The Miracle of Love
Chapter 7
Thráin smiled victoriously. "Excellent. I have of course some things to add to our agreement."
"Me too," answered Bilbo. "You go first."
"No, wait a second," interrupted Bungo, "You can't just come into our house and start telling everyone what to do! This is my house and this is my underage son you are talking to. He is not old enough to make decisions on his own."
"I think he is old enough to know what he is doing," answered Thráin and smirked.
Bungo wanted to protest but Belladonna took his hand and pulled him back. She trusted his son and she prayed to the gods that he knew what he was doing.
Thráin turned to Bilbo who was now standing. "I want you to live with us until this baby is born. My wife thinks it will be easier for you to give up your baby if you know where it's going to live and with whom." Bilbo thought about it for a second before nodding and if possible Thráin smiled even more. "I also want you to sign the adoption papers as soon as possible. I was thinking that we could have it done by the end of this week. Of course your parents would have to be present and sign the papers too, but I don't think that will be a problem."
Bilbo looked at his parents who were standing right next to him and were waiting for him to answer. "I agree," said Bilbo and Thráin clapped his hand in excitement. "But not without a few conditions."
Thráin looked approvingly at Bilbo. "Smart boy; go on, I'm listening."
"I want you to cover all the expenses that are for this baby. This includes doctor's visits, birthing classes and any kind of treatment I may need."
"I already told you I would pay for that."
"I want to be the one making decisions until the baby is born and that includes choosing a doctor. Also, I want Thorin tested so that I'll be sure that the baby is okay."
"You can make all the decisions if you like. And regarding Thorin, he will be tested, I can promise you that. I don't want anything bad happening to my child." Bilbo's heart clenched at Thráin's last words. He was selling his baby for the sake of this family and the baby itself. "Is that all?"
"No," answered Bilbo. "I also want you to pay all the money that my parents spent for the doctor and I want you to pay for Frodo's college."
"What?" everyone in the room exclaimed except Thráin and Bilbo who were looking at one another.
"Smart boy," praised Thráin. "You have a deal." He offered Bilbo his hand and Bilbo eyed him for a second before he shook it and with that sealed the deal. "I'm so happy we have come to an agreement. I will give you… let's say… half an hour? This should be more than enough to pack your things."
Bilbo looked at him for a second before he ran upstairs and Frodo ran right behind him. Bungo wanted to punch Thráin really in the face but Belladonna held him back and instead led him upstairs to help their son.
:::
Bilbo wasn't able to hold back the tears once he entered his bedroom. He just sold his baby. He sold his baby. What kind of monster was he? Bilbo didn't even try to stop the tears and quickly pulled a small suitcase from the closet and put it on the bed. He knew that Frodo ran after him and he wasn't surprised when someone hugged him from behind. It didn't take long before his parents joined them in his small bedroom. They let Bilbo cry for a couple of minutes before Belladonna cupped his cheeks and wiped the tears away.
"Why did you agree to this?"
"Because of what he said," answered Bilbo and wiped a few tears in his sleeve.
"And what did he say to you?" asked Bungo.
"He said that he will get the baby no matter what."
"He can't do that. Only the judge would be able to take it away from us."
"And you think he wouldn't pay them so the he would get the baby?!" Bungo wanted to protest but Bilbo continued. "He is right. We cannot afford it. The doctor is very expensive and don't try to lie to me, I checked. I also know we don't have that much money. And once we are out of the money, then what?"
"You don't have to do this," said Belladonna. "This baby is part of our family. You can't just give it up." She was on the verge of crying.
"I'm giving this baby a better life. They are prepared to pay any price for this baby, nothing is too much for them. Even if we somehow get the money for the doctor, what good will it do when neither of us will go to college? At least now Frodo will be able to go and this baby will be able to go to too. I'm sure that we would love it more, but I want this baby to have everything in this world and they can make my wish come true. I trust them enough and I hope they will love this baby like that is theirs."
"You don't have to do this," cried Belladonna and pulled Bilbo into a hug. "You don't have to do this," she repeated.
"I don't want to. I want to keep this baby, but giving it up is for the best. I need you to support me, please."
Bungo sighed before he pulled his son into a hug. "We support you, son. If that is what you want to do then you have our full support." Bilbo looked at his parents and they both nodded. "I wish things would be different and that we would keep this baby, but you are old enough to make your decisions and we support you."
