Bilbo believed that once Smaug was defeated everyone would be at peace. His company survived the voyage to help reclaim their land, and now, he could finally return to his own.
The hobbit felt safest in his quiet abode where nothing ever happened- especially having to deal with sentient rocks and dragons. But he made the choice to stick through the hardships with his dwarf companions to ensure that they were left in a better place than before. And yet, that may be destroyed by one of their own.
Nobody was blind to their new King's obsession with power. Like his grandfather, Thorin grew mad. It was expected by some, but the majority were certain that history wouldn't repeat. They held faith in their leader to do the right thing, and make peace with the Elves. Even the doubters kept their thoughts to themselves, as they wanted to trust this possibility. But the desire of the Arkenstone possessed the King of the Mountain with a ferocity that overpowered his sanity. Now, the company prepared for war and silently accepted their fate.
This was not the ending their burglar had anticipated; one could argue that he was the most dismayed by all this. He knew Thorin for a brief time compared to the others yet held the highest of hopes for him to do right by his people. Bilbo knew that he had the potential; he exemplified his leadