The Miracle of Love
Chapter 11
"You kept me in emotional strain gave me nothing but heartache and pain…"
Bilbo couldn't stop smiling even if he tried. Thorin came for him when he called! And he actually came! Their relationship was finally making some progress. Even though Bilbo knew they would never be together due to everything that happened between them, he still hoped that Thorin could care for him deep down , and even if they would never be together like he had always imagined, they could still be able to become friends. However, the thing with Thorin and his 'relationships' was that every time he made a step forward, the next two were back. And so, things got even worse between them.
Bilbo, Fíli and Kíli were enjoying their breakfast when Thorin came in the next morning. Bilbo had his mouths full and his plate was filled with food. There was not enough space to add another thing to it. He was enjoying his breakfast and thinking about the night before. Thorin had been nice to him time and Bilbo was determined to keep him in the same mood today.
"Good morning," greeted Bilbo, trying not to smile with his mouth full.
To that, Thorin raised an eyebrow and Bilbo immediately understood that what has happened last night wasn't going to repeat anytime soon. "How about stuffing even more food in your mouth," suggested Thorin and Bilbo frowned because of his bluntness. "You gained, what, ten pounds since you started living with us," he stated, rudely. "Did your parents ever give you anything to eat or you didn't have enough money?" asked Thorin.
Fíli and Kíli stared at their older brother in horror and disbelief. They just couldn't imagine that he could be so cruel to say something like that.
"I was hungry," whispered Bilbo in response, tears pooling and blurring his vision.
Thorin shook his head, indifferently continuing his assault. "There are five other people in this house that need food and I can assure you that they don't consume the quantity of food you just put on your plate in a week time."
Kíli knew what was about to happen. They all did. But when he reached for Bilbo's hand, the other boy just ran out of the kitchen before he or Fili were able to say or do anything. Thorin, on the other hand, only smirked after Bilbo ran away and calmly started eating an apple.
"What in the world made you say something like that to him?" asked Fíli, visibly angry. "What? I just told him the truth," Thorin shrugged like he had done nothing wrong.
"No," Fíli countered, pointing his finger at the eldest, "You just insulted him for no good reason just because he wished you good morning. That, Thorin, wasn't okay."
"He will get over it." Again, he shrugged. "Besides, he should get used to the comments like this. He can expect them very soon in the school. I think that he won't be eating outside with you in the future."
"So what?" started Kíli, "You're just going to let everyone insult him and make his life miserable?"
"I think that the fact that his life is so pathetic is his own fault. I had nothing to do with it."
"He is carrying your child-" Kíli tried to point out.
"No," Cut Thorin. "Yesterday he sold his child." He said, his tone icy cold and did not leave room for argument. "I never had anything to do with it and I never will. The child now belongs to our parents. Father showed me the papers this morning. From now on, Bilbo Baggins is nothing more than a living incubator. He is to give birth and then if I'm lucky I will never have to see him again."
"You can't be that cruel," Kíli said.
"Wake up, Kíli! What are you expecting? We are not living in a fairytale so you can forget about the happy ending!" Thorin took a breath, reassuring himself after an unexpected outburst before carrying on, more quietly. "There will be no happy ending," Thorin stated before he left the kitchen.
Everything had been going so well, but things were, once again, starting to fall apart. Neither Fíli nor Kíli knew what to do to make things better. Thorin seemed to truly despise Bilbo and was trying everything to make his life even more miserable. The things he said to him had been cruel and far from the truth. The truth was that Bilbo was pregnant and needed to eat – he liked to eat and why shouldn't he? There was more than enough food and so, if he was hungry, he should eat. Sighing, Kíli filled a plastic container with food and left in it in front of Bilbo's door. He knew that the chances that Bilbo would actually eat were slim, but he silently hoped that Bilbo wouldn't take Thorin's words to his heart.
:::
Kíli didn't see if Bilbo had left their house in the morning to go to school. He also didn't see Bilbo when it was lunch time and he worried for his friend.
After what had happened in the morning Bilbo wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. How foolish of him to even think that Thorin would be nice to him. He had waited for everyone to leave before going to school by himself. He saw his new friends at their table at lunch break, waiting and looking for him and, for a moment, Bilbo wanted to join them. That was, of course, until he saw Thorin approach the group and taking his seat. He shouldn't feel bad about this; after all, up until now he always ate alone. So, like always he found a spot where he could eat and no one would see him. He was so hungry, but he soon found out that he couldn't keep anything down. Not with Thorin's comment during breakfast hanging over his head.
