A/N: This chapter has thoughts of suicide, and mentions of suicide attempts, along with thoughts of non-con, and what may be considered attempted suicide.


Acorn

Farewell, fair cruelty.

~William Shakespeare~

The moment Bilbo signed the contract, left the dining room, and disappeared down the hall; Thorin rounded on Gandalf.

"What haven't you told us!?" Thorin growled.

"I've told you everything I know about this journey Master Oakenshield" Gandalf said.

"I meant about our new Burglar, why does he smell like that?"

"Ah" said the wizard.

The Company waited for more, when they get nothing else, Kili spoke.

"Does he not like Dwarves?" the young heir asked, though he and the others doubt it.

The Omega seemed to like Ori well enough, and while his scent confused them and made their instincts bristle, his behavior told more of nervousness then disgust and dislike.

Gandalf still does not speak, his eyes thoughtful, and when he finally answered Kili's question, it's carefully. "It is not the fact you are all Dwarves that makes Bilbo….uncomfortable, it is who you are"

Thorin's brow furrowed as he tried to understand what the wizard was trying to say, the only thing he could think of, was that all, but one of them were Alphas that had their Burglar smelling as he does. He quickly dismissed the thought. It couldn't be that, the proof was the strong scent of Alphas he had smelt around the white fence when he had first arrived.

"Explain" Dwalin said after there was nothing but confused and blank expressions.

Gandalf weighed his opinions, he knows that telling the Company want went on beyond the rolling hills would be best, as it would not only down the risk of incidents like what had happen in the kitchen, but also help him in getting out the Shire. The problem was that if they knew, the Dwarves may do more harm than good, the worst case Gandalf feared; is that the Dwarves would try to get retribution in the name of Bilbo's honor.

He may not like their Tradition, but he was still fond of the Hobbits.

"I believe this is a conversation to be have elsewhere, follow me" Gandalf then said, standing up, his decision made.

With grumbles of "cryptic wizards" the Company followed Gandalf outside Bag End, there they settled themselves on the bench, soft grass or stepping stones. Gandalf takes out his pipe, he fills it with weed and lights it, he offered his weed pouch to the Dwarves; before taking a puff of his own. The Company impatiently watched and waited, and just as Thorin is on the edge of snapping, the wizard spoke.

"Do you see those lights over there?" asked the wizard, pointing with his pipe to lights in the distance.

"Aye, my brother and I spotted what looked like a celebration on our way here" said Glóin.

"It's called the Calling, Master Glóin" said Gandalf lips curling in disgust, "and it's Tradition"

Dwarven heads looked away from the glowing lights, and at Gandalf with surprised and shocked eyes, they've never heard the wizard speak in such a tone.

Full of anger and disgust.

"….What is the Calling?" Ori asked tentatively.

Gandalf took a deep calming breathe then spoke again.

"It's a celebration, held on the night before the Breeders come to collect the Carrier, that's another word for Omega. It also makes the Breeders, another word for Alphas, go into the Rut"

"Well that doesn't sound bad" said Bofur with a smile, "sounds a bit like the Chase"

"I suppose it wouldn't," Gandalf smiled sadly, "if the Carrier was willing"

Bofur's smile fell, and a stunned silence fall over the Company at the implication.

"In the Shire, when an Omega has blossomed" Gandalf continued over the silence, "they are given to the Alphas for what is called the First Tasting, as the name suggests the Alphas can do anything they want but penetration. Any Omega who isn't willing, is forced, by being beaten into submission. Bilbo was twenty-two when he blossomed, twenty-three when the Alphas kidnapped, beaten and forced him into the First Tasting"

Chaos erupted.

"Mahal, he was a babe!"

"This is Tradition!?"

"Taal aya dem!"

"What kind of monster does that do an Omega?!"

"How could any parent allow this?!"

At the mention of Belladonna and Bungo, Gandalf stood up, eyes blazing, the sky rumbled and the wind howled.

"Let me make this absolutely clear to you all!" the wizard boomed, "Belladonna and Bungo loved their son more than anything, they protected him against the Alphas and Betas, and I will not have you saying anything less of them!"

"We did not mean to offend" Balin soothed, while most of the Company practically cowered under the wizard's anger, "we are just trying to understand this…new development"

Slowly the wind died down, and the rumbling sky went silence, the blazing eyes dimmed into sadness; with a weary sigh Gandalf sat back down. "I know you didn't" he said, "and I apologize for losing my temper"

"No harm done" Balin smiled.

Gandalf gave a smile back before puffing his pipe, eyes sliding back to the glowing lights, from where he sat on the bench; Thorin followed his gaze.

"What happened after?" he heard himself asking, eyes still on the lights.

"Belladonna, Bungo and their neighbor Hamfast were able to rescue Bilbo," Gandalf answered around his pipe, "though the damage had already been done. I arrived after this"

Gandalf takes his pipe out of his mouth, once again silent, lost in thought for a moment. "I knew that they had Traditions, but not like this, I was not aware that such horrid things went on beyond the green hills. When Bungo told me, I didn't know what to think, but I knew this; they could not stay in the Shire. It was too dangerous, for while it was unsaid, the Alphas hold a lot of power here in the Hobbiton, and are very violent. There have been stories of them attacking their fellow Hobbits for very little reasons"

"I take it, plans changed"

Gandalf nodded, "It was decided that I would take them to Rivendell, but before I could, I was summoned by Saruman the White, the leader of our order. Before I left, I carved runes in the doorway there"

Thorin looked at the doorway, and blinked when he sees glowing runes, he hadn't noticed that before. Now that he does, he also remembered the scent of Alphas surrounding the fence and realized that it was not a good thing as he first thought.

"The runes would protect them from any who tried to enter the Smial with the intent to do harm, it was all I could with such little time. I left promising to return once my business was done, it took far longer than I expected."

"How long has this Tradition been going on?" asked Dwalin, lips curling at the word.

"For as long as Hobbits have been around, and from what I was told, it's gotten worse, especially since, not only did Belladonna and Bungo break tradition; but also because Bilbo is a male Omega. Being a male Omega is unnatural according to the Hobbits"

There were murmur and cries of protests.