Bilbo smiled. He didn't want to do this but it was the best possible solution.
"No," suddenly protested Frodo. "Please don't do this. Don't give this baby away." Bilbo pulled Frodo into a hug. "I don't want to go to college. I want you to keep this baby and I want you to stay here," cried Frodo like a little child.
"I won't be that far away and you'll be able to see me every day if you like," soothed Bilbo.
"What if they don't love the baby?" Frodo asked.
"They will love the baby." Bilbo's heart broke when he spoke these words. "They will give the baby all the love of this world. They will love it so much that the baby won't even miss us," Bilbo started crying again. He could only hope that what he just told Frodo will be the truth. "Hey, don't worry. Everything is going to be alright." Frodo forced a smiled. "Why don't you help me pack?"
Everyone nodded and without saying a word everyone started to help Bilbo pack. Thráin was right, he didn't have a lot to pack and even once all of his clothes were in the suitcase he was still able to close it without any difficulties. Bungo took his son's suitcase and took it downstairs to the living room where Thráin was waiting for them sitting comfortably in the armchair. Bungo wanted to comment but for his son's sake kept his mouth shut.
"Finally," sighed Thráin. "I thought you will never stop sobbing up there."
Frodo wanted to say something back but Bilbo was faster. "We had some things to discuss."
"That's great. Can we go now?" Thráin asked rather impatiently.
Bilbo nodded and followed Thráin out of the house where a big black car was apparently waiting for them. The driver took Bilbo's suitcase and Bilbo said goodbye to his family. He gave his mother a kiss and hugged his dad. The hardest part was to say goodbye to Frodo who was reluctant to let him go, but once Bilbo assured him that he will come to visit him every day if he wanted Frodo finally let him go.
The driver opened the back door of the car for him and Bilbo sat next to Thráin who was busy texting someone to even notice that Bilbo joined him in the car.
:::
The ride to Durin's mansion was a quiet one. Thráin didn't even look up from his phone and Bilbo didn't know how to start a conversation. Luckily for him the ride wasn't long and after a few minutes the car stopped. Bilbo didn't know what to do next. They stopped in front of the mansion but Thráin didn't go out of the car until the driver opened the doors for him. Bilbo didn't know what to think but got out of the car and the driver gave him his suitcase.
Thráin hurried inside the house without looking up from his phone. Whatever he was doing was really important.
Once Bilbo stepped through the door he was standing in the atrium. Marble floor, a lot of expensive paintings on the walls, a fountain and a staircase that led to the upper floor. It was different from the last time he was here. The last time the atrium was filled with people and none of the paintings were on the wall. He remembered the staircase and how Thorin led him upstairs to the bedroom. He remembered everything but it was still a little different.
He put the suitcase down and took in the sight. He wasn't happy to be here but he didn't have much of a choice.
"Oh, you are here," a woman's voice called and suddenly she was standing right in front of him. "Hello, my name is Valla. I'm Thorin's mother. It's so nice to meet you." She was nice and she looked genuinely happy to see him. She did not look as scary as Thráin did. "I know you are not happy to be here right now, but I'm sure you'll come to love it. I'm so happy my husband managed to convince you."
"Yes, well…"
"Don't worry about anything. I will help you and together we will get through this," she offered him a warm smiled and for a split of a second Bilbo forgot why he was here.
"Where are the boys?" asked Thráin.
"Upstairs. Do you need me to call them?"
"No," answered Thráin plainly. "EVERYONE GET DOWN HERE!" Thráin's voice echoed through the empty house and Bilbo couldn't help but flinch.
It only took a few seconds before he heard doors opening and closing and footsteps approaching the stairs. Fíli and Kíli were the first one to come down. Their eyes were showing excitement and confusion. Thorin took his time to get down and in the moment he saw Bilbo he stopped in the middle of the staircase.
"Get down here," ordered Thráin and Thorin slowly made his way to the group.
Bilbo's heart was beating really fast. He knew that Thráin won't stay quiet and will tell everyone why he's here. Bilbo could only hope that Thorin won't try to kill him.
"This is Bilbo," introduced Thráin. "He will be living with us for the next few months."
"That's so cool," said Kíli.
Fíli eyed Bilbo suspiciously before asking. "Why is he staying with us?"
"He is pregnant," answered Thráin plainly.
"Wicked," commented Kíli. "You are pregnant. Who's the father?"
