Hey guys, sorry about the late update...I've been ill and then my laptop decided it didn't want to work so I've been on my dads laptop. And then I had really bad writers block. This chapter took too long to write! Any way hope you like!
Erebor Coffee
Chapter 3
I just looked at him. I don't know how long I was staring. Thorin started whimpering in his sleep, his strong brow furrowed slightly as he twitched suddenly, he started mumbling a few things. Something about a stone, gold and fire. He must be having a weird dream. I rolled back over and checked the time; it was on 7:34am, May as well sleep for another hour or so.
I ended up snuggling back into Thorin's arms, breathing in his smell as I drifted back to sleep.
I was rudely awakened by the sound of a blender whizzing downstairs. I groaned and stretched my arms out. Thorin wasn't in bed anymore, his side was cold. He must have gotten up early. Again, I looked at the clock. It was 9:49am, that's a decent sleep in I must say. I rolled out of bed and pulled my jeans on, not bothering to change my top, I needed a shower anyway. Yawning I walked down the stairs into the living room.
Thorin was stood topless in the kitchen, a mug of coffee in his hand as he flicked the blender on and off. He turned as I sat on the worktop next to him.
"Morning!" He said happily, taking a spoonful of powder and tipping it into the jug. The juice in it was a pink colour. Thorin had his hair down this morning, with two braids running down from his ears. I now had chance to notice how strong his face was in profile, his nose was long and straight and his brow was wide. His beard perfectly framed his jaw line. His dark hair rolled off his shoulders and onto his bare chest, where dark hair covered his pectoral muscles, not too much hair to creep my out but just enough to look attractive.
"Morning" I yawned again, rubbing my face as I pulled my eyes away from his chest. "What you making?" I asked as I looked into the blender.
"A protein shake" Thorin announced. He said as he grabbed a pint glass from the cupboard. He filled it to the brim and passed it me. "Here, try it. It's gross!" I took a sip, it didn't taste gross, it tasted faintly of wild berry cheese cake, and along with a hint of what I think was protein powder, even though I've never tried a protein shake before it was pretty damn good.
"That's really nice!" I replied, of course it was nice Thorin made it! His face lit up as his mouth hung open slightly. I wonder if he was going to say anything... Whatever Thorin said always made me laugh. Thorin's cheeks flushed as he continued to stare at me, I thought it was cute at first but now it was getting a tad awkward.
"I-I'm going to the gym later, if you want to tag along?" He stuttered, his face flushed again as if he was shocked at his stutter. I smiled happily a nodded.
"Yeah sure, I'll go" I really didn't have anything to do. If I didn't come last night I would have probably been still sat on the floor playing Skyrim, I tend to get lost a lot on it and spend all night on it. Because I don't have a life.
"Great!" Thorin grinned and started making another shake.
"What's in this by the way?" I asked as I forcefully swallowed down a chunk of what tasted like potato.
"Hmm...there's; milk, protein powder, raspberries, cream cheese, raw eggs. Errmm...a potato and some orange jelly I found in the back of the fridge" I half choked on my next mouthful. Why the hell would anyone put a damn potato in a protein shake!? But why the hell did it taste so damn good?!
I sipped happily away on mine as my stomach decided to make a dying whale noise. Blushing madly as I covered my belly.
"Did you want some breakfast, Bilbo?" He asked, "I think I have some bacon in the fridge, did you want bacon and egg sandwich?" My eyes lit up at the sound of bacon, nodding quickly grinning like an idiot.
Thorin started to fry the bacon as I prepared the bread cakes, making sure mine had plenty of butter on it. The bacon hissed and spat at Thorin's arms, he flinched and yelped away, rubbing his forearms as he chuckled, me laughing along with him. He had a nice laugh, filled with happiness and life.
"Hey, Bilbo" Thorin said around half a mouthful of bacon, "Since we've shared the same bed and studied the same courses, I've been meaning to ask about yourself. I hardly know you." It was true he hardly knew me and I hardly knew him. Finishing my sandwich I put the plate on the table. What the hell should I say about myself?! I'm not a very exciting person.
