Hi,
In this chapter, Bilbo is in need of a dance lesson.
Enjoy.
September was drawing to a close, marking the true end of summer. The shifting weather hinted at the changing seasons, with each passing day bringing a gradual descent into colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Memories of the warm, sun-drenched days of the previous month now seemed distant, as autumn made its unmistakable presence felt.
On a crisp morning nearing the end of September, Thorin swung open the door to his chambers, only to be met with the sight of a visibly anxious Bilbo pacing back and forth in the hallway. Bilbo's gaze remained fixed on the floor, his lips moving in silent murmurs as he seemed to wrestle with his own thoughts.
"Good morning, Bilbo," Thorin greeted with a hint of amusement, catching Bilbo off guard. "What brings you here at this hour?"
Bilbo looked up at Thorin standing in the doorway, his expression a mix of surprise and apprehension. "You have to help me, Thorin," he implored urgently. "I don't know who else to ask."
Thorin's concern deepened at the urgency in Bilbo's voice, prompting him to usher Bilbo into his room and shut the door. "What's wrong? What's happened?"
"I haven't done anything," Bilbo replied, taken aback. "But I need your assistance, though it won't exactly fix anything... at least, not directly."
"Then get to the point," Thorin urged, raising an eyebrow.
"Perhaps we should discuss over breakfast?" Bilbo suggested, suddenly aware of their surroundings. "Rather than lingering in your room."
Thorin smirked, then reopened the door. "By all means, let's eat."
The two of them ambled to the kitchen, where they rustled up breakfast and brewed some tea before settling at the table.
"Now, what's troubling you?" Thorin inquired, taking a sip of his tea.
"It appears there's to be a ball tomorrow evening," Bilbo began, punctuating his explanation with bites of food, "and your sister has insisted on dragging me along."
Thorin nodded knowingly. "Ah, yes. I'm obliged to attend as well. But I fail to see the issue, aside from the potential monotony."
"Dis informed me that we're expected to dance," Bilbo continued, his expression clouded with concern. "I can't dance. I'm utterly hopeless at it. I'll only embarrass myself."
Thorin chuckled, recognizing the dance in question. "It's tradition, Bilbo. If you'd like me to arrange for you to be excused, I'm afraid I can't."
"No, that's not necessary," Bilbo replied, stealing a cautious glance at Thorin. "I was merely wondering... could you perhaps teach me?"
Thorin nearly choked on his tea. "Me? Teach you to dance? Where did you get the absurd notion that I'm skilled at dancing?"
"Well, I assumed you'd had your share of experience," Bilbo shot back, his cheeks flushing red. "Considering your attendance at such events before."
"Just because I've attended doesn't mean I'm adept enough to teach," Thorin explained, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Besides, I'm not particularly patient or skilled at teaching anything. I'm liable to become irritable far too quickly."
"So you are not going to help me?" Bilbo asked, seemingly displeased. "You'd rather I make a fool of myself…"
Thorin threw his hands up in frustration. "Did you not listen to a word I just said?"
"I didn't hear you admit to having two left feet or being a dancing disaster." Bilbo retorted. "It sounds more like unwillingness to me. And besides, I've dealt with your temper before; it's nothing I can't handle."
Thorin let out a resigned sigh, mentally cursing Bilbo's persistence as he gave in. "Fine then. Living room, in an hour."
Exactly one hour later, Thorin strode into the living room, followed by a member of the staff whom he directed towards the piano.
Bilbo, already waiting, wore a decidedly displeased expression.
"Are you still interested in the dance lesson?" Thorin inquired, noticing Bilbo's doubtful look.
"Yes, but can't we find a more private place to practice?" Bilbo countered.
Thorin smirked. "We don't have pianos scattered all over the house, Bilbo. And besides, everyone's out for the day, if that's your concern."
"What about him?" Bilbo nodded towards the servant stationed behind the piano.
"That's William. He'll be playing the piano while we practice," Thorin explained, dragging the sofa away to make room. "I can't be expected to demonstrate the moves and manage the music simultaneously."
Bilbo grunted in acquiescence. "Fine then."
Thorin chuckled. "You're the one who wanted to learn, Bilbo."
"I know," Bilbo conceded.
"Very well then. The dance you mentioned earlier is called the polka," Thorin explained. "It's an upbeat dance, but all in all, not too difficult to grasp."
"Wait until you see me attempt it," Bilbo quipped. "Dancing and 'easy' are not two things I'd associate with each other."
Thorin laughed once more before turning to William, who was patiently waiting at the piano. "Would you mind playing the piece for Bilbo?"
William nodded and began to play, Bilbo's expression growing increasingly grim as the piece unfolded.
"Now, let me demonstrate the steps," Thorin announced as the music came to an end. "During the dance, you'll count three steps: Quick, quick, slow."
"Quick, quick, slow," Bilbo repeated, nodding. "I've got it."
