A/N: Here's chapter 3! Hope you've enjoyed it so far. Please read and review! :)
Chapter 3
Bilbo was presented with a long and complex contract by Balin. He quickly scanned through it, reading the details about the share of the treasure that he would receive. His eyes quickly found the section about his death, and he began reading out loud without realising.
"Lacerations...evisceration...incineration?" he read out in disbelief. Well, the dwarves were certainly thorough when describing the ways he could be killed on this quest. Bilbo looked automatically to Thorin, whose eyes were burning. It almost felt as if he was in danger of incineration just by returning that gaze. He saw a mixture of unreadable emotions in Thorin's eyes, and was suddenly gripped by the knowledge of the loss he would feel if he refused this quest and the dwarves left him, to wander as people without a kingdom for the rest of time. A lot of weight rested on his decision, and he made up his mind in a flash.
"Where do I sign?"
Thorin's eyes lit up, and the look on his face sent a new wave of desire over Bilbo. Before he knew it, Thorin was mere inches from him, handing him a quill. He could feel the dwarf's hot breath tickling his face as he leant over the contract in Bilbo's hands, pointing to the line on which he should sign. Bilbo fought hard not to let his hand shake as he quickly swirled his elaborate signature onto the line at the bottom of the page, thus sealing his fate.
The other dwarves in the room suddenly made themselves known by coming and patting Bilbo on the back, thanking him profusely for agreeing to help them out. He blinked and looked around; he had momentarily forgotten there was anyone in the room but him and Thorin. As he came back to his senses, his Baggins manners kicked in and he offered the dwarves some congratulatory ale. They all heartily accepted the offer, and Bilbo scurried off to the cellar to retrieve his best ale that he had been saving for a special occasion. This certainly seemed to be an opportune time to open it.
As Bilbo stood in the cellar with a candlestick, looking carefully at the ales to find the right one, he used the sudden solitude and darkness to give himself a shake. Since Thorin had walked through his front door he had thought of nothing else but the handsome dwarf, and had even agreed to go on a perilous quest to slay a dragon! What on earth was he thinking? There was something about that dwarf that just got under his skin, and pulled him in.
Bilbo stood in the cellar, pondering his feelings and drifting into a daydream, when suddenly he felt warm breath on his face and a deep, husky voice speaking softly to him.
"I thought I'd come and help you with the ale, master hobbit. I seem to have startled you though, for which I apologise." Bilbo had indeed jumped a mile when he heard Thorin speaking; he hadn't even heard him enter the room. He smiled at his guest quickly and reassured him that he was ok.
Thorin edged slightly closer to the candlelight, giving Bilbo a better view of his face. If anything, his eyes shone even brighter in this dim light, and he took Bilbo's breath away. They were standing very close now, and Bilbo was extremely aware of this. If he reached out his hand just a fraction of an inch, it would come into contact with the bare skin of Thorin's muscled forearm. He itched to reach out and stroke it, but restrained himself. For all he knew, Thorin had no idea of the desire Bilbo was feeling and would be confused and offended by his advances.
Feeling mildly annoyed at his own lack of bravery, Bilbo looked away from Thorin's searching eyes. He turned to resume the search for the ale, when he started at the feeling of soft fingers ghosting across his face. Turning quickly back to Thorin, he gasped as the dwarf gently stroked his thumb from Bilbo's cheekbone down to his mouth. The skin that the dwarf had touched felt like it was on fire, and Bilbo couldn't look away from those fierce eyes.
Thorin edged closer and closer to Bilbo, snaking a strong arm around his waist and pulling him closer until they were flush against each other. Bilbo's heart began pounding furiously, and he trembled in anticipation as Thorin's face closed in towards his. Feeling Thorin's lips ghosting over his, Bilbo's eyes flickered shut in anticipation. He was just about to lean into the kiss when the warmth of Thorin's body suddenly vanished. Bilbo's eyes flew open in confusion, only to see Bofur clomping down the cellar stairs towards them.
"Oi lads, what happened to getting the ale?"
A/N: I hope you don't hate me too much for leaving it there :P there'll be more soon, I promise! Pleaasse review! x