Hi,
This chapter took me a little longer to write.
Thorin is starting to struggle with his feelings for Bilbo, while Bilbo seems to stay blissfully unaware.
Enjoy reading. :)
As the months steadily passed, September faded into October, and October transitioned into November. Outside, the trees shed their leaves, and the chill of winter settled in swiftly, signaling that the season was approaching rapidly that year.
Thorin found himself within the horse stables, snugly ensconced in his winter coat, its hood shielding his head while his gloved hands kept his fingers warm. He gently set down the bag brimming with woodcarving supplies upon the stable floor before retrieving a saddle and reins from the wall.
Approaching one of the horses, he tenderly bestowed a few strokes upon its muzzle in greeting. "Fancy a ride today?" Thorin inquired softly, continuing to caress the animal's muzzle.
In response, he received a gentle neigh from the horse. Thorin gave its muzzle one final stroke before proceeding to saddle the horse, a faint smile adorning his lips. With the saddle securely in place, Thorin meticulously attached the reins with utmost care.
"All set," he murmured gently as the horse stood ready for their journey. "Shall we depart?"
Thorin halted his motion to lead the horse out of the stables when Bilbo's voice interrupted from behind him. "There you are."
"Were you looking for me then?" Thorin inquired, turning towards Bilbo.
"Yes," Bilbo replied simply, rubbing his arms to ward off the chill. "I was wondering if you could spare some time to show me your woodcrafts. But it seems you're busy."
"I was actually on my way to town to get my tools sharpened," Thorin explained, gesturing towards the bag still resting on the ground. "Perhaps later?"
"Or I could join you..." Bilbo suggested. "There's not much for me to do around here now that Dis is away."
Right, his sister was away on a trip for a couple of days to collect presents for the Yule celebration, with a specific request for Thorin to keep Bilbo company in her absence. It was an obligation Thorin hoped to minimize, but it seemed Bilbo took his sister's invitation to heart.
"Not in that attire," Thorin scoffed, eyeing Bilbo's thin clothing. Bilbo was only wearing a thin vest to ward off the cold. "You're already freezing as it is."
Bilbo shivered as Thorin pointed it out. "I might consider a change of clothes before we leave."
"Fine then," Thorin sighed, knowing it would be futile to try and change Bilbo's mind. "I'll saddle your horse then."
"My horse?" Bilbo asked, dumbfounded.
"How else are you coming with us?" Thorin raised an eyebrow. "You won't keep up with me on foot."
"I've never ridden a horse before," Bilbo admitted sheepishly. "I thought I could ride with you."
Thorin laughed. "Your lack of skill astonishes me, Bilbo. It's not that hard. Now, if you still want to come, go get changed into something warmer."
Seeming slightly offended by his remark, Bilbo turned on his heels and marched out of the stables. "Are you still coming?" Thorin called after him.
"Yes. Get that horse ready!"
It didn't take long for Bilbo to return to the stables, this time clad in a warm coat and gloves. Thorin had just finished saddling the horse and was leading it out of the paddock.
"Do you need assistance mounting your horse?" Thorin asked, his tone laced with amusement.
"I'll manage," Bilbo retorted, taking the reins from Thorin's hands.
The two of them led their horses outside, Thorin grabbing his bag of tools on the way out. Gracefully, he mounted his horse and then watched as Bilbo attempted to do the same, albeit unsuccessfully.
The smaller man struggled to get his foot in the stirrups, clumsily holding onto the reins as he attempted to mount the horse. Thorin couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, earning him a glare from Bilbo.
"Are you sure you don't need any help?" Thorin asked, barely containing his laughter.
"Fine. Come down and help me," Bilbo replied, his voice tinged with annoyance. "If you must."
Thorin dismounted his horse, offering Bilbo instructions as he approached. "First, place your foot in the stirrups." He then placed his hands around Bilbo's waist, lifting him off the ground as Bilbo positioned his foot in the stirrup. "Now, throw your leg over the horse."
"There you go," Thorin commented as Bilbo settled onto the horse. Gracefully, he mounted his own horse again, catching Bilbo throwing a jealous glance at him as he did so.
"Let's go," Thorin announced, urging his horse to move. Bilbo copied his actions, prompting his horse to move as well.
They rode in silence for a while, Bilbo seemingly lost in thought while Thorin stole glances at him every now and then, hoping the other wouldn't notice. The tight knot in his stomach had returned when lifting Bilbo onto the horse, and now it seemed Thorin couldn't keep his eyes off him..