Bilbo decided to avoid everyone for the rest of the day and when school finished, he felt the urgent need to go home. Not to Durin's mansion, but home; where his family lived. When he got there, only Frodo was at home and he didn't question him when he ran up to his room in tears. He cried there for almost an hour before he calmed down and started on his homework. Frodo didn't have much to do that day so he joined him in his room. He was rather excited to have his brother back home and even if he annoyed him, Bilbo didn't have the heart to tell him to leave.
His parents were also more than happy to see him and nobody asked him why he came. Belladonna noticed that something was wrong, but she didn't pry and she even prepared Bilbo's favorite dinner. Bilbo was so hungry that he couldn't refuse dinner and devoured the food that his mother placed in front of him without saying a word.
"Can I stay here?" asked Bilbo, as he finished his second serving of cake.
"Overnight?" asked Belladonna a little surprised. Bilbo nodded. "Won't this cause you trouble with Mr. Durin?"
"He can stay," said Bungo. "This is his home and he is always welcome here."
"I don't want to give Mr. Durin a reason to be angry at him," countered Belladonna.
"They won't even notice I'm not there," said Bilbo, ending the argument.
Belladonna nodded in agreement. After dinner Bilbo went back to his room and changed into his old pajamas before going to bed. It was early, but he didn't have the energy for doing anything else and he didn't want to spend time in the living room with his parents because he knew that his mother was worried. It was easier to pretend that everything was okay.
He climbed under the covers and found a comfortable position when his phone started to ring. Bilbo reached for his phone and saw that it was Thorin who was calling him. He pressed the mute before trying to go back to sleep. A few minutes later, the phone rang once more. Mute. Why in the world was he calling him? A few minutes later he called yet again. Mute. Thorin called five more times and Bilbo wanted nothing more than to throw his phone against the wall.
Where are you? –T
Bilbo didn't answer. He just wanted to be done with this and get some well deserved sleep.
WHERE ARE YOU?! –T
Bilbo ignored him once more.
Hey, where are you? –K
At my parents. Don't tell anyone. –BB
I won't. Are you okay? –K
Yes. I just needed to get away from your house. –BB
I understand. Thorin had no right to say these things to you. –K
I'm tired. I need to get some sleep. –BB
He didn't want to talk about what happened in the morning.
Sleep well. –K
:::
When Bilbo woke up the next morning he was in a much better mood. He got dressed in the same clothes he wore the previous day before going down in the kitchen to have breakfast with his family. It wasn't as fancy as at Durin's, but it was still very good. After the breakfast he repacked his bag and walked Frodo to school.
The moment he stepped away from the bus, Kíli was next to him.
"How are you?" Kíli asked.
"Good morning, Kíli. It's a beautiful day, don't you think so?"
Kíli understood what Bilbo was implying and thankfully decided to play along. "Yes, it is. Hello, how are you?"
"Well, thank you" answered Bilbo, smiling softly.
"Listen… Do you have some time later? Maybe we could-" Kíli was interrupted by Bilbo.
"I'm sorry Kíli, but I'm late for class," Bilbo said as he hurried to class, not looking back.
He avoided everyone yet again at lunch break, even though he knew he couldn't do this for long. Sooner or later, he would have to return to the mansion. The call from the doctor didn't make his day any better. Thorin's Rhesus factor was positive and he needed to get an injection of Anti-D Immunoglobulin, if possible, today. That meant that he had to go back to the mansion after school.
He was hesitant at the door, but he decided to risk it and get to his room as quickly as possible when he came from school. He was hoping that Thorin won't hear him, but luck just wasn't on his side. Only a few seconds after he closed the door of his room, Thorin barged in, anger boiling out of him.
"Where were you?!" demanded Thorin with a roar.
"I thought you said you don't care what I do," answered Bilbo, taking a cautionary step back, trying to remain calm and continued to put his books out of the school bag without looking at Thorin.
Thorin apparently wasn't in a very patient mood, so he simply pulled Bilbo's arm and turned him around so that their eyes met. "Don't test my patience," he hissed.