"There is nothing unnatural about it!" Glóin exclaimed, "an Omega, a male Omega, any Omega is a blessing!"

"I do not disagree with you Master Glóin, but the Hobbits here see differently. They do not take kindly to change, especially if that change involves their Traditions. And because they did not consider Bilbo a proper Omega, a proper Hobbit, they felt the rules that made up the Omega and Alpha tradition, did not apply to Bilbo. Many thought Bilbo should be given to the Alphas regardless of him not being of age"

The Dwarves were outraged, their voices loud, Gandalf worried for a moment that the Hobbits by the Party Tree would hear them.

"Belladonna and Bungo wouldn't allow it, and neither would the Thain, the closet thing the Hobbits have to a King. He made all the Alphas sign a contract, one thing that the Alphas here had in common with their counterparts was, once a contract was signed, it would be honored. The contract stated Bilbo would remain untouched until he turned fifty, unfortunately for the rest of Hobbiton, the Alphas turned their anger and frustration towards them, who turned their anger at the situation towards Bilbo in turned"

Gandalf shook his head sadly as he remembered what Bell had told him when Bilbo had been in the bathroom, what the lad and parents went through.

"Why didn't they leave?" asked Dori

At some point the Dwarf had pulled Ori closer toward him, while Nori had placed himself in front of his two brothers, eyes scanning the dark for danger. Normally ready to complain about his brothers babying him, Ori was quiet and pressed close to his eldest sibling.

"From what I have been told, after my departure, the Baggins family of Bag End was being watched, mail was read and if any of them left their home they were followed. With friends few, it was more dangerous trying to escape then staying prisoners"

"What happened to them? His parents" asked Bombur around the mouthful of cheese he had brought with him, his calm eating had turned anxious during the conversation.

"Winter had come, it was the worst anyone had ever seen, and food was scare. The constant vigilance became negligent, they saw this as their chance, they made it pass the lake when the Orcs came. Bilbo was the only survivor"

"Mahal"

Gandalf just smiled sadly.

"Gandalf"

Thirteen sets of eyes turned to the round door, in the doorway Bilbo flinched under the sudden attention of so many eyes.

"Bilbo my lad" Gandalf greeted putting on a smile that was more genuine then most of his previous ones, "something wrong?"

"Oh erm, no, I was just wondering what happened to everyone, when I came back to the dining room, it was empty"

"Ah, I'm sorry" Gandalf gave a sheepish smile, "we just stepped out for some air"

"Oh"

Bilbo's eyes trailed over the Company (who now knew that it was the scent of fear and nervousness they smelt), before landing on the glowing lights in the distance, the Omega's face goes alarmingly blank before he mumbled and closed the door.

"He's scared of us" Fili said eyes still on the door, "all this time, he's been afraid of us"

"I'm surprised he only tried to stab Uncle, and not the rest of us" said his brother

"That he is" Gandalf agreed with Fili, "he thinks all Alphas are the same"

"We're not!" Kili protested, though he didn't sound insulted.

"Bilbo does not know this"

"Then we'll tell him"

"It won't do any good laddie" Balin said with a shake of his head, giving his brother who was glaring at the distance lights with cracking knuckles, a weary look; and prayed he doesn't start attacking the residents of Hobbiton, " you can tell Master Baggins differently until you're blue in the face, it won't change years of experience"

"That is true Balin, but actions often speak louder than words, and tomorrow, the Alphas will come to collect Bilbo"

"Let them try" Dwalin snarled.

"Shmek dem!"

Gandalf speaks over the snarling and growling Company, inwardly pleased with the reactions.

"What will you actions be?"

~.~

Why had the Breeders been staringat him like that? More importantly did they know what was happening? Know about the Calling? They were Breeders so they must yes? If so, were they going to join? Or were they not going to bother with the celebration and take him tonight?

Bilbo paled at the thought of all those Dwarves holding him down and taking him one by—no! Bilbo shook his head violently of the thoughts, Gandalf was here and wouldn't allow it. Not to mention there was the journey to consider, it was obvious that it was important to them, too important to bother with a Carrier.

He hoped.

Either way, Bilbo planned on keeping his room door locked tonight.

Giving one last glance at the door, Bilbo goes to his room, on his bed was his traveling pack.

"Where is my raincoat?" he muttered when he couldn't find it in any of the trunks.

He leaves the room to go search for it, he finds it in his washroom closet, he left the room and made his way back; stopping short when he finds his hall filled with Dwarves.

They were staring at him again.

"Ah, Bilbo, there you are" Gandalf said coming out the sitting room, "our Company is ready to retire for the evening; they've had a long journey"

Bilbo nodded "Oh, erm, could you show them the guest room Gandalf? I'm still packing"

"Certainly"

"Would you like me to help you pack Master Baggins?" asked Glóin stepping toward Bilbo, stopping short when the Carrier flinched.

"That's okay Glóin" Ori said quickly, "I can help Mister Bilbo pack, if that's alright with him" he then added, smiling at Bilbo.

"Oh, yes it is, thank you" said Bilbo with a small smile of my own.

The two head for Bilbo's room, as they're rounding the corner, Bilbo hears Glóin ask someone if that was "too much?"

~.~

Hamfast watched his fellow Hobbits (and wasn't that odd that he still thought of them as his "fellow Hobbits"?) drunkenly stumble back to their homes, all with the thought that tomorrow will finally be the day things will get back to normal.

"Won't they be in for a surprise?" the Gardner thought as he turned his attention to the Breeders.

All them were asleep under the party tree, passed out from too much ale, the scent of brew and of a rutting Breeder rolling off of them and trousers tented with their arousals. Earlier they had been whispering among each other of going to over to Bilbo's and taking him tonight. The residences of Hobbiton had been restless when Gandalf had been spotted outside the Carrier's house earlier today, even more when Dwarves had also been spotted arriving at Bag End. When the word had finally reached the Breeders, Togo had started leading the pack of Breeders to Bag End, the Thain had quickly put a stop to that; telling them to wait until the morning as Tradition and the contract dictated. Togo had relented, and he and his fellow Breeders went to go get ready for the party.

