You stubborn Dwarf
Part Three
The next morning after eating a sparse breakfast and packing what little belongings they had, the hobbit and the dwarfs plus one wizard started making their way through the forest. Gandalf had explained to Thorin and the others that an old friend of his lived a little further inside the forest. They could rest there and resupply, but it would take them all day to get there.
Thorin had requested that Bilbo walk beside him that day, they hardly talked and it was very awkward between the both of them for a while. Bilbo tried his best to make small talk at the very least but to no avail. Fili and Kili snickered the entire way and whispered between each other, they had seen how the two looked at each other when they thought the other wasn't looking. They also agreed that their uncle needed to be happy and if the Hobbit made him happy they would do anything in their power to make sure it happened.
The other dwarves didn't seem to mind either but they kept to themselves most of the journey to Berons house. Eventually they arrived and Gandalf sent them in first two at a time, Thorin and Bilbo went first then the others followed suit. It was nice to finally relax and not have to worry about orc patrols or wargs or anything for a night or two. Beorn was a huge man but seemed to be nice enough; he laid out a huge feast with lots of ale. The company was grateful for the ale at the very least. Bilbo chuckled to himself at the sight of them drinking; he had come to realize that he had a sort of home and sense of family when he was among the dwarves and Thorin. It comforted him that thought, and stilled any thoughts he had of his lovely hole back in Hobbiton.
After a while of making merry and drinking some ale, Bilbo excused himself and went outside to sit on a bench. He pulled out his pipe and started to smoke. Just looking at the stars calmed him down a bit; it was nice to get away from the loud dwarves for a bit. He had come to accept them and to think of everyone as family but it was nice to be alone too.
Bilbo didn't hear Thorin approach him, and jumped a bit as he cleared his throat to make his presence known.
"Oh, Hello Thorin. I..I didn't hear you." Stuttered Bilbo as he smiled nervously.
He just hoped that because of last night he didn't undo any respect the Dwarven King had for him. He knew of Thorin's pride and all, but even a King needs his wounds tended to.
"May I sit?" asked Thorin motioning to the bench.
"Uh? Oh! Yes, yes. Sorry.." said Bilbo a little flustered and shuffled a little to the left to make room.
Thorin was only dressed in his breeches and tunic. Armor and that fur cloak were folded neatly by his bedroll, allowing his wounds to heal.
"So how are your wounds? They haven't gotten worse have they?" asked Bilbo.
Thorin shook his head,
"No, they have started to heal quite nicely. I forgot to thank you yesterday Halfling..so..Thank you." Grumbled Thorin.
He was stiff too and a little bit in pain from where the warg had bitten him, but his pride wouldn't really let him complain. He did have an image to supposedly keep up.
Bilbo just smirked,
"No need to thank me, I just did what had to be done. And to show I'm not useless."
Thorin winced when Bilbo mentioned that he didn't want to be useless, for he was ashamed of his past actions.
"Bilbo…I came out here to apologize for my past actions..I know you are not a useless thing. In fact you have shown great courage and admiration in just a short amount of time too….I..I hope you can forgive me.." Thorin was bad at apologizes and he didn't make them often either.
He was waiting for Bilbo's response when he felt something hit his shoulder lightly. He jumped a little bit before relaxing, realizing that it was only the Hobbit. Apparently he had been so tired that he had fallen asleep. Thorin chuckled before wrapping an arm around Bilbo to keep him warm.
Bilbo had been exhausted but didn't want to burden anyone during their way to Beorn's house that day. He had started to listen to what Thorin was saying but the lull of his deep voice just put him to sleep. It was comforting and as Thorin wrapped an arm around him, Bilbo smiled slightly and nuzzled closer.
Thorin took the pipe that was about to fall out of Bilbo's hands and emptied it before laying it on the bench next to him. Looking up at the stars he whispered low to himself.
"You are truly a burglar…you've stolen my heart away.." Thorin smiled to himself before later picking up Bilbo in his arms and walking back inside the house. The other dwarves were asleep and Gandalf was leaning against the wall staring into the fire. He noticed Thorin coming back inside carrying Bilbo; all he did was smile and then look back at the fire deep in thought.
Thorin ignored the wizard and laid Bilbo down on the straw bed next to his and wrapped them both up with the blankets and his fur cloak. He had to admit this was the most comfortable sleep he had in a very long time.