Thorin proceeded to demonstrate the steps to Bilbo several times. "You can join in, Bilbo," he encouraged, continuing to repeat the movements.
"I'm fine just watching you." Bilbo replied with a frown, seeming hesitant to join in.
Thorin halted, pivoting back towards Bilbo. "You won't learn how to dance if you just stand there watching," he admonished gently.
Bilbo rolled his eyes in response but reluctantly positioned himself beside Thorin.
"Quick, quick, slow," Thorin reiterated, resuming his instruction. Bilbo tentatively attempted to mimic his steps, following along as best he could.
"Okay, now let's do it together," Thorin instructed once Bilbo seemed to grasp the steps. "Place your right hand in my left hand and your left hand on my right upper arm."
"Excuse me?" Bilbo responded, a puzzled expression crossing his face.
Thorin sighed. "You need to hold your dance partner for this, Bilbo. Did you think you and Dis would be dancing side by side?"
Bilbo shrugged, muttering, "How was I supposed to know?"
Thorin chuckled as he approached Bilbo, guiding his hand to his shoulder and taking the other in his own before resting his hand on Bilbo's waist.
"Now remember, in this case, I'm leading," Thorin explained. "Tomorrow, you'll have to hold Dis as I'm holding you now."
Bilbo nodded, albeit somewhat awkwardly. "This feels rather awkward, though."
Thorin smirked, then resumed counting as he prompted Bilbo to move. "Quick, quick, slow."
They glided across the room to the rhythm of Thorin's voice, Bilbo struggling to keep up with the steps while Thorin effortlessly led the dance.
"I thought you said you weren't any good at dancing," Bilbo remarked as they spun around the room once more.
"That may have been an exaggeration," Thorin replied, amused. "You, on the other hand, were quite accurate. Don't you folks dance?"
"Not much," Bilbo confessed, attempting to avoid stepping on Thorin's feet. "There aren't many skilled dancers in Bag End. We mostly enjoy music by listening to it."
"Speaking of music..." Thorin began, nodding toward William, who was still idly seated at the piano. "Let's try dancing with some music."
As William brought the piano to life, the living room filled with music, enveloping them in its melody. However, the sudden surge of music distracted Bilbo, causing him to stumble and inadvertently step on Thorin's feet.
"Careful," Thorin said calmly, gently redirecting Bilbo back into the rhythm. "Feel the music."
Bilbo pulled away from Thorin, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I can't do this, Thorin. I'll only make a fool of myself."
The music around them faded as William stopped playing, leaving an uneasy silence in the room. Bilbo's gaze remained fixed on the ground in defeat.
"Bilbo," Thorin sighed, stepping closer and placing a finger under the younger man's chin to lift his head. "You were doing just fine. You were simply distracted. Let's try again."
"You don't understand, Thorin," Bilbo complained, his face etched with worry. "They might think I'm not a suitable husband for Dis."
Thorin took a step back from Bilbo, his expression firm as he straightened his shoulders.
"If you keep complaining instead of practicing, they might indeed think so," Thorin scoffed, his tone firm, before turning to William. "Start over."
Thorin extended his hand to Bilbo as the music resumed. "Come on then."
Bilbo reluctantly took his position, and within moments, they were gliding across the room once more.
"You see, it's not that hard," Thorin remarked as the music concluded. "That wasn't too bad, if I do say so myself."
Bilbo smiled. "I might need a bit more practice, though."
They continued practicing the dance several more times until Bilbo could perform it smoothly.
"Well done," Thorin complimented after they finished the dance for the seventh time. "Now, you lead."
Bilbo shook his head. "No, I'll just mess it up again."
"You'd rather make mistakes now than tomorrow," Thorin replied firmly, giving Bilbo a stern look. "Besides, what's the worst that could happen? You stepping on my foot again?"
"Fine then," Bilbo sighed, taking his position.
They practiced the dance a few more times with Bilbo taking the lead, and to their surprise, it went rather smoothly.
"I think you're ready for the ball tomorrow," Thorin commented, releasing his grip on Bilbo's hand. "William, you can be dismissed."
On cue, William stood up from behind the piano and quietly exited the room.
"Thank you, Thorin," Bilbo said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Is this all I need to know to survive the ball tomorrow evening?"
Thorin smirked. "Most of it. It depends on how many dances my sister is determined to wring out of you."
"Other dances..." Bilbo muttered, his expression turning grim again. "How many dances could there possibly be?"
"A lot, especially if you have the right partner. Or the wrong one, in your case," Thorin replied, amusement evident in his voice. "Dis really enjoys dancing."
"Then what am I supposed to do?" Bilbo asked, his face filled with worry. "I only know one dance. There isn't enough time to learn more dances."
Thorin moved towards Bilbo, pulling the younger man against him, which elicited a surprised yelp from Bilbo.
Bilbo quickly freed himself from Thorin's grip. "What are you doing?!"