So when Hamfast heard them whispering about their plans during the party, the Gardner had quickly put a stop to it by getting three of his cousins who were catering to the Breeders and who didn't like the Carrier Breeder Tradition any more than he did, to keep the Breeders mugs constantly filled with the strongest ale.

"Make sure you get your mother and siblings home, I'm going to check on Bilbo" Hamfast then said to his eldest son.

"Yes Papa, erm what about them?" Hamson asked, tilting his head to the Breeders.

Hamfast looked back at the snoring bunch then shrugged, "They're big strong Breeders, I'm sure they can handle one night out here"

Hamson giggled before taking his mother by the arm and leading her and the rest of his siblings' home, the Beta gives one last look at the Breeders before making his way to Bag End. When he gets to the familiar green door he knocked, the door opened and finds himself starting up at a mountain of a Dwarf. The Dwarf crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes down at the Hobbit.

"Whatta ya want?" the Dwarf growled.

"I—" the Gardner stopped, his nose flared and his eyes widen.

This Dwarf was a Breeder; in fact the Beta could smell more of them coming from inside. There were Breeders inside with Bilbo!

"Where is he?!" Hamfast demanded, "what did you do to him?!"

The large Dwarf stepped in the way when the Hobbit tried to get through.

"Move!" Hamfast growled.

"No" the Dwarf growled back, snarling when the Beta pulled out a dagger.

"What is going on here, oh Hamfast!"

"Gandalf, he's a Breeder, there are Breeders in Bag End with Bilbo! Where is Bilbo?!"

"Yes, yes, calm down my friend, and please don't stab Dwalin, we've had enough of that this evening"

"Where is Bilbo!?" the Hobbit commanded, ignoring the wizard.

Gandalf pushed pass the Dwarf and takes hold of the Hobbit's arm and gently stirred him inside, taking away the dagger in the process, ignoring the grumbling Dwalin. When he sees the hall filled with the rest of the Dwarves, the rest of the Breeders, Hamfast rounded on Gandalf.

"What have you done!?" he snarled.

"I've done nothing" Gandalf said, "now come into the sitting room, Dori could you make some tea? Something to calm the nerves, and could someone get Bilbo for me and tell him Hamfast is here to see him"

"I'll do it" said a large round Dwarf.

"Why are there Breeders in here?" Hamfast demanded as he was firmly seated and prevented from getting up.

"I'll explain" said Gandalf, "after you drink your tea and calm down"

"I don't want to calm down!" Hamfast huffed, "I want answers, starting with them and give me back my dagger!"

Said them stared at the Hobbit that was snarling at them from where they stood in doorway, having been stopped from going further by a look from Gandalf.

"Ah, thank you Dori"

Gandalf took the saucer and cup from the Dwarf and handed it to Hamfast, "Drink" he urged.

Hamfast grumbled, but did as he was told knowing it was the only way to get any answers, though not before giving the tea a suspicious sniff.

"Is that better?" Gandalf asked after a moment.

It was, and the Gardener was not happy about it.

"Now, Hamfast" said the wizard when the Hobbit nodded, "allow me to introduce you to the Company of Thorin, everyone this is Hamfast, Bilbo's dearest friend and neighbor"

The Dwarves, who was staring at the Hobbit with suspicion, blinked and then suddenly the Beta found himself surrounded.

"Nice to meet ya, I'm Bofur!"

"Where did you get that dagger?"

"Would you like something else than tea?"

"Were you the one who grew those tomatoes?"

"Erm excuse me"

"Bilbo!"

Hamfast gets out of his seat, squeezed pass the Dwarves and goes over to the doorway where the Carrier was, he then pulled Bilbo and hold him tightly.

"Hamfast" Bilbo squeaked, "can't…breathe"

"Sorry" Hamfast said pulling away, "are you alright?" he then asked, eyes roaming over the Carrier's body.

"I'm fine" Bilbo said with a slight tilt of the head, "what are you doing here? Why aren't you at the party?"

Hamfast favored looking at the two Dwarves standing side by side behind Bilbo than answering, the red-head one was obviously a Breeder, but the other smelled a lot like Bilbo. The Gardener looked over his shoulder at Gandalf.

"I suggest you finish your explanation"

Gandalf does, when he's finished Hamfast asked for a moment alone with Gandalf and Bilbo.

"Are you alright with this?" the Beta asked once the last Dwarves left the room.

"Not really" Bilbo answered honestly, "the thought of traveling with so many Alphas makes my heart pound, but" the Carrier licked his lips, "Gandalf will be with me, and this may be my only chance"

Hamfast grumbled knowing that was true, didn't mean he liked it.

"Hamfast, you know I wouldn't bring them here if I did not trust them" said Gandalf.

"…Alright" the Beta said after a long while, "alright"

The three talked more before Bilbo said goodbye, and Hamfast wishing him both luck and reassuring that he and his family will be fine once it's discovered that the Carrier was gone; heads to his room ready to sleep, tiredness finally setting in after an eventful evening.

"The Breeders were talking about getting Bilbo tonight" Hamfast said when he was sure Bilbo had left, "I put a stop to that" he quickly added when Gandalf's eyes widen in alarm, "filled them with the strongest ale, they're now passed out drunk under the Party Tree, will be out there all night long, and sleeping it off until the afternoon at most"

Gandalf's lips twitched.

"So will the rest of the residences of Hobbiton, I'd take the opportunity if I was you"

"It's good advice, don't worry my friend, when they come, we will be gone"

There is more small talk then Gandalf gives back the dagger and escorted Hamfast to the door, on their way they pass Thorin, the leader of the Company, Hamfast stopped.

"I don't trust you, or any of your Breeders" the Beta growled as he stood toe to toe with the Breeder, lips curled into a snarl, "but I trust Gandalf, don't let my trust be misplaced"

Thorin nodded, "You have my word"

Hamfast stared at the Dwarf, and then hoping he hadn't made the worse mistake of his life, leaves Bag End.

~.~

Bilbo wakes up and wondered if it had all been a dream, the packed bag sitting in the corner said otherwise, yawning he made his way to the kitchen for tea; keeping an eye out for his guests as he does.