"I'm not," answered Bilbo, getting back his footing and yanked his arm out of Thorin's strong grip. "I'm trying to avoid you so that you don't have to look at me. I don't want to be in your way when you're clearly disgusted by me."
"That's not what I meant…" said Thorin calmly. "You don't… disgust me."
"Look," cut Bilbo, "I know you don't like me living here so I will make things easier for you. I will go to my parents after school and I will leave in the morning before you wake up. That way you won't see me."
"That's not what-"
Thorin was interrupted again. "I only came here today because the doctor called me and I need to visit her."
"Is something wrong?" asked Thorin, a subtle touch of panic could be sensed in his voice.
"Nothing that concerns you," answered Bilbo sharply, turning his back on the other.
Thorin stared at Bilbo's form, for a moment unsure of what to say. "…Do you want me to go with you?"
Bilbo didn't look at Thorin. "No need. If I finish my homework really fast I think I'll be able to catch the bus."
"I can drive you, if you want," offered Thorin.
"No thank you." Bilbo answered. "I think you've done enough. Now if you'll excuse me…" He looked at Thorin and then to the door. He wanted to be as far away from Thorin as physically possible.
Thorin nodded before he quietly left the room. He felt so bad about the things he said to Bilbo, but he just couldn't help himself. He was pulled toward the younger man and he didn't like that feeling, it scared him. He tried to fight back his feelings, but it was too hard to do so. He didn't deserve Bilbo, not after everything he did to him and the horrible things he said. And yet, every time he was nice to him it seemed that Bilbo immediately forgot about everything that happened and smiled back. But there was one thing that Thorin will never be able to forgive and forget and that thing will probably be the reason why he and Bilbo will never be together.
:::
Bilbo worked as quickly as he could and finished his homework very quickly. He changed at then went as quickly as possible to the bus stop. After a few minutes of waiting the bus came and Bilbo felt relieved, at least he won't have to walk. The bus ride was uneventful and if Bilbo didn't detest everything that came from Thorin he would enjoy playing games on his phone.
To his surprise the waiting room wasn't empty and he had to endure almost an hour of disapproving looks from other patients. Finally he was called in and Bilbo was more than happy to escape the waiting room for a few minutes.
"Hello," greeted the nurse. "I'm just going to measure your weight and check your blood pressure. Doctor's orders," she smiled and Bilbo nodded before doing everything she told him to do.
The first part was over quickly and now it was time to talk to the doctor.
"Hello Bilbo," she greeted.
"Hi…" Bilbo trailed off. He didn't know if he could call her by her first name. It didn't seem appropriate.
"You can call me Arwen, if you like. I don't mind. I prefer to be on the first name basis," Arwen explained and quickly went through Bilbo's file. "Your blood pressure is normal, which is good. I was worried that you were under a lot of stress." She closed the file and put it down on her desk. "I think you know why you are here today. I got the results back from the lab and unfortunately Thorin's results came out positive. This is nothing to worry about, but we will have to take extra good care of you. I will give you one injection today and you will get the next one after you give birth." Bilbo nodded in understanding.
Arwen worked quickly and Bilbo almost didn't feel when she gave him the injection. He was a little worried about his baby, but Arwen assured him that this will prevent any complications.
"Last time you were here we talked about prenatal classes," she started. "I signed you up and the first class is Thursday, next week, at six. You can come alone you can bring a friend. It's your choice."
Thank you," said Bilbo.
"You're welcome. I'll see you in three weeks for a normal checkup. If anything changes or if you are worried about anything you can call me."
Bilbo nodded before he left. He didn't expect to spend so much time at the doctor. Because of that he missed that last bus home and calling Thorin to come and pick him up was out of the question. He resigned to an hour and a half long walk back. With so much free time and with nothing to occupy his mind Bilbo replayed what happened between him and Thorin over and over until he had to stop for a moment and sit down. He really did screw up his life. At the beginning he thought that even if he wouldn't be able to go to college he will have his baby to look after, someone who will receive all his love and time. But now this wasn't possible anymore. The baby now belonged to the Durins and he understood that he will never be able to see it again. He couldn't imagine his life here anymore. It would be too hard to live so close to his baby knowing he could never see it. He could stay here until he finished high school, but then he would have to find somewhere else to live. It would be hard starting anew, but he would have to do it. There was no way he will be a burden to his parents, they have enough trouble with him as it is.