"I don't like it when you make fun of me like that, you know," Bilbo suddenly blurted out.
"Make fun of you?" Thorin asked, fixing his gaze on the road ahead.
"Like ridiculing me for my lack of skill," Bilbo retorted, his face grim.
Thorin smirked. "It wasn't my intention to make fun of you, Bilbo. It just baffles me that you don't know how to ride a horse. I'm sorry if I made you feel bad."
"Well, not everyone has a house with stables to go with it," Bilbo stated. "Or horses to inhabit them."
"Do you always travel on foot then?" Thorin asked, amused.
"Most of the time, yes," Bilbo replied. "Everything is nearby in Bag End. We have no need for horses."
"I should remember that you're humble folk," Thorin conceded.
They continued their journey at a steady pace, and the day was still young when they arrived in town. Thorin smoothly dismounted his horse upon reaching the shop, with Bilbo following suit, albeit rather stiffly.
"I'll wait with the horses until you return," Bilbo announced, taking hold of the reins on Thorin's horse.
"Bilbo, it's freezing," Thorin interjected. "You can come inside."
"No, you go," Bilbo insisted, turning away. "There's nothing for me to see in there anyway."
"As you wish," Thorin replied, then proceeded into the shop.
It took nearly an hour for all of Thorin's tools to be sharpened, yet Bilbo hadn't followed him inside. Wondering what was keeping him, Thorin quickly settled the payment before hurrying back outside.
As he stepped into the freezing air, Thorin spotted Bilbo immediately. A smile spread across his face, accompanied by a warm feeling of affection when he noticed what Bilbo was doing. Bilbo had positioned himself between the two horses, petting them both simultaneously while speaking in hushed tones. It was a sight Thorin hadn't expected, especially after their earlier discussion about Bilbo's inexperience with horses. Yet, there he was, seemingly carefree and entirely comfortable as he tended to the animals.
"They seem to have taken a liking to you," Thorin remarked, walking up to Bilbo.
"They make fine company themselves," Bilbo replied, giving the horses a few more pets. "I see you are done. Shall we go back home then? I'm freezing."
Thorin laughed. "I told you to come inside. It was you who refused the offer."
"I know, I know," Bilbo muttered, handing the reins of Thorin's horse back to him. "Someone had to tend to the horses."
"They would have been fine by themselves," Thorin interjected, taking the reins from Bilbo and mounting his horse. "You were just being stubborn."
Bilbo shrugged before following Thorin's lead, this time getting up on the horse without any help.
"Your horse riding is improving," Thorin said, smiling in amusement. "With a little practice, you could become good at it."
Bilbo shot him an annoyed look before spurring his horse into a walk. Thorin did the same, catching up with Bilbo before riding alongside him at a steady pace. Soon, they left the town behind them, trotting through the forest once more.
"What's the matter with you?" Thorin asked, throwing a curious glance in Bilbo's direction. "You've been awfully quiet today. I'm not used to that."
Bilbo shot him another annoyed look. "It's not like you've spent much time with me lately. So how would you know if I'm not being my chatty self?"
"Is that what's bothering you, Bilbo?" Thorin asked, a bit confused. "That I'm not hanging out with you as often as before?"
"I thought we were friends, Thorin," Bilbo retorted. "But clearly, I was wrong."
"You are my friend," Thorin interjected, surprised by Bilbo's sudden accusations. "And if you wanted to hang out, you simply could have asked. I just wanted to give Dis and you some time to bond properly, without any distractions from anyone else."
Bilbo frowned. "We've already bonded. I fail to see why Dis and I should be your concern."
Thorin laughed. "Because she is my sister, and I only want the best for her. Which means a future spouse who regards her interests. But now that we're on the subject anyway, how is it going between you and my sister?"
"What do you mean?" Bilbo shot back the question.
"Well, I've seen the two of you together." Thorin replied in amusement. "The two of you look friendly enough towards each other. But that's about it. There's not the slightest hint of a romantic relationship in your demeanor."
Bilbo seemed to be taken aback by Thorin's words, accidentally spurring on his horse, causing it to gallop. He let out a yelp as the horse took off, his grip on the reins loosening in shock, causing him to tumble backward and land in a puddle of water.
Thorin halted his horse immediately, jumping off of it before rushing towards Bilbo, who was still lying in the puddle of water.
"Are you okay?" Thorin asked worriedly, hovering over Bilbo. "Are you hurt?"
Bilbo slowly shook his head. "I think I'm fine. Only soaking wet."