"Uhm...Well, I live by myself, I'm a university student as you already know. My parents died when I was young and a distant family member is paying for university fees" I rubbed the back of my neck, remembering I still had Thorin's shirt on, his scent drifted up to my nose and I inhaled deeply, my eyes closed slowly. What was I doing again? Oh crap I'm sniffing his shirt in front of him! Dammit Bilbo! Snapping my arm back down I chuckled nervously. "Hehe...I'm a big gamer really, all I do is go on Skyrim and go to work. Really, I'm not that exciting." Smiling happily. "So then, what about you?"
"Well, I run the coffee shop downstairs, and I own the building. Dwalin rents the middle floor for a cut rate because he's an old friend. I have a master's degree in folk lore, with a minor in politics, all paid for by my grandfather's company. However, the year I left university he was ruthlessly overtaken by Smaug enterprises, and he was killed not long after by the local mafia ring. Not a day goes by that I don't curse their don, Azog, for what he did to my family. Once we had discovered what had happened to my grandfather, my father did his best to salvage what he could, but fell into depression and went missing not long after. Then I was left to fix what had happened. So I started a business to try and fund those that had suffered the most from this turn of events. I meet up with a group of them every once in a while to see how they're getting on and everything. About five years ago my brother was gunned down, we assume by Azog's mafia. So now it's just me, my sister and my nephews. But yeah I'm rambling," he smiled sadly; I could see tears filling his subtle blue eyes, threatening to fall any second now.
I just sat and looked at him; his nose had grown red with the thought of his family. His dark hair had fallen over his face, trying to hide his pain. I stood up, pulling my shirt down a little as I walked over to where Thorin was sat. I stood in front of him not quite knowing about what I was going to do. Thorin brought out a hand, his head down, and gripped my arm. He pulled me into him, he arms around my waist, and he squeezed my hips as his shoulders shook slightly. I placed a hand on his head, my thumb stroking his soft hair gently. He let go of my hips and I knelt down in front of him. "It's going to be okay, Thorin" I whispered as I looked into his strong face. "I can see your eyes glittering with the ghost of your past, Thorin" I whispered, trying not to chuckle after I just quoted Harry Potter.
"I bear my heart and soul to you and you make a Harry Potter reference, you little shit." Thorin muttered a smile clear in his voice. I chuckled softly, running my hand through his hair as my free hand rested on his knee. A small silver bead brushed against my wrist, the morning light reflected on it, small carvings traced it surface. It looked perfect against Thorin's dark peppered hair.
His subtle blue eyes rested on mine, I could feel a soft blush cover my cheeks.
"So...uhmm, when do you want to go to gym?" Thorin asked, pulling his eyes away. Did we really have a moment then? It really felt like it. I hope we did, I kind of like him, is that okay?
"Yeah sure!" I said as I stood quickly, pulling the oversized shirt down even more. "I didn't bring any clothes...as you can tell" I motioned to myself. His shirt was so damn comfy; I didn't want to take it off.
"I should have some of my nephews short somewhere, they'll fit you" I watched him as he stood and ran up the stairs.
Holy crap! Why do I keep blushing! It's all Thorin's fault, with his muscled chest and tight abs. And his long, dark hair, I just want to cuddle up in it again; I just want to cuddle up to him again! There was movement upstairs and a load bang then a shout of anger. I chuckled to myself softly. I wonder what Thorin thought of me. I whined loudly, pushing my face into a pillow. It smelt like him as well! I inhaled deeply which ended up as a yawn as Thorin bounded down the stairs.
"Found them!" Thorin called as he waved a pair of shorts above his head.
Thorin threw the shorts at me without any warning; they hit me in the face pushing my glasses into my eye and a mouth full of fabric. I let out a really embarrassing squeal and fell back onto the sofa with a heavy 'whumph'.