When he got back to the mansion he was too tired to go to the kitchen to find something to eat. He went directly to his room and took a quick shower before falling into bed. However, just as he was about to turn off the lights, there was a knock on the door.
Nola slowly opened the door. "Can I come in?" Bilbo nodded from where he was lying on the bed. "I brought you something to eat."
Bilbo's empty stomach made a loud noise at the smell of food she brought into his room. "You didn't have to. I know you don't like bringing food up to the rooms."
"I don't mind. Someone was extra nice to me today after dinner so I had to repay him somehow." She smiled and put the tray on Bilbo's bed. "Eat before it gets cold," she ordered before she left.
Kíli, thought Bilbo, sighing happily. There was at least one person in this household that cared for him. He didn't waste another minute before he started eating what Nola prepared him. It was delicious and Bilbo felt fantastically better with his stomach full. He made a note to thank Kíli tomorrow for this.
:::
When he woke up the next morning, the house was empty. Bilbo found it very strange that nobody was there until he remembered that Thráin and Valla left for two days and that they were, in fact, all alone. His first thought was to go back to his parents, he was sure that Fíli and Kíli wouldn't mind and Thorin didn't really care where he was, but he decided to stay at the mansion.
He took the bus to school as always and at arriving, the first thing he did was search for Kíli. It didn't take him long to find him, of course. The young Durin was very loud and was always surrounded by beautiful girls.
"Kíli," called Bilbo, waving him closer. "Can I talk to you?"
Kíli nodded and escaped the group that was surrounding him. "Best hurry before they notice I'm gone."
They ran down the hall until they were sure nobody was following them. "So, what's up?" asked Kíli as he walked with Bilbo to the class.
"Nothing, I just wanted to thank you for what you did yesterday. It was very nice of you."
Kíli raised an eyebrow. "You are… welcome?" He wasn't sure what Bilbo was talking about.
"So sweet of you to take care of me-"
"I'm sorry," interrupted Kíli. "But what are you talking about? We haven't seen each other yesterday."
"I know, but it was still sweet of you to tell Nola to bring me food. I was really hungry, so, thank you."
Kíli looked at Bilbo. "I have absolutely no idea what are you talking about," he admitted.
"Dinner," explained Bilbo once more. "Last night Nola brought me dinner in my room because someone asked her to do so. I know that Tho-"
"It wasn't me," explained Kíli. "Fíli and I were at Ori's last night. We slept there. The only two people in the house besides you were Nola and Thorin. Mum and dad left in the afternoon because something urgent came up."
Bilbo stared at Kíli with his mouth open. He wasn't sure if he heard correctly. 'The only two people in the house besides you were Nola and Thorin.' Was it possible that Thorin did something like this? No, Bilbo thought, he would never do something like that. After all, he hated him. "Oh… Alright then. Good. Excellent…." He said with a slight smile that did not meet his eyes, ready to walk away and forget about the whole thing entirely, when Kíli called him.
"Hey, don't forget. There is a party tonight," reminded Kíli.
The party had completely slipped his mind. He remembered that Thráin and Valla had left, but with everything that was happening… He forgot about the party. "I'm not sure if I can come. I have some things to do."
"Don't you dare skip this party," threatened Kíli playfully, holding Bilbo at bay. "You have to be there or I swear I will find you and drag you there myself."
Bilbo swallowed and forced a smile. If things had been different; If things were better; If things between Thorin and him were civil, he wouldn't mind going to the party, but, alas, they weren't.
He would just have to do his best and avoid him. "I'll be there."
"Great," smiled Kíli, openly. "I have to run now. I have history and Mr. Elrond will give me back the paper you helped me with." He let out a single, nervous chuckle and crossed his fingers. "Fingers crossed that I get a positive grade."
"Don't worry," said Bilbo, waving him off. "The worst you can expect is a B minus."
Kíli smiled once more before he disappeared down the hall. Bilbo didn't know what to do. He felt obligated to say something to Thorin, but at the same time he knew that if he said something there was a big possibility that Thorin will try to deny it or simply just insult him again.