Thorin sighed in relief, then held his hand out towards Bilbo. "Come on, get up."
Bilbo grabbed Thorin's hand before getting to his feet, checking his body for damage but finding none.
"Take off your clothes," Thorin commanded while gathering both horses. "You can leave on your underwear."
"Excuse me?" Bilbo muttered. "I will not do such a thing. It is freezing out here."
"And if you don't take off your wet clothes, Bilbo, you will freeze even faster," Thorin retorted. "Now take them off."
Bilbo, who was already shivering, reluctantly did as he was told.
"Now get on my horse," Thorin instructed as he gathered Bilbo's wet clothes and placed them in the bag with his tools.
"I have my own horse," Bilbo interjected, wrapping his arms around his body to protect himself from the cold.
"You are going to ride it in your underwear then?" Thorin scoffed. "Now do as I say and get on my horse."
Bilbo mounted the horse, and Thorin took his place behind him. Quickly, Thorin opened his coat and pulled Bilbo against him, closing the coat around the two of them again.
"This will keep you warm enough until we get home," he said, taking the reins of his horse with one hand, while the reins of the other horse remained in his other hand.
Thorin spurred his horse into a gallop, the other horse following beside them. He could feel Bilbo relax against him, the warmth of his back radiating against his torso, causing his heartbeat to quicken. The scent of Bilbo's hair lingered in his nose as they rode along, and all too quickly, they arrived back at the estate.
Thorin halted the horse in front of the mansion, opening up his coat again so Bilbo could dismount. "Go get dressed. I'll take care of the horses."
"Can we still go to the woodshed?" Bilbo asked softly, his eyes directed towards the ground.
"Yes, Bilbo. But first, take a warm bath and get dressed," Thorin replied, taking out Bilbo's wet clothes and handing them to him. "I'll meet you there afterwards."
Bilbo gave him a small smile before he turned around and disappeared into the mansion, leaving Thorin with a tight knot in his stomach and a longing ache in his heart.
Thorin led the horses back to the stables, swiftly removing their reins and saddles before tending to them with a brush. Ensuring they had ample hay and water, he then grabbed his tool bag and hurried to the woodshed.
Inside, he kindled a fire in the wood stove to dispel the chill, and while awaiting Bilbo's arrival, he made some adjustments to the shed. As he began unloading his tools, a gentle knock interrupted him.
"Come in," Thorin called out, continuing his task as Bilbo entered, clad in fresh, warm attire, clutching his sketchbook and pencil tightly.
"It's been a while since I've seen that," Thorin remarked, nodding towards the sketchbook. "Did you ever finish that drawing of Dis?"
"Yes, but it's safely hidden in my room," Bilbo replied, scanning the room before taking a seat near the fire. "I thought I might sketch while you work on your woodcrafts."
Thorin smiled. "A fine plan. Sit by the fire; it'll keep you warm."
As Bilbo settled near the stove, he admired the woodcrafts around him. "These are remarkable, Thorin."
"I've had my fair share of practice," Thorin replied, gathering his tools and wood before sitting opposite Bilbo. "Tell me, what's your favorite animal?"
Bilbo opened his sketchbook, contemplating the question before answering, "A wolf."
"A wolf?" Thorin echoed, surprised. "Why's that?"
"They're strong and fierce," Bilbo explained, sketching in his book. "Yet, they're loyal to their kin."
Thorin nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, they are."
The two of them worked in companionable silence for a time, Thorin shaping the rough outline of his latest creation while Bilbo immersed himself in his sketch.
"What are you drawing anyway?" Thorin eventually inquired, trying to steal a glance at Bilbo's work.
"Nothing for your eyes to see," Bilbo replied, swiftly shutting his sketchbook. "Besides, I think it's time you taught me how to carve wood."
Thorin set aside his project and tools, procuring another piece of wood and a suitable tool for Bilbo. "What do you want to make? Do you have anything in mind?"
"No, I don't," Bilbo admitted. "Something simple, I suppose. I honestly have no idea where to start. Do you just envision something and begin carving?"
Thorin chuckled, then positioned himself behind Bilbo once more. "Hold the wood like this," he instructed, guiding Bilbo's hands with his own. "Then gently strike the knife over the wood to remove the first layer. It's generally of little use when you're trying to create something."
As Thorin assisted Bilbo with his woodcraft, he felt a warmth emanating from the other, stirring something in his stomach. He knew his voice sounded off when he spoke, "You see, like this."
Bilbo nodded, too engrossed in his work to notice the tone of Thorin's voice.