Thráin didn't say anything but his eyes drifted to Thorin who immediately understood what his father was trying to imply. Twins followed Thráin's gaze and it took them only a few seconds to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
"Thorin you got him pregnant," praised Kíli. "Congratulations." Kíli wanted to pat Thorin on the back but Thorin caught his hand.
"Don't touch me," Thorin hissed at his little brother.
"Hey," protested Kíli and pulled away from Thorin. "Attitude problems. Let's just hope your child won't be like you."
Thorin lost his patience and smacked Kíli on the back of the head.
"Enough!" ordered Thráin. "I'm not in the mood to listen to you. Go do something useful, like studying perhaps. It won't hurt you if you at least open the books you have," Thráin told Kíli but it was meant for Fíli too. The twins didn't have to be told twice and they quickly disappeared.
"Show him to a room," Thráin ordered Thorin before he disappeared into his office, his wife following close behind.
Thorin and Bilbo were left alone. Thorin stared at Bilbo for a couple of seconds, his face showing no emotions at all. Suddenly Thorin turned around and started walking upstairs. Bilbo didn't know what else to do but to quickly grab his suitcase and follow Thorin up the stairs. Thorin made a few turns in the labyrinth of corridors and finally opened the door to a room which Bilbo recognized immediately.
"I'm not sleeping here," he told Thorin.
"Why not?" asked Thorin visibly annoyed. Bilbo didn't answer him. Thorin thought about it for a second. "For Mahal's sake. It's just a room!"
"Yes but I don't have very nice memories of this room."
"Oh, grow up already. So what, we had sex on this bed. Stop being such a child and get in."
"I told you: I'm not sleeping in this room," repeated Bilbo as calmly as he could.
Thorin took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a second. He needed to stay calm. He closed the door and led Bilbo to another room. He opened the doors and gestured to Bilbo to get inside.
Bilbo stepped into the room he guessed it was a woman's room. Everything was in lighter colors. There was a lot of pink and the sheets had all kinds of flowers on them.
"Happy?" asked Thorin. Bilbo only nodded and before he was able to turn around and thank Thorin for his help Thorin already closed the doors with a loud thud and left Bilbo alone.
Bilbo sighed and looked around. It was a nice, big room. It was almost the same size as their living room. There was an adjoining bathroom with a large bathtub and a shower. There were all kinds of soaps in the small basket next to the sink and clean white towels. Everything looked really nice, but Bilbo still missed his small room, and his small house and his parents and his little brother. He wanted to sleep in his own bed, but for the next few months this will have to do.
He put the suitcase on the bed and slowly started unpacking his things. The closets in the room were enormous and Bilbo couldn't understand who would have nor need so many clothes. Once he finished unpacking he changed into his pajamas and brushed his teeth. He turned on the alarm clock and climbed under the covers. He wasn't tired or anything, but the bed was really comfortable and it didn't take long before he fell asleep.
:::
The next morning it was the alarm clock that woke Bilbo up. He never had any problems getting up for school, but now he was reluctant to get out of the bed because he didn't know what the day will bring.
Slowly he got out of the bed and went to the bathroom to use the toilet. Then he got dressed and prepared his school bag before going downstairs. He still remembered where the kitchen was and he had no problem finding it. The kitchen table, where Kíli, Fíli and their mother were waiting for him was filled with food and it smelled delicious. No matter how scared and worried Bilbo was the food still managed to get all of his attention, after all, he was pregnant and hungry.
"Bilbo, good morning," Valla greeted. "Come and join us." She pulled out a chair next to her for him. "I don't know what you like to eat, so we have everything. You can eat whatever you like."
"Thank you," said Bilbo and quickly scanned at all the food in front of him. Everything looked delicious and he had a problem deciding where to start. Kíli notice his problem and put a few things on Bilbo's plate.
"Try this. It's very good." Bilbo smiled and started eating. Kíli was right, it was very good. He never ate anything like that.
He noticed that there were two seats empty at the table and he couldn't help but wonder where Thorin and Thráin were.
"Dad already left and Thorin never eats in the morning," explained Fíli with his mouths full. Bilbo let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. At least Thorin not eating breakfast was not his fault.
"So," started Valla, "The file says that you are fifteen weeks pregnant. Is that true?"
Bilbo had to think for a second before he remembered about what file she was talking about. Of course, it was the one from the doctor's office. He will never go there again if he can say anything about it. Bilbo cleared his throat. "Yes."