The day at school passed with the speed of light because this time Bilbo wasn't alone. Bofur decided to spend some time with him before they would see each other at the Durin party. He escorted him to the mansion, before going home to get some rest.
Bilbo was in his room, doing his best to stay quiet and do his homework, when he heard Fíli and Kíli arrive back home.
"Bilbo!" Kíli called in a desperate tone and Bilbo's eyes widened. What could possibly be wrong? Before he managed to get out the bed, Kíli was in his room, completely out of breath holding a paper in front of his face. "I got an A minus! I got an A minus! Can you believe it?!"
Bilbo smiled, gleaming with pride, and gently took the paper from the younger boy's hand. "Yes I can," he said and smiled at Kíli who was about to explode with excitement. "Now… Let's calm down a bit, shall we?"
"Calm down?" Kíli repeated. "Are you crazy? This is cause for celebration! I'm getting so drunk tonight!"
Bilbo looked at him a little worried. "Just don't get too drunk tonight. I don't think your parents would appreciate if we would have to call an ambulance."
"Don't worry" He said with a smile "I know my limits."
"Alright," Bilbo said, sighing his defeat, and quickly scanned the paper. "What did Mr. Elrond say?"
"He said that I should thank you for helping me."
"You told him?!"
"No," Kíli protested, "I'm not stupid. But I guess it is strange when he gets a paper from me. I haven't given him one in two years. You can imagine how surprised he was when I actually wrote one."
"Anything else?"
Kíli shook his head, shrugging. "No. He said that I should keep up the good work and I will pass."
"See, it's not that hard." Bilbo said, handing the paper back.
"It's not hard when I have you to help me. Thank you," said Kíli and pulled Bilbo into a hug.
"You are welcome."
"I'll see you in a few hours when the party starts," said Kíli before he left.
:::
A few hours later the first people arrived at the mansion. Bilbo didn't want to leave his room yet and join them so he started reading. Another hour passed and it became dark outside. Loud music could be heard from downstairs and Bilbo heard even more people come to the party. He decided to wait a little longer before going down but Bofur had other plans.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Bofur asked when he entered the room without knocking and Bilbo jumped with surprise.
"I'm reading a book," answered Bilbo plainly, showing the cover to his friend.
"There is an awesome party downstairs and you are reading a book? Have you lost your mind?"
"No," said Bilbo and put down the book. "It's too loud downstairs and I… I just don't want to see Thorin right now. I have been avoiding him for the last few days," he explained.
"Don't worry, there are so many people down there that he won't even notice you. Come on," encouraged Bofur. "Let's go downstairs."
"Fine," sighed Bilbo before allowing Bofur to drag him downstairs.
Bofur was right. The party was in full swing and the house was full of people, who talked and laughed and danced. There was loud music playing, and Bofur and Bilbo had some trouble to get to the kitchen to get something to drink. Bilbo got a glass out of the cabinet and searched for some juice in the fridge because he couldn't drink beer.
"What are you doing?!" exclaimed Kíli when Bilbo was about to take the first sip. "You can't drink that at the party!"
"I can't drink beer or anything with alcohol, remember?" Bilbo responded.
"Oh… Right," said Kíli, after thinking for a moment. He took the glass out of Bilbo's hands and emptied it in the sink.
"What are you doing?" Bilbo demanded.
"I'll be right back," said Kíli before he disappeared. He returned a couple of seconds later with a plastic cup in his hand. "Here, drink this."
"I can't drink alcohol," repeated Bilbo with an exasperated sigh.
"It's apple juice," explained Kíli, smiling like someone who was having too much fun. "I just put it in a plastic cup so that no one would notice."
"Right… Thank you," said Bilbo before accepting the cup.
"Let's find me something to drink," suggested Bofur at long last and Bilbo followed him until they found him a beer.
They had nothing better to do and Bofur wanted to talk so they decided to sit down at the bar, but before Bofur could open his mouth Thorin appeared next to the two of them obviously a little drunk.
"So," started Thorin, "When can we expect the happy announcement?" he asked and leaned on the bar for support, his body turned to Bilbo.
"What are you talking about?" sighed Bilbo, annoyed that he had to deal with Thorin so early.
