It Has Been Said

Thorin was on his deathbed and everyone knew it. The silence in the camp was absolute, and it was strange to hear when just before the battle it had been full of song and cheer. Everyone came and went from the room in which he lay, staring sadly at the injured king and trying their best not to cry.

But there was one creature who would not leave his side no matter what. That creature was Bilbo Baggins. He would never admit it but ever since Thorin had embraced him on the mountain peak his feelings toward the leader had taken a turn for (in Bilbo's opinion) the worse. He hadn't been able to stop thinking about the dwarf for a single second during the journey. When the company had been imprisoned by the wood elves, Bilbo had spent a lot of his time sitting, invisible, outside Thorin's cell and listening to him sing. His voice was deep and soothing, and had actually helped Bilbo to calm down and think. If not for that voice, he was positive that the company would still be locked in the elves' prison.

Bilbo was startled from his thoughts by Thorin groaning and opening his eyes. His pride had not been depleted in the slightest by his injuries, and he moved to sit up, but Bilbo pushed him down firmly before he could even try.

"Oh no you don't. You need all the rest you can get if you're going to recover."

Thorin gave him a weak smile, eyes fluttering shut again. "I'm not so sure I'm going to, my dear friend."

Bilbo felt tears stinging at his already red eyes, and blinked them back. "Of course you are."

Thorin said nothing, and Bilbo assumed he had gone back to sleep, until he spoke again. "You know..." he spoke haltingly, his voice quiet, "it has been said...that...once the king under the mountain...has taken back his kingdom..." he paused here and opened his eyes again "he shall have whatever lover he desires."

Bilbo wasn't sure what to say. Was Thorin voicing some sort of last wish? Did he want Bilbo to go and find a dwarf-lady he had once fancied? "And...you have someone in mind? Do you wish me to find her?"

Thorin seemed to be trying to laugh, but it was weak and ended in a coughing fit. "There's no need for that, little burglar, for he is right here with me."

Bilbo looked around, but he knew he was the only other person in the room.

Me?

He hardly dared to voice his question aloud, but...if Thorin really did...die (and it hurt him greatly to even think of it) Bilbo wanted him to die knowing that whatever affections he felt for Bilbo were returned.

"Me?" he asked quietly, scared he had misinterpreted.

"Yes Bilbo, you. Who else could I love?"

Bilbo remained silent for a few seconds before pressing his lips softly to Thorin's.

"Well that's good" he whispered, heart hurting even more for the dying dwarf king, "because I could love no one else but you."

Thorin smiled and slipped back into sleep. Bilbo took his huge hand in his two smaller ones, kissing his cheek and trying to keep back the tears welling up in his eyes.

*                              *                              *

He didn't realize he had fallen asleep until Balin was shaking him awake, attempting to speak to him.

"Bilbo, we're leaving for the mountain soon."

He had forgotten that they had planned on moving back into Erebor today. "What about Thorin?"

He must have sounded panicked because Balin smiled sympathetically. "He will be carried. Do not worry, Bilbo, we will ensure our king makes it to his kingdom."

Bilbo looked down worriedly at Thorin. "Alright, if you say so." he stood up, but lingered still, not wanting to leave his side. But he had to go pack his things and as soon as he was out of the room, he rushed to finish packing quickly so he could return to his king.

*                              *                              *

They reached the mountain with little difficulty, and soon Thorin was settled in the bed of the room he had chosen for himself. The other dwarves soon left the room, and once again Bilbo was alone with the king. He noted with some surprise that Thorin seemed to be doing much better. His wounds were mostly healed and his fever seemed to be gone. He was sleeping peacefully now, and Bilbo found his heart lightened with hope. Before he knew it nighttime had fallen, and Balin entered the room, placing a gentle hand on the hobbit's shoulder.

"Better get some sleep, Mr. Baggins. There is a clean room just for you upstairs, and you haven't slept in a nice comfy bed since we left."

Bilbo yawned. Balin was right. Not only had he not slept in a bed, he had hardly slept at all. And with the king showing signs of recovery, he felt that it was safe to leave his side, if only for the night. And he had a feeling Balin was going to make him whether he agreed or not. He nodded his consent.

"One moment."

Balin nodded and left the room. Bilbo leaned over and kissed Thorin softly, running his fingers through the dwarf's dark hair.

"Please get better, my king." he whispered softly, before standing and following Balin.

*                              *                              *

Much to his surprise, he could not sleep. The mattress was plush and comfortable, not lumpy in the slightest. The covers were soft and warm, the pillows fluffed and filled with a generous amount of feathers. Yet still he could not find sleep. Part of it, sure, was because it felt strange, unfamiliar. He had gotten used to sleeping on the ground, whether it was in a cave or a clearing in the forest. But most of it was that he simply could not stop thinking about the dwarf king. He seemed to be feeling much better since he had been moved to the mountain. How long until he made a full recovery? Did he remember what he had told Bilbo? Did he remember Bilbo's reply?

His thoughts were interrupted by a cool draft of air and a weight on the bed. Someone was sliding under the covers. He was so tired that he didn't bother to react until he felt a warm body pressed against him, arms wrapped around his chest and lips pressed to his hair.

"Wha- who-?" he squeaked out, not quite sure what one was supposed to do in such a situation.

But before he could say anything else he was cut off by that deep, rumbling voice he had come to love so much. "Calm yourself, hobbit. It's only me."

"Thorin! You should be in bed!" the hobbit turned over in Thorin's grip so that he was facing the dwarf king.

Thorin laughed. "Well unless I'm much mistaken, I'm in one." He continued before the hobbit could further protest. "Besides, I am feeling much much better. I knew I would as soon as I was returned to my home."

Bilbo sighed. "Alright...I suppose you can stay." he wrapped his arms around the dwarf, closing his eyes and nuzzling against his chest, where he could hear his heartbeat, assuring him the king was alive.

Thorin kissed his forehead fondly, brushing back his curly brown hair. "Get some sleep, little one. I will still be here in the morning."

With those words, Bilbo suddenly felt exhausted, and the warm safety of Thorin's body lulled him to sleep before he could reply.