"Dear me!"

By his stove was Dori and Bombur, both wearing aprons that were much too small, at the table was Ori, Nori, and Bofur. Nori and Bofur were looking everywhere but at Bilbo, the furred-hatted Dwarf's cheeks red. Ori was staring with wide-eyes, like his youngest sibling Dori was also staring at the Carrier with surprised eyes while Bombur had quickly turned around when the Carrier had entered the kitchen.

"You're cooking" Bilbo said, taking note of the frying pan that was sizzling with sausage and eggs.

It took Bilbo a long time to realize that having breakfast was a normal thing for others, he himself skipped many meals, having not much of an appetite most days; in fact last night had been the most he had eaten in years. Also he's pretty sure as host, he's supposed to be making breakfast.

"Y-yes" Dori stuttered, eyes quickly averting to the floor, "w-we did not want t-to b-bother you"

"Oh"

"Erm, Mister Bilbo" Bofur said in a strained voice, "could you please put some cloths on"

Bilbo blinked and looked down at himself, he was wearing a big long-sleeved shirt that stopped just above his knees, and aside from four of his buttons coming undone and showing off his chest; he saw nothing wrong with what his was wearing. After all, this was the usual nightwear during the summer when nights were warm, all the other Hobbits had the same thing more or less.

"I do not understand"

"Mahal, why are you naked?!"

Bilbo jumped and whirled around and quickly scrambled back from Dwalin who was staring down at him mouth agape.

"B-Beg y-your pardon?" Bilbo stuttered.

Dwalin quickly averted his eyes.

"You have no clothes on" the Big Dwarf said, cheeks turning red.

"Yes, I d—"

"I smell somthin—Mahalu-me turg!" Kili exclaimed.

Bilbo stared, very much confused and worried, as Thorin, cheeks red, covered his youngest eyes; averting his own.

"Master Baggins" Thorin cleared his throat, "may I ask why you are unclothed?"

Bilbo's eyebrows furrowed, "I'm not unclothed, I'm wearing my nightshirt"

Thorin makes a strained noise.

"Exactly" Dwalin mumbled.

"I don't understand"

"I think what Master Dwalin and everyone is trying to say" said Gandalf as he entered the kitchen startling everyone, "is that Dwarves consider night clothing to be the same as being naked"

Bilbo blinked and looked over his guests, all expect Ori, would not look at him, he then looked back at Gandalf still not understanding.

"I see" he finally said, deciding that going along with as it was for the best, "I apologize, excuse me"

He leaves the kitchen, still confused, he had on clothes. Not to mention he was sure the Breeders should be happy to see him (apparently) naked, lost in his thoughts about the oddness of Dwarves, he doesn't see Fili do a double-take as they pass each other nor does he see the Dwarf run into a wall.

When he came back, the other Dwarves had awaken and moving about his kitchen, some cooking while others were setting up the table in the dining room, he tried to help but was stirred into the dining room by Bifur.

"Sit, and let us handle everything" Bifur signed.

"But I should be the one handling breakfast" Bilbo signed back, "you're my guests"

"And you're the Omega"

Bilbo blinked, not understanding what him having being an Carrier had to do with breakfast.

"Stay here" Bifur signed, "food will be ready soon"

Bifur's statement proved to be true, and soon the dining table was filled with food once more, he tried to leave once the other Dwarves started to sit down; but Ori insisting he stay had him remaining in his seat between the other Omega and Gandalf. He was given a plate that was piled high with food by Dori. Aware of the eyes glancing at him, he nibbled on his food.

"We will leave an hour after breakfast" Thorin informed the Company.

"Or perhaps a bit earlier" Gandalf suggested before sipping his milk.

"Or perhaps a bit earlier" Thorin agreed.

There were murmurs of agreement.

Bilbo kept on nibbling, his heart pounding.

~.~

Fili followed Ori to their host's room, when Ori raised his hand to knock on the open door he stopped him, he ignored the look he gets in favor of looking at Bilbo. The Omega is staring at his bag, teeth worrying his bottom lips, his trembling hands gripping his shirt.

"I can do this" they heard him mumbled, scent making the blonde's instincts itch, "I signed the contract, I made a promise, Gandalf will be there. He won't let them do anything to me, I can do this, I cando this"

This Omega was terrified, terrified of a pack of Alphas who would sooner cut off their hair and beards than hurt him, this Omega who experience nothing but cruelty had agreed and still was going to be their Burglar.

Why? Is the question the young heir kept thinking in his head.

Bilbo, still reassuring himself, reached underneath his mattress, and pulled out a sheathed sword,

"I hope you don't mind Mother" Bilbo mumbled, as he set about putting on the sword belt.

Fili knocked on the door.

Bilbo jumped and turned to the doorway, hands going to his sword.

"O-Ori, M-Master Fili"

"Just Fili, will do"

"A-Alright, w-what can I do for you?"

"We've come to let you now that we're ready to go" Ori informed.

"Y-Yes, of course"

Bilbo did a quick check to make sure he didn't forget anything, then put on his pack and they headed outside where the others were waiting.

"Good, we're all ready to go" said Gandalf, "I'll lead on"

Thorin nodded at the wizard

"Off we go then!"

Hobbiton was quiet as they made their way down the lane, and past the great Mill, its residence sleeping off last night's party; a great relief for both the Company and Bilbo. It's only after they cross The Water, that the Carrier realized that at some point he and Ori were in the middle of the group with Nori and Bifur on either side of them (Bifur on Bilbo's side), and behind them was Dori and Bofur. In front of them are Bombur and Oin. Bilbo wonders if he and Ori could slip closer to Gandalf, he dismissed the thought.

When they get to ByWater, Bilbo is kept out of sight while ponies are purchased, though any of the Company doubted the still hung-over owner would have noticed the end of Middle Earth, let alone a Carrier who was supposed to be at Bag End.

As the Company loaded up the ponies, and the white horse that was for Gandalf, Bilbo stared at the pony assigned to him. Her name was Myrtle, she was a lovely brown with dark eyes, and seemed sweet-tempered enough. Problem was, he couldn't ride.