"Sorry!" Thorin shouted, "I keep forgetting you don't expect things thrown at you!" I gasped for air as I pulled the shorts from my face. Thorin smiled over at me, a hint of guilt played with his strong features, looking almost adorable if he hadn't just thrown clothes at me. That bugger. I pushed my glasses back into place and rubbed my nose, it really hurt actually, but I won't tell him that, it might upset him.
"It's okay. I guess I'll just have to learn to catch" I joked, I looked around the living room again, where the hell was the toilet? "Err; which door was the bathroom again?" I asked, grabbing the clothes and bundling them into my arms. Thorin gestured to the door nearest the stairs; I gave him my signature smile and hurried into the bathroom. It was only a small bathroom, with a toilet and a sink against a wall. A Led Zeppelin poster hung above the toilet. I quickly changed from my jeans and pulled the shorts on, they fitted okay, they didn't fall down but they were baggy on my thighs. I tugged Thorin's shirt off, giving it one last sniff letting his scent fill my head. Sighing softly to myself I grabbed the other shirt and pulled it over my head. I glanced down at myself, I had one of Thorin's Guns 'n' Roses shirts on and some baggy shorts, I looked fine.
I padded out of the bathroom and walked over to get my bag and shoes, turning to Thorin and announcing loudly. "Okay, I'm ready to go". Thorin jumped and whirled around, walking over the sofa to pull my shoes on. I could feel his eyes on me, not that I didn't like it when he looked at me. I wonder if he's single... by the looks of his flat he doesn't have a woman to tidy up for him, maybe he's into men, like me. I pulled on my large MU jumper and stood up, Thorin was now rooting around in the cupboard under the stairs, and he emerged with a worn faded blue jacket, leather I think.
"Okay, let's get going then." Thorin said his smile was so warm; I just wanted to look at that smile all day long. He grabbed his keys and wallet from the side and opened the door wide, I watched him as he stepped into the late morning sun, it covered his face as he basked in the warmth, and I joined him in the sun. I looked across the skyline; I could see my flat from here.
"So whereabouts do you live Bilbo?" Thorin asked, turning to the stairs, they creaked and complained under our weight, but still Thorin ventured on down the spiral staircase.
"Oh, I live just a couple of blocks away actually, I can see it from here" I pointed to an apartment that stood above the rest, my flat was on the 7thfloor and when I had a load of shopping and the elevator doesn't it makes me resent living so high up. I followed Thorin down. There was a slight breeze and it ruffled with his dark locks, I could feel my own sandy blonde curls playing in the wind.
"So you're not that far away then" Thorin replied, what's that supposed to mean? Did he want to come over? That means I'll have to stock up and clean the bathroom and the kitchen; will I need new couch pillows? No, I bought some new ones last week.
"It's only what, 15 minute walk, I walk past Starbucks on my way down, but now I don't have to go in because A) Its expensive and B) I go to Erebor Coffee now" I smiled, I heard Thorin say something but I couldn't make out what he said.
My phone beeped in my pocket. Wait a minute. I haven't checked my phone since I got to Thorin's last night. How am I still alive?! I unlocked the screen to find I had about 6 missed calls off Kili, 9 off Fili and about 30 text messages.
When Thorin reached the bottom of the stairs I sighed loudly. "Oh, for the sake of Yavanna! I have 30 unread texts and 15 missed calls" thrusting my phone into his face.
"How, by the white shores, do you have that many texts and missed calls?!" Thorin asked, completely bewildered. I laughed happily and shrugged.
"It happens every time my friends get drunk without me." I said shoving my phone back into my pocket. We continued to walk in a comfortable silence for a couple of minutes. We rounded a corner not long after and we now approached the gym. It wasn't a massive building; actually, it was quite small, with white peeling paint and a rusted sign with "PROFITNESS" on it. It looked cheap. By the look on Thorin's it seemed that he loved the place. I wonder what he thinks about sometimes, he always looks deep in thought. I find it really cute how his eyebrows furrow slightly.
"Huh. I thought it'd be further away" I mused almost to myself but then I heard Thorin sigh a little and look at me, his eyes filled with a lost emotion and sadness.