"I think you can continue on your own now," Thorin said, releasing Bilbo's hands and stepping back. "Just be careful, don't rush."
Returning to his own stool, Thorin resumed his own craft, occasionally checking on Bilbo's progress.
As time passed and Bilbo seemed to make gradual progress in his work, Thorin found himself absorbed once more in his own craft, losing track of his surroundings.
His concentration was abruptly shattered when Bilbo emitted a sudden cry, followed by the clatter of a fallen tool. Reacting swiftly, Thorin sprung to his feet and rushed to Bilbo's side to assess the situation.
Bilbo extended his hand, revealing a fresh cut with blood trickling from it. "I've cut myself," he stated.
"I can see that," Thorin replied, kneeling in front of Bilbo to inspect the wound. "It doesn't look good."
A soft moan escaped Bilbo's lips as he observed the injury, his complexion paling. "I don't handle blood very well."
Thorin swiftly removed his shirt and used it to fashion a makeshift bandage around Bilbo's hand. "We need to attend to this. Keep pressure on the wound. I'll fetch the coats."
After extinguishing the stove fire, Thorin donned his coat and helped Bilbo into his own before they prepared to leave.
He checked the firmness of his shirt wrapped around the wound before guiding Bilbo outside. With haste, they made their way back to the mansion. Upon arrival, Thorin ushered Bilbo to the kitchen and settled him onto a chair.
"Let me gather some supplies to tend to that," Thorin said, hurrying through the kitchen to locate the necessary items. Once he had everything, he carefully removed his shirt from Bilbo's wound and proceeded to cleanse it with vinegar. Once the wound appeared clean, he applied ointment before carefully bandaging Bilbo's hand.
"There you go. The bandage will need changing, and the ointment reapplied a few more times," Thorin instructed, kneeling before Bilbo, who still held his freshly bandaged hand. "Seems luck isn't on your side today."
"I was going too fast," Bilbo admitted softly. "You warned me not to."
"A beginner's mistake," Thorin replied, extending his own scarred hand for Bilbo to see. "I've had my share of cuts when I first started out."
Bilbo gently traced the lines of the scars with his finger, causing Thorin to shiver. "These feel rough," Bilbo observed, looking at Thorin with curiosity. "Why is that?"
"I might not have been as diligent in caring for my own wounds when I began," Thorin answered, attempting to conceal his nervousness.
Bilbo nodded, his gaze shifting between Thorin's hand and his eyes. "I see. It's surprising to see you so caring."
Thorin felt his cheeks flush as their eyes met, his lips parting slightly as he realized how close Bilbo's face was to his.
"I mean, you come across as quite brutish, if I'm honest," Bilbo continued, releasing Thorin's hand in the process. "I wouldn't expect you to tend to someone's wounds. Or not be annoyed when someone ruins your shirt. Like I just did."
Thorin's laughter filled the kitchen as he regained his composure, standing up. "That was entirely my own fault."
"Still, I owe you a shirt," Bilbo replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Next time we're in town, I'm going to buy you one."
"Enough, Bilbo. It's fine," Thorin insisted, returning the healing supplies to their place. "I don't need a new shirt. I need you to be more careful."
"Understood," Bilbo agreed, still smiling. "Care to join me in the living room for some reading?"
"I would like that."
The two of them made their way to the living room, each selecting a book before settling on the couch together. They read in silence for a while, Thorin stealing occasional glances at Bilbo, who was deeply engrossed in his book.
Thorin's gaze drifted to the window, where snowflakes were descending against the darkening sky. "It's snowing," he remarked, breaking the quiet.
"It is, indeed," Bilbo replied, with a touch of wonder. "I hope it continues. I've always loved snow."
"It's wet and cold," Thorin countered, his eyes returning to Bilbo. "There's nothing to love about snow."
Bilbo chuckled, a sound that sent butterflies fluttering in Thorin's stomach. "What's not to love about snow, Thorin? It's beautiful. A snowy landscape. Just think about how the gardens will look when it continues to fall like this."
Thorin shrugged, then refocused on his book, though his thoughts strayed far from the pages.
As Bilbo resumed reading, Thorin carefully adjusted his position, edging closer until their legs touched. When Bilbo made no move to shift away, Thorin settled contentedly, relishing the warmth of their contact.
He had fought his feelings enough for one day; now, he allowed them to wash over him, unencumbered by worry or shame as long as Bilbo remained unaware. Tomorrow was another day, another chance to try again.