Thorin chuckled. "Just trying to show you how to survive the rest of the evening. I wanted to give you an extra dance lesson, that's all."
"As I said, there's not enough time for me to learn another dance," Bilbo retorted, regaining his composure.
"Relax, Bilbo," Thorin replied, pulling Bilbo towards him again. "Don't panic, just follow my lead."
Thorin positioned them properly for dancing before he began humming a melody. With slow and gentle movements, he led them through the room, their bodies swaying in harmony.
"You see, if you just dance with her like this, it will be enough," Thorin murmured, his voice blending with the melody.
"It certainly beats the last one," Bilbo commented, his movements syncing with Thorin's rhythm. "Kind of comfortable, even."
"Hmm," Thorin mumbled, his head resting atop Bilbo's. "Comfortable indeed."
In that close proximity, Thorin couldn't help but take in Bilbo's scent—a blend of freshly turned soil and wildflowers, tinged with a hint of tobacco.
Abruptly, Thorin ended the humming and released Bilbo as they came to a stop. "I think that's enough dance lessons for today."
Bilbo, seemingly oblivious to the moment, replied, "I hope I'll remember the steps."
"I'll make sure to stay nearby," Thorin promised, quickly redirecting his attention by returning the sofa to its original place. "Now, I've got things to attend to. I'll see you at dinner."
With that, Thorin swiftly exited the living room, muttering curses under his breath as he hurried away from Bilbo, hoping to push aside the unsettling thoughts stirring within him.
Thorin entered the music hall with Dis and Bilbo flanking him. The evening was already in full swing, the melodies of the orchestra wafting toward them as they stepped inside.
The hall was a sight to behold, adorned with glittering chandeliers that bathed the room in a warm, golden glow. Thorin couldn't help but notice Bilbo's delighted expression, giving him the impression that he had never experienced a ball quite like this before.
They each took a glass of champagne from a passing tray, carried by a diligent waiter. However, Bilbo barely had the chance to take a sip before Dis swiftly retrieved his glass, pressed it into Thorin's hand along with her own, and whisked Bilbo away to the dance floor as soon as the first notes of the polka filled the room.
As Bilbo cast him a worried look and silently mouthed "Help me," Thorin sighed, placing the glasses of champagne on a nearby table. He scanned the room, searching for someone to join him for a dance.
It didn't take him long to spot a girl standing alone on the side of the dance hall, looking eager for a partner. Thorin approached her with a polite smile. "May I have this dance with you?"
The girl happily accepted, and before Thorin knew it, he found himself being pulled onto the dance floor. As they merged into the swirling crowd of dancers, Thorin couldn't help but notice that the girl was a fine dancer. He led them skillfully through the throng of couples until they were next to Bilbo and Dis.
Despite Bilbo's earlier worries about his dancing skills, Thorin observed that he was managing quite well, confidently leading Dis and executing the steps without a hitch. Thorin gave him a reassuring smile, which Bilbo returned with warmth in his own.
As the dance came to an end, Thorin thanked the young lady he had danced with and rejoined Dis and Bilbo.
"Not bad at all," Thorin whispered towards Bilbo, making sure Dis couldn't hear him.
"I had a good teacher," Bilbo replied, beaming. "Seems like you found a nice girl yourself. Won't she join us?"
Thorin shook his head. "I only asked her to dance to have someone to accompany me. There's no need for anything more."
Bilbo gave him a disapproving look. "Well, you have to start somewhere, don't you?"
"No, Bilbo. I'm not looking for anything like that," Thorin replied, attempting to sound serious. "Let it go."
"As you wish," Bilbo said, grabbing another glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
This time, Bilbo had the chance to finish his glass of champagne before being whisked away to the dance floor once more by Dis. Thorin watched them from a distance, trusting that Bilbo would manage the dance without his assistance.
As he observed Dis and Bilbo dancing together, Thorin felt a soft pang of unease stirring in his abdomen. For some reason, he found himself wanting to be a part of the bubble the two of them seemed to find themselves in. Or rather, to be in the place of his sister.
Thorin turned away from the sight, trying to suppress the unease that still lingered within him. He wasn't allowed to feel this way.
He quickly grabbed two glasses of champagne and made his way outside, seeking solace in the cool evening air.
The glasses of champagne were emptied quicker than Thorin would have liked, and with his thoughts still racing in his head, he returned to the music hall to fetch a few more glasses. Snagging two more from a passing waiter, he glanced over and noticed Dis and Bilbo were still dancing. Grateful for their continued distraction, he slipped outside once more.
In the dim light of the night, Thorin settled onto the pavement, attempting to talk himself out of the swirling emotions within him, hoping they would dissipate if he ignored them forcefully enough.
Cursing himself under his breath, he realized with a jolt that he had become more fond of Bilbo than he had initially intended. Determined to quash these feelings before they grew any stronger, he made a solemn vow to himself in that moment: he would do everything in his power to make them go away.