"Yeah, this is it, you'll probably have to sign up at the desk before we go in" He said as he heaved open what looked like an automatic door, why didn't it just open? Is it broken? I passed Thorin as he held it open for me, as we both stepped inside the doors shut by themselves. The whir the doors made as they shut sounded so smug. Bloody doors.
"Good morning, Tauriel." Thorin sighed. I looked at the woman behind the desk and the way she looked at Thorin made me dislike her almost instantly. I stood a little closer to Thorin.
"THORRIIIINNNNNNNNN" she screeched, "Fancy seeing you here" Is she that stupid? Her half arsed attempt at make-up and the way she pulled down her shirt to expose herself just made her look needy, and, oh now she's pulling papers towards herself to make her look intelligent. I swear to god. "You're looking extra muscular today" She smiled, wow, the urge to slap her is so great I think if she utters one more word I will.
"I'm here every Sunday, and I look the same as ever" Thorin said, almost as if he was annoyed. He raised a brow at me but I continued my death glare. Seriously she must be either stupid or has far too much make-up on that its stopping her brain from functioning properly. Or maybe, both.
Tauriel turned to me; oh the glare I got off her was glorious. "Who's your friend?" She asked, if only I could slap her. Thorin stepped closer to the desk.
"This is Bilbo" He said, laying a hand on my shoulder. I could feel myself relax under his warmth. "He wants to sign up" I felt his grip squeeze my shoulder and nudge me forward towards the desk. Thorin then stood back against a filing cabinet.
"Okay good! I'll just get you a form." She said to me, jumping up from her chair and walked over to the cabinet of which Thorin was leaning against. The look on his face was just pure terror. Tauriel practically pressed her chest into his face whilst she was finding papers, her face was smug and a sick smile played with her face. She opened the drawer above Thorin's head. She had him trapped between her breasts and the filing cabinet. Oh I really just want to grab her hair and drag her by it. No one harasses my Thorin.
Thorin turned his face to me and mouthed, "Help me, FOR THE LOVE OF ERU HELP ME BILBO!" he was pushing himself further into the cabinet, the metal started to complain under his weight. His face was filled with panic. If Tauriel leaned over anymore I'd have a very undelightful shot of her ass. The drawer was then suddenly slammed shut and she clutched a clean form. Thorin almost collapsed as he gasped for air and fell into an old chair.
"There you go." Tauriel said shoving the form and a pen into my chest, what's her problem? Ugh, women. I sat next to Thorin and started to fill in the form. Right, name...Bilbo Baggins date of birth, 22nd September 2890...blah blah blah...bank details, address. "Oh thank you" I mumbled as I took the broad red pen from Tauriel. I signed my name in a flourish, recapped the pen and handed everything back to her.
"So, how long has Thorin been coming here?" I asked Tauriel as she tapped away at the keyboard.
"About 5 years I think, well as long as I can remember." She smiled, walked over to the printer, and grabbed a key and a card. "Okay, just need you to sign the back of the card then it's all done!" I scribbled my signature on the card and collected my key. I walked back over to Thorin, who was again deep in thought.
I gave him my best smile; he smiled back then looked behind me with a grimace on his face. Tauriel was probably giving me daggers but I didn't really care. Thorin then rose from his seat, walked over to the door and got his own card out. Are...are those love hearts I can see? No...They are, oh my god, Tauriel signed Thorin's name with tiny love hearts! Oh my god! Thorin's face flushed madly, trying to hide the card as he swiped it across the scanner, the door opened and he walked through. I did the same only with a bit of difficultly because the bloody door had jammed and Thorin had to push it from the other side.
The gym was small and not that busy. There was a balcony to the back of the room and weights filled the bottom floor. I followed Thorin into the changing room, it was only small with two walls covered with lockers.