"You, with a guy, talking and drinking beer. If you weren't pregnant," said Thorin and placed a hand on Bilbo's belly, "I would say that there chance he would knock you up."
Bilbo slapped Thorin's hand away before speaking. "Firstly, do not touch me. Secondly, this is apple juice and we are just two friends talking. There will be no sex involved tonight, whatsoever. And if there were, well, that is none of your business."
"Oh, but I would dare to say that Bofur here is hoping for some action," continued Thorin.
"He is not an ass like you," retorted Bilbo, crossing his arms, clearly offended.
"Sorry, my bad," apologized Thorin, without really meaning it, before spotting someone the other side of the room. "So… If you'll excuse me now, I think I just found myself tonight's entertainment," he said before walking into the direction he was looking.
"Where are you going? Thorin?!"
"Let him go," said Bofur, "He just found somebody he will have fun with tonight."
Bilbo couldn't let go and he saw Thorin approach a beautiful brunette with long legs. Oh, this made Bilbo's blood boil. How dare Thorin do something like that again? Bofur tried to distract him, but Bilbo couldn't tear his eyes away from Thorin and continued to stare at him for a few minutes while Bofur was talking.
"You are staring again," Bofur pointed out after the first hour went by.
"I'm not," Bilbo answered, even though he was.
"Yes, you are." Bofur said, deciding to look as well.
Bilbo huffed and made a gesture in Thorin's direction. "I just can't believe he is doing this again."
"What?"
"He was flirting with her for a few minutes and now he will make his move." Bilbo gritted his teeth and crossed his arms. "I just can't believe she would fall for that."
"You did," Bofur just had to remind him and if looks could kill he would have been dead on the spot by the look Bilbo sent him. "I don't know why are you so focused on Thorin right now. He does the same thing at every party. I don't understand how he does it, but every party there he gets someone to sleep with him."
"I'm a genie. Rub me and I came alive," mocked Bilbo and Bofur laughed full heartedly.
"Are you serious? That's his pick up line?" He asked in between laughs.
"No," answered Bilbo, a smile gracing his lips. "But it does work that way, trust me."
"He must be very good in bed then."
"He certainly knows what he's doing," commented Bilbo and watched Thorin make a move on the girl. "Look." Both he and Bofur turned to look at Thorin and after only a couple of seconds, the girl smiled and accepted his hand as Thorin led her out of the room.
"I cannot believe he succeeded again," said Bofur and smiled without any real humor.
Bilbo, on the other hand, made no attempts to show how he wasn't happy. "Quick, give me your phone." He ordered.
"Why?"
"Because I left mine in the bedroom," explained Bilbo, impatiently.
Bofur pulled the phone out of his pocket and Bilbo immediately snatched it before running after Thorin.
"Thorin!" Bilbo called out and Thorin and the girl stopped. Bilbo offered the phone to Thorin before speaking completely out of breath. "Your girlfriend called. She is worried about you and she said you are not picking up your phone so she called me. She told me to tell you that you need to call her immediately."
Thorin looked a little surprised at Bilbo but, before he could say something, he felt a searing pain on his cheek. The girl slapped him.
"You have a girlfriend?!" she asked, visibly angry.
Containing a satisfied smile, Bilbo quickly said: "He has. And she is the jealous type. If I were you I would get away from here as fast as I could. I really would."
The girl looked at Thorin before her hand connected with his cheek once again. "I cannot believe this," she yelled before storming away.
Bilbo smiled up victoriously at Thorin.
"Interesting," Was the only thing Thorin said as he rubbed his sore cheek.
"What?" asked Bilbo, surprised by the way Thorin was looking at him.
"What I initially considered rudeness, turned out to be jealousy."
"You wish," scoffed Bilbo.
Thorin smirked and shook his head. "No, you wish."
Bilbo narrowed his eyes at Thorin. "I hate you. I never hated anyone more in my life."
Bilbo's words didn't wipe out that smirk from Thorin's face. "Whatever makes you sleep better at night," he teased.
"Arghhh," groaned Bilbo before storming away from him.
"...But now's the time I'm through with you… I'll be over you."
-TBC-
Author's notes:
Thanks for your amazing response for the previous chapter. I love you reviews so keep posting them :)
I hope you like this one as well and let me know what you think. See you soon.