took his cover and returned to Bilbo. With a smile, he covered Bilbo and then started to undress without any sense of rush.
Under the light of the fire, Bilbo watched in stunned awe as layers of clothes fell off the dwarf. Soon he stood proudly exposed to Bilbo's eyes. He was glorious. Bilbo forgot to breathe.
"Now there Master Baggins," he spoke up with his low raspy voice. "Is this enough to satisfy your curiosity or do you need something more?"
Not trusting his voice Bilbo just opened the cover inviting him in. With a smile Thorin complied.