"You may as well put your bag in with mine, there's enough room" Thorin said with a smile as he shoved his bag in. I pulled my bag off and lifted it above my head so I could get it in the damn thing. Nope, I can't reach; I'll have to stand on my tiptoes. I caught a glance at Thorin as I struggled with my bag. Was he staring at my ass? I think he is...well if he's checking me out I might as well join in the fun. I shifted my gaze onto his chest, the way he had his strong arms crossed over his torso. I licked my bottom lip softly then chewed it a little. I then slammed the locker door shut with a tad too much force. We both blushed madly. Crap! We were both checking each other out at the same time! I feel so ashamed! I buried my face into my hands as we walked into the gym.
"Right" Thorin said loudly. "First 5 minutes on cross trainer and treadmill then we come down here for weights and stretches" God he sounded like he was running a military mission. I nodded and followed him up the stairs. There were about 8 cross trainers in a line behind a row of tread mills. Exercise bikes were placed in front of a small TV which was strangely playing re runs of Spongebob Squarepants. I climbed awkwardly onto a cross trainer as Thorin stood on the one next to me.
"I'm gunna work you so hard today" He said, a wolfish grin covered his face. Shit, what have I gotten myself into?! I swallowed loudly, I started to push at the cross trainer, making it start. Thorin set up the display for me and I started to work harder. I was out of breath by the time the 'warm up' had finished.
I could feel the sweat cover my forehead already. I panted short, sharp breaths. Thorin's voice edging me on the go faster his voice filling my mind. My thighs strained. My throat dry. I screwed my eyes shut tight.
"Come on Bilbo, your almost there" He said from behind me.
The cross trainer beeped loudly telling me to get off. My thighs felt like jelly as I stumbled off the damn thing. I gasped for a drink, grabbing Thorin's water bottle from his hands and poured the heavenly water into my mouth.
"Bastard!" I panted, "You almost killed me on that thing!" I thrusted my hand towards the machine he was leaning on. Thorin had been on the cross trainer the same length of time as me and he hadn't broken a sweat!
Thorin laughed loudly, "Haha! That was only the warm up!"
After that we did about 15 minutes on the treadmills, mainly talking about the shop and some random stuff. Thorin then took me downstairs to the weights area, there was a yoga class going on in the back of the room. Is that...is that Ori?! Yeah it is Ori! I knew he did yoga classes but I didn't know he went here. Oh my god! I'll have to go chat with him after Thorin is done killing me. Thinking about Thorin...where is he?
I turned to see Thorin lifting from what I could see about 32kg on his shoulders. I could almost every muscle in his shoulders moving under his skin. I could feel a blush crawl onto my face. I suddenly heard a soft sigh from behind me. Tauriel was leaning over the barrier; her lips were wet as if she was drooling. Oh my god she was drooling over Thorin!
I returned my full back to Thorin; his face was now red as he pushed the weights above his head. Sweat now streamed down his cheeks, down onto his chest and under the vest. The way his muscles moved hypnotised me. I just wanted to touch them.
"Are you enjoying the view laddie?" said a thick voice from behind me, I squeaked and jumped around, Dwalin stood behind me with a smug look on his face. "Cos I know I am" Holy crap! Does everyone here have the hots for Thorin?! Oh my god!
.o00o.
We stayed at the gym for another hour or so, I met some of Thorin's friends and had a brief chat with Ori. Leaving at around 1:30pm, I met some of Thorin's friends, surprisingly they were nice to me but some were weird. I then mentioned to Thorin if he wanted to go for lunch with me to my favourite elvish cafe, I did end up getting a rather dark look from him but I brushed it aside. It wasn't that far from the gym actually, about 15 minutes away.
But first we found a small market, stall holders were shouting out about their best deals and little old ladies sat knitting. Dragging Thorin into the crowd I began to scan the stalls for fresh veg. Nope that's a craft stall, ewww that's lady stuff. Is that...is that the stall I've been looking for? Yes! It is! I let go of Thorin's arm and almost sprinted to the stall. Oh fresh tomatoes. I grabbed a bunch to feel if they were firm, yes they were.
"Bifur! Fancy seeing you here" I heard Thorin shout from behind me, I turned to find a short man with dark and grey coloured hair, he had deep set eyes and what seemed to look like a half of an axe lodged into the side of his forehead. How is that man still alive?!