"You did only two doctor's visits?"
"Yes."
"Did you get the picture of the baby," excitedly asked Kíli.
"Yes, I got it last time when we did the ultrasound," explained Bilbo.
"That is so cool. Can I see it?"
"Sorry, I left it at home. My brother put it on the fridge." Kíli looked disappointed and Bilbo didn't want to see him like that. "If you want I can go get it for you," offered Bilbo and Kíli nodded happily.
"Do you want to visit the same doctor," asked Valla.
"No, I don't want to go there. I don't trust him anymore."
"I understand. Do you know any doctor you would like to go to?" Bilbo shook his head. "Don't worry about it. I will make you a list and then you can choose it yourself. We can visit a few of them if you like."
"Thank you."
Valla just smiled in return. "I have to go now." She stood up and kissed Kíli on the head. "I will see you boys for dinner. Try not to destroy the house."
"We won't," promised the twins and smiled at their mother.
Fíli, Kíli and Bilbo finished eating the breakfast and had a lovely conversation until Thorin came in.
"Let's go," he ordered.
The twins did what they were told and immediately picked up their bags. "Will you be going with us, Bilbo?" asked Kíli.
Bilbo didn't know how to answer that question and looked at Thorin. The expression on Thorin's face told him everything.
"No, it's okay. I'll take the bus," answered Bilbo and picked up his bag.
"There is no need to do that. You can go with us," offered Fíli.
Before Bilbo was able to say anything Thorin spoke: "He said he's taking the bus." Fíli and Kíli wanted to protest but Thorin silenced them with a glare. "Move on, I don't have the whole day," Thorin barked and the twins did as they were told and hurried out of the kitchen down to the garage where Thorin had his car parked.
Bilbo was on the sidewalk walking to the bus stop when Thorin's car drove by and Fíli and Kíli waved at him and he waved back.
:::
When Bilbo arrived at the school Thorin and the boys were already there. Thorin was leaning back on his car surrounded by his usual group of people. Bilbo didn't dare to pass them to go to school so he took the long way around.
"Bilbo," Bofur called and ran after him. Not a minute ago he was in Thorin's company. "How are you?"
Bilbo wondered for a second if Thorin told his friends what happened but he quickly came to the conclusion that Thorin was too proud to say anything. "I'm fine. How are you?"
"Good," smiled Bofur. "You know, I was meaning to ask you if can come by your house today? I don't have anything important to do so I was thinking we could have some fun together."
"I'm sorry, but I can't."
"Oh," Bofur was a little disappointed. "Maybe next time."
"It will be a little hard," muttered Bilbo.
"Why? Has something happened?"
"No, I just don't live there anymore."
"Did they kick you out?"
"No," quickly answered Bilbo a little surprise that his friend would even think something like that. "They would never so something like that."
"Then where do you live?"
"At Durin's mansion," Bilbo whispered.
"What?" Bofur's eyes almost popped out. "How did this happen?"
"Thráin," sighed Bilbo. One word was more than enough to explain everything. "Please don't ask me to tell you the details."
"I won't." Bofur was quiet for a second. "So Thorin knows about the baby?"
"Yup."
"That explains why he is so grumpy today."
"I thought he was always grumpy," joked Bilbo.
"He is," laughed Bofur. "Come, let's go to class."
Author's notes:
I bet you didn't see that one coming. Now Bilbo and Thorin have to live under the same roof. There will be a lot of tension between the two of them but also a lot of love.
The response to the previous chapter was amazing and I decided that you deserve another one. I hoped you like it. Feedback is always welcome and the comments really keep me going. Who knows, maybe you'll get another chapter soon.
Guest03 - I had in my mind that I would count from the 12th of June (let's say it's a hobbit thing). When Frodo has a birthday (22. September) Bilbo is in his 15th week (I think I wrote that). If my calculations are right the baby would come in the middle of March. I was thinking of another check-up in the next chapter because Bilbo didn't see a doctor for almost 4 weeks now and I need to force Thorin to go with him. Thorin will have a positive Rhesus factor, but other than that I'm not making Bilbo's life any harder. I think I already destroyed his life, he doesn't deserve to suffer more. Like I said the next chapter is a check-up and you know in which week Bilbo is so please write me a long review so that I will know what to write about. Again, thank you for your help.