"Master Baggins"

Bofur came up, leading his own pony by the reins, he stopped and stood next to the Hobbit.

"What is wrong?" the Dwarf asked.

"I can't ride" Bilbo admitted.

Bofur looked at Myrtle who was sniffing his pony, Daisy, then back at Bilbo.

"Would you like me to teach you?" he then asked.

Bilbo glanced over his shoulder, his eyes land on Gandalf who is busy talking to Thorin and Balin, he then slid his eyes over to Ori who is busy with his own pony. He looked back at Bofur who is waiting patiently for his answer. He could wait for Gandalf or Ori to be done with their tasks and ask for their help, but that could take too long and risk them being discovered by the Breeders and other Hobbits.

"Yes" Bilbo finally said, "thank you"

Bofur nodded, and started by helping load his pack, followed by how to get on the saddle and adjust the stirrups. Once he was sure the Carrier wouldn't fall off, Bofur mounted his own pony.

"If you want her to walk, squeeze her sides slightly with both of your legs" the Dwarf instructed, "to stop is done by leaning very slightly back and pulling the reins. Be sure you aren't squeezing with your legs, so you don't give mixed signals."

Bilbo nodded, feeling a bit of relief, so far it didn't sound too hard. He'll definitely find out when he does actual riding. Not mention, his nose was feeling a bit itchy.

"When turning" Bofur continued on, "you squeeze with your right leg and slightly take your left hand to the left to turn left, when you want to turn right, you do the opposite"

Bilbo scratched his nose, before sniffing, Bofur goes explaining how to trout and gallop, by the time he's done everyone is mounted and ready. With Gandalf once more leading, they're off. Before he even gets to put into practice the instructions Bofur gave him, Myrtle begins walking, startling the Carrier and making him squeak. Bofur though a bit alarmed himself, was mostly amused.

"Alright Bilbo?" Ori asked, bringing his pony up next to the other Omega's.

"I'm fine" Bilbo smiled, "just a bit startled"

"First time riding a pony?" the Omega asked.

"Yes"

"Don't worry you'll get used to it quickly enough, it didn't take me very long on my first pony"

"Despite Dori's worrying" said Nori as he trotted pass them.

"I wasn't worried!" Dori shouted from behind the end of the line.

"You changed a different color every time he started to tilt!" Nori shouted back.

"I did not!"

"Did too!"

Ori sighed and rolled his eyes up to the sky, Bilbo, to his surprise, found himself giggling. Right before he sneezed several times.

Good thing he packed his handkerchiefs.

~.~

Thorin watched as the Company set up camp, assured everything was going smoothly he turned his attention to their Burglar who was helping Ori unpack. The two Omegas had become fast friends, which was not surprising, but despite the small smile on his face; Bilbo still smelt like fear. Thorin knew it was mostly because of them, the Alphas, but the other reason was because though they were far from Hobbiton; they were still in the Shire. Still in risk of being discovered.

The scent of fear made Thorin and the other Alphas bristle, along with making it hard to fight the instincts to Tuck the Omega, something that they all knew Bilbo would not take kindly to and would no doubt stab them with his sword. Nuzzling and rumbling would be met with the same results.

Bifur, after getting shooed away from Bombur when the Dwarf tried to add pipe weed to whatever the round Dwarf was cooking, came toward the two, making sure to do so within Bilbo's eye sight; something Gandalf had suggested. Thorin thought it was a wondrous suggestion; especially since they didn't need a repeat of the kitchen incident. The Dwarf asked if they needed any help, to which both declined, Bifur nodded before sitting down in front of Bilbo and starting a conversation.

Bilbo is startled, but started signing back, Ori joined, the leader leaves them to their conversation (Bifur is apparently curious about a picture he had seen in Bag End). Instead he goes and settled himself with his nephews and Dwalin.

"I don't like him smelling like that" Dwalin grumbled quietly, "makes me want to Tuck"

"Me too" Kili sighed, looking at the Hobbit, who's smile was a bit bigger than before as he spoke with Bifur and Ori.

"He'd probably stab you like he did Uncle if you do" Fili said.

Kili winced at the thought, he didn't want that, though he wouldn't blame the Omega Hobbit for trying to do so. After what those things who dare called themselves Alphas had done to their Burglar, and don't get him started on the other Hobbits.

"We have to work for his trust" said Thorin, bringing his youngest nephew out of his thoughts, "slowly"

"Well, Kili is plenty that"

"Oye!"

Thorin's lips twitched as Kili punched his brother in the arm, while Dwalin chuckled. Movement turned the four's attention back to the two Omegas and Bifur, Bombur is making his way over with two bowels of stew. When handed his portion, Bilbo looks down at it blankly (Thorin was being to feel alarm every time he sees that look, and resolved to talk to Gandalf about it), but thanks the rounded Dwarf. Bombur smiled before going back to the pot, and smacking away Nori's sneaky hands.

The four watched as Bilbo continued to stare down at his food, before slowly stirring it with the spoon that had been in the bowl, he scooped up a spoon full, blew then took a sip.

"Oh, this is lovely!"

Over by the fire, Bombur puffed up in pride.

After dinner, the Company settled down to sleep with Gandalf taking first watch, Bilbo waited until he's sure everyone is sleeping before moving his sleeping mat over to the wizard. Gandalf smiled when the Carrier snuggled up against him.

"Can't sleep?" Gandalf inquired after a long silence between them.

"No" Bilbo mumbled, picking at the wizard's sleeve.

"Hmm, could it be because of the snoring?"

A loud snort from Oin made the Carrier's lips twitch, "No" he then said, "though it doesn't help"

Gandalf chuckled.

"It's just, being out here, in the open, instead of being in Bag End"

"Where it's safe" is left unsaid.

"It's natural" the wizard said, "to feel this way, especially after being cooped up for so long"

Bilbo hummed, and snuggled closer, silence fell over them once more.

"…..Gandalf"

"Yes?"

"I think….I think, I should tell you something"

"Oh?"

"It's about what would have happened, if you wouldn't have come"

Bilbo picked at a loose strand on Gandalf's sleeves, hesitation overwhelming his resolve, he knows that if he told Gandalf that he would have killed himself had the wizard not come, told his friend that for years he had considered ending his life; that he almost came close to doing so several times. Gandalf would be devastated. More so if Bilbo told him that he still felt this way, saw nothing wrong with it, especially if the Company decided to turn.

"Never mind" the Carrier said, hesitation winning out, "it's nothing"

Gandalf raised a brow, "Nothing, you say?"

Bilbo nodded, hoping he'd let it go.

"So you say" said Gandalf as he looked up at the stars, humming softly.

Bilbo knew it wouldn't be the last of it.

~.~

The moment they crossed over, Bilbo nearly fell off his pony in relief and disbelief.

He did it.

He was out of the Shire.

"You alright laddie?" Balin asked, pulling his pony alongside the Carrier's.

"I-I'm a little overwhelmed" Bilbo admitted almost breathlessly, unaware of ears listening, "I'm finally out of the Shire"

"Aaah" Balin nodded, "yes, I suppose leaving home for the first time can be a lot to take in"

Bilbo's tightened his grip on his reins, "I left behind a place Master Balin" he said, "not a home"

Balin watched him urge his pony into a fast trout, and pull up alongside Gandalf.

They traveled for days, the clear skies brightening the Company's mood, they told stories that Bilbo found himself becoming enthralled with, or sang songs that made the Carrier feel so many emotions it left him near dizzy. They rarely stopped for meals during the day, often eating dried meats, cheese and fruits, on horseback (or in Bilbo' and the Company's case, ponyback). When they stopped to camp, and supper was served, Bilbo often picked at it instead of eating. Oblivious to the eyes watching him. Sometimes, he and Ori, who hadn't left his side since starting this journey, would be joined in conversation by one of the Alphas, the Carrier noticed that they always kept their distance.

"Mind if I join you?"

Bilbo looked up from his food to see Balin standing there with his own supper in hand, a small smile on his lips, Bilbo looked for Ori and found him being fussed over by Dori. Gandalf was sitting by the fire, close enough for Bilbo to get to just in case, the Carrier nodded to the Alpha.

Balin sat down with a happy sigh and began eating, Bilbo watched him for a moment before going back to picking at his food.

Tonight was rabbit.

"Not to your liking?"

Bilbo jumped, and looked back at Balin, the Alpha was looking at him with a curious expression, head tilted slightly.

"O-oh n-no" Bilbo answered, "it isn't that, it's just, I don't have much of an appetite tonight"

Balin nodded, "Hmm, I noticed you haven't eaten much these last few days"

"A-Ah yes, well I don't eat much"

"I thought Hobbits ate seven meals a day"

Nori, who was close by, whirled his head at the pair with disbelief.

"They do, but I've always been an odd one"

"Odd how?" Balin asked.

"I'm a Carrier" answered Bilbo as thought it was obvious.

"Being an Omega does not make you odd, it makes you special"

Balin's heart clenched at the confused look he gets from the Omega, Omegas were treasured by all the races, they were the tacticians, quick thinkers, and good with diplomacy if it was needed. They were nurtures, compassionate, with a sense of empathy, if threatened; they became dangerous. They gave life, love, and sometimes purpose. To see such a beautiful Omega not know his importance, not to know that there is not an Alpha or even a Beta alive who wouldn't do anything for him, would never dream of hurting him. Made him wondered about the evils of the world.

"…There is nothing special about me Master Balin" Bilbo finally said.

Obviously, Balin disagreed, but knew that it wouldn't make a difference to say otherwise.

~.~

The sky was dark, the rain was cold and heavy, the wind wild and merciless. Despite getting soaked and the grumbling, everything was fine, then thunder started booming, and lightening threatened to strike the ground. Myrtle took fright and bolted, Bilbo doesn't hear the cries of his name as he's rushed though trees and bushes, clinging wet fur. Then he's in the air, there is a loud splash and he's sinking.

Everything is murky and muted, as he sinks, and Bilbo wondered what would happen if he just closed his eyes for just a moment.

Arms break through the water, they pull him up and out, coughing he's dragged to the shore. Gently he's laid on his back then rolled over to his side to help get out the rest of the water.

"Are alright Bilbo?" Kili asked, helping the Carrier to stand steady once he was done coughing up water, vaguely is he aware of his brother leading a caught Myrtle out the river.

Dazed and shivering Bilbo blinked at him, it took him a moment to work out the question, he doesn't get a chance to answer though as the rest of the Company burst though. They dismounted and suddenly Bilbo was surrounded, questions were thrown at him and hands were touching him.

The Company had him surrounded!

His hearted started pounding, his vision was starting to blur, the loud voices became distorted and he couldn't breathe properly.

The Company had him surrounded, Breeders had him surrounded.

"Idributu!"

The sound of the normally quiet and gentle voice broke through the Company's, and startled Bilbo out of his panic, Ori pushed through the Breeders and placed himself between them and Bilbo.

"Mahalu-me turg, can't you see you're not helping!" Ori growled, "Ithmir!"

Bilbo's eyes go wide again this time in panic and shock, Ori had just spoken back to the Breeders, had just growled at them! There was no possible way that they will let that go unpunished.

"Ithmir!" the Dwarven Omega snarled when none of the moved.

"O-Ori—"

Bilbo trailed off and watched in disbelief as all the Breeders backed away, all of their shoulders hunched and eyes down casted. With narrowed eyes, Ori watched them, once sure they weren't coming anywhere near them does he turn his attention to Bilbo. He looked over the other Omega, and aside from being wet and no doubt cold, he was unharmed.

"Let's get you dry" the Dwarven Omega smiled.

"An excellent idea Ori!"

Both jumped and looked at Gandalf who was now making his way through the Breeders, all who still had their shoulders hunched and eyes down.

"Come along Bilbo" said the Wizard, already steering the Carrier away from the river, Ori following, "I'm sure there's somewhere we can take shelter from the rain"

The Breeders part for them and followed at a distance, when they get to a cave, Gandalf ushered him to the back.

"Ah, thank you Ori" Gandalf took the bag that belonged to Bilbo and opened it, "hmm, it seems as though your clothing have escaped unscathed"

Bilbo took out a green robe and same colored trousers, with Gandalf being used a curtain, he took off his wet clothes and puts on the dry ones. Once done, Gandalf placed them somewhere to dry and Ori settled him near the fire that Oin had gotten started. Ori sat down close to him, the Breeders sitting on the other side, Bilbo noted that they wouldn't look at him or Ori.

The Carrier didn't understand, when Ori had snapped at them, the Breeders should have growled and beaten the other Carrier. Instead they had back away, kept their distance, and still were. And when Dori came over with food, the Dwarf waited until his brother nodded before giving them their food, and scurried back to the Breeders.

Bilbo couldn't understand why.

Sipping the stew as to give him something to do and that it help warm him up, Bilbo glanced over at the group on the other side of the fire, trying to figure out what he had missed. Perhaps, it was just a Dwarf thing, though he doubts it. After finishing his stew (and all of it to his surprise), he got up and made his way over to Gloin who was in charge of the dishes tonight, aware of the eyes watching him; handed him the bowl. Gloin took the bowl careful so that their skin did not touch, and it took the Carrier a while to realize that the Dwarf seemed happy that Bilbo had personally given him the bowl, as though it was some kind of forgiveness.

"….Oh"

By the entrance of the cave, Gandalf smiled a little around his pipe, as he watched something deep inside Bilbo click into understanding. That something was the start of healing many wounds.

~.~

Gandalf was not an Alpha, neither was he Beta or Carrier, he smelt of fireworks, pipe weed and something sharp that Bilbo concluded to be magic. And for as long as Bilbo has known him, the wizard has never once lost his patience, didn't think anyone or anything could make him.

"I've had enough of Dwarves for one day!"

Expect apparently Thorin Oakenshield.

Bilbo bites his bottom lip as he watched the wizard stomp off, while he is nervous about Gandalf leaving him alone with the Company, nothing was screaming at him to follow his friend. Ever since the river incident, Bilbo has felt something….different toward the Company. Different enough that Bilbo's first thought wasn't whether or not he was going to be beaten or taken whenever a Breeder came up to him, among other things.

Still….Gandalf has left before, with the intention of coming back within a few days a most, and ended up taking years. This time around however he didn't even look back.

"He's coming back?" Bilbo asked Ori.

Ori shrugged.

Inwardly sighing and keeping hope that Gandalf will indeed come back, Bilbo help set up camp, doing his best to avoid Thorin who still looked to be in an unhappy mood. By the time everything was set and the food nearly done, night had fallen and Gandalf was still not back.

"He's a wizard" said Bofur, as he sat down next to the Carrier, a little bit closer than before, "he does as he chooses"

"I suppose so" Bilbo murmured, before taking out his dagger to clean and sharpen.

"Can I see that?"

Nori cursed as his hands flew up to stop the dagger aiming for him, he gives a sheepish grin at the Carrier who stared wide-eyed at him.

"Sorry for sneaking up on you like that" Nori apologized, "force of habit"

"I-It's a-alright" Bilbo said, glancing over at the rest of the Company for their reaction of him almost stabbing another member.

Dori and Ori looked exasperated, while the rest of the Company looked annoyed, turning back to the Alpha; he looked at where the Dwarf was still holding his wrist. Nori let go and sat down next to Bilbo, forcing his youngest sibling to scoot over.

"The dagger" Nori then said, "may I see it?"

Bilbo looked at his dagger, it was his mother's, she had gotten it during one her Adventures. It was small enough for a Hobbit's hand, the handle had carvings that were of Dwarven origins. The Carrier suppose it was it not all that surprising that Nori was curious about it. Careful of the sharpness, Bilbo handed over his dagger.

Nori looked over dagger; paying special attention to the handle, before looking back at Bilbo who watched him the whole time.

"Where did you get this dagger?" he asked with a look of familiarization.

"My mother, she brought it back from one of her Adventures" Bilbo answered, "it was one of her favorites"

"I thought Hobbits didn't like going beyond the border" said Bofur.

"They don't" Bilbo told hm, "but mother was the exception, she traveled the furthest of any Hobbit, most of the time with Gandalf. Though sometimes, she's gone off with a Ranger or two, along with the occasional Elf or Dwarf"

"Why would you want to go anywhere with an Elf?" Dwalin grumbled.

"How did she get this?" Nori asked, indicating to the dagger.

"Ah, well" Bilbo scratched at his ear, and to the surprised of the Company, a grin slowly appeared on his face and his eyes began to dance with amusement, "she pickpocketed it from a Dwarf during one of her trips to the Blue Mountains"

There was a stunned silence, then Dori started snickering followed by Ori giggling.

"Itkit" Nori grumbled.

"Oh" Bilbo said softly in realization that Nori had been his mother's victim, "erm, sorry?"

"It's fine" Dori reassured, while Nori grumbled, and the rest of the Company snickered, "my brother has many daggers, having one less will do no harm. Though his pride may say otherwise"

Bilbo looked back Nori who was still grumbling about "sneaky Hobbits", "Would you like it back?" he asked, he doesn't want to give it back. Despite it being stolen, as far as he was concerned it was his mother's.

"No" Nori finally sighed, handing the dagger back to the Carrier, "you can keep it"

Relieved, Bilbo took back his dagger, giving a thankful smile to the red-head. Nori smiled back, just as Fili and Kili came into the camp site faces clouded with worry.

"The ponies have been taken!" said Fili.

~.~

They leave Ori and Bilbo at the campsite despite Ori's protest.

"I'm not a child" Ori mumbled, as he packed the bags.

Also packing, Bilbo doesn't say a word, though he does glance in the direction that the Breeders had run off to.

Trolls.

Trolls had stolen their ponies, mother had told him about them, large beings with great heavy faces; who ate nearly anything in their path. The Company had gone to get their ponies away from them.

"Father did say that they are slow in movement and not very bright, so they'll probably be fine" Bilbo thought, nearly falling over the pack he was putting together when it hit him.

He was worried about the Breeders!

Not knowing what to do it with this realization, Bilbo continued packing up, its only after he's done does he noticed that Ori had gone quiet. He looked at the other Carrier and found him looking in the direction where the rest of the Company had gone.

"They're taking too long" Ori then said to Bilbo.

"I suppose so"

Ori hummed softly, eyes flickering with various emotions before they finally harden with determination, "I'm going to go look for them, you—"

"Will come with you," Bilbo found himself saying, "I'm not letting you go alone"

He made a promise to himself to keep an eye on the other Carrier after all, the fact it meant going after the Breeders to check up on them, was just something that came with the promise.

Ori must have seen something in him because he smiled and nodded; with weapons drawn they started on the same path the Company took. It wasn't long before they started to come upon a light, quietly they crept closer couching behind bushes and peeking around the thicket.

Ori cursed in Khuzdul when he saw that half the Company had been tied to a large spit, and were being spun around over the fire, the other half had been thrown into sacks. There was an empty pen where both Carriers' assumed had been previously filled with their stolen ponies. All of the Breeders were yelling and trying to convince the Trolls to let them go.

"This is bad" Ori whispered to Bilbo, "what do we do?"

Bilbo said nothing, eyes focusing on the three Trolls, mind still processing over the fact that he was looking at real live Trolls.

"Don't bother cooking them, Bert" said one of the Trolls, "let's just sit on them and squash them into jelly"

"They should be sautéed William" said the Troll who Bilbo and Ori assumed was Bert, "and grilled with a sparkle of sage"

"Ooh, that does sound nice" agreed William as he moved over to the sacked Dwarves, he crouched down and poked Fili who tried to bite the Troll's finger. "what do you think Tom?" William then asked, as he continued to poke at Fili, not at all bothered by the Dwarf's teeth.

The Troll turning the spit grunted unhappily, "Never mind the seasoning, we ain't got all night! Dawn ain't far away, so let's get a move on. I don't fancy being turned to stone"

Bilbo gets an idea, "I have a plan" he whispered to Ori, "I'll go one why and keep them distracted, while you go another and use your slingshot to hurl as many rocks as you can at the Trolls, also, keep moving, don't stay in one spot; got it?"

Ori nodded, lucky for him he kept a supply of rocks on his person, pleased, Bilbo quietly moved over to where the Dwarves were sacked; keeping an ear on the bickering Trolls. When he settled behind a large boulder, he prepared himself for the next part of the plan.

"Wait!" Bilbo cried out, silencing the camp.

"Who said that?" said Bert looking around for the voice, a yelping when he was hit with a rock, "hey! Who did that?!"

Bilbo quickly scrambled away from the boulder, and to a nearby tree, though not before he heard Kili whispering his name, "Wait!" he cried again, "you're making a terrible mistake!"

Bert yelped again when another rock hit him in the back of the head, there was another yelp this time from Tom who had been narrowing his suspiciously in Bilbo's direction.

"Who's there?" growled William, standing up and looking around.

"About the seasoning" Bilbo cried out, taking a cautious peek, "you can't use sage"

To Bilbo's surprise, because if he was honest, this plan was a half-baked one. Bert actually gives a considerate look; even while Tom looked through the thicket to find where the mysterious flying rocks were coming from. To the Carrier's relief, he returned to the spit, still suspicious but empty-handed.

"What about the seasoning? And who are you?" asked Bert.

"Alright, so maybe they're a little smarter than Father thought" Bilbo thought, as he came up with an answer, "I'm no one" he said, "and have you smelt those Dwarves? You're going need something then sage before you plate this lot up"

"I don't like this" grumbled Tom, growling when a rock hit him in the face.

"Shut up" Bert ordered, crouching by where he last heard the voice, "and let the, erm Mister No One talk"

"Right" Bilbo said as he moved over to the spit and finding Ori, armed and ready to send another rock flying, "so the secret to cooking Dwarf is, um—" he trailed off as he drew up a blank.

"Yes?" Bert urged, "come on"

"Yes, um, the secret to cooking Dwarf, is that yooou have to skin them first!"

Ori snorted, while the Company protested at the suggestion, absently wondering if his suggestion had anything to do with his feelings for Breeders in general, Bilbo also wondered how slow the Dwarves really were.

"Tom "said Bert, "get me the filleting knife"

"What a load of rubbish!" Tom grunted, ignoring the order, "I've eaten plenty with their skins on."

Bilbo and Ori separate, Bilbo settling near William.

"Scuff them; I say" Tom continued on, eyes going over to where there was a rustle near the empty pen "boots and all, ow! Stop that!"

William snickered, whining when Tom smacked him upside the head, he wasn't upset long when his stomach grumbled loudly.

"'E's right!" the Troll said going over to the sacked Dwarves, "nothing wrong with a bit of raw Dwarf!"

William grabbed Bombur, and dangled the Dwarf upside down over his open mouth.

"No!" Bilbo protested loudly, nearly jumping out of his hiding spot.

A rock hits William in the eye, causing him to nearly drop Bombur.

"Not that one" Bilbo continued on, using the distraction, "he's infected! With worms!"

William yelped and dropped Bombur onto the others, heavy footsteps heading in his direction had the Carrier diving into a nearby bush and keeping very quiet, he flinched when he heard bushes and a tree trunk being shoved aside. He held his breath, and waited. Finally, there is a snort and the footsteps stomped away.

He doesn't move.

"They're all infested with parasite" Bilbo heard Ori call out, surprised that it sounded remarkably close to his own voice.

"Parasites, did he say parasites?" the Carrier heard Oin say.

"We don't have parasites!" Kili protested, "you have parasites!"

Bilbo found himself rolling his eyes at the ridiculousness of the Breeders; cautiously he crawled and peeked, just in time to see Thorin kicking one of the others. There is a moment silence from the sack pile, then suddenly they were all proclaiming about how they were riddled with parasites.

"I've got parasites as big as my arm!"

"Mine are the biggest parasites you've ever seen!"

"We're riddled with them!"

Bilbo groaned at how unconvincing they sounded, it also seemed that Tim wasn't convinced either, probably didn't help that Ori kept hitting him with rocks.

"You think I don't know what you're up to?" Tom growled, "this, Mister No One is taking us for fools!"

"Uh-oh"

"The dawn will take you all!"

Gandalf was back.


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