*"Shamukh Thorin" The man named Bifur responded. Was that Khazdul he was speaking in? I've never actually met someone who could speak it so fluently, this was an experience!
*"Zûr zataganagzu 'ala ghiluz?" I could see Thorin going over the words in his head, could he speak it too? It would be so great if he could!
"I'm fine thank you, how about you?" He answered, in full Westron. I assume Bifur can understand it but just can't speak it. This man was a strange one indeed.
*"Sul ghelekh barkûr ra turg" He replied, a friendly smile brightening up the man's rough features, patting Thorin on the shoulder.
Thorin looked over at me and I gave him a look saying 'wtf is going on?!' "Bifur, this is Bilbo" He said, pointing his hands in my direction. "Bilbo, this is my old friend Bifur" I looked at the man before me; I couldn't help but look at the axe half buried in his skull.
"Errmm...hello" I stuttered, he grabbed my hand so tight it felt like my fingers where being crushed in a vice and he shook my hand with such force my shoulder almost came loose.
*"Zai dashunizu ra barufizu!" Bifur announced loudly, where his eyes going...cross eyed? They were! Okay consider me completely freaked out! I tried to smile politely but his eyes were totally creeping me out. Suddenly I was being pulled forwards into a hug, I squeaked loudly as I was pushed into this strange man's chest. His beard was rather long and with my face buried in it I was close to having a panic attack. Finally the man released me and I gasped for air, then he turned and gave Thorin another hug, I heard them talking quietly as he returned the massive hug.
Bifur let go of Thorin and turned to us both.
*"Mukhuh Mahal udnîn zu ra sanzigil umkhûh zu" and with that the man wandered back into the crowd. I watched him weave through the people until I could no longer see him.
Half mumbling to myself I said, "Thorin...You have the strangest of friends"
.o00o.
We finally made it to the café at around 2ish time; it was only small and was built into an ancient building. The sign was painted green with "The Lembas Mill" delicately hand painted onto it. I sighed at the sight of the place, this was the place I met my good friend Legolas, an elvish lad from royal descent. The small bell chimed above the door and the smell of herbal teas and burning incense sticks hit me. It was lavender today. I don't really like vegan café's, I like bacon too much.
We sat in booth at the back and I passed Thorin a menu.
"How about I buy you lunch?" It was the least I do for last night and this morning.
"You don't have to do that!" Thorin blurted, his cheeks a subtle red. "Surely you have better things to spend your money on" Oh please Thorin, it's my treat how can you turn down free lunch?!
"Really Thorin, its fine" I pressed with a light chuckle. He must be thinking that I'm always broke because I'm a student, but I can handle money pretty well. "I've already paid my bills for the month, and my pay check comes in next week" I have a jar at home where I keep all of my loose change so I always have enough money for a rainy day.
"Well if you insist" Thorin said as he scanned the menu, his face was slowly turning into a frown. I grinned softly as I glanced at my own menu; I already knew what I was having. A warm cauliflower salad.
"Bilbo?" I heard Thorin say so I looked up from the menu, "Where's all the meat?" Did he really just ask that? I couldn't help but giggle manically, oh Thorin, you are so cute sometimes. Tears started to well in my eyes as I saw his bewildered look.
"Haha, oh Thorin, you are funny. It's a vegan restaurant silly!" I started to laugh more loudly now, some of the customers starting to turn heads. Thorin looked like he was going to faint by the way his face was draining colour.
"WHAT?!"
*Khuzdul Translation
"Shamukh Thorin." - Hail Thorin, its the equivalent of saying hello.
"Zûr zataganagzu 'ala ghiluz?" - How fare you this day?
"Sul ghelekh barkûr ra turg." - All is well with Axe and Beard, Equivalent of I'm fine.
"Zai dashunizu ra barufizu!" - At your service and your families!
"Mud ganag." - I must go.
"Mukhuh Mahal udnîn zu ra sanzigil umkhûh zu." - May Mahal guide you and Mithril find you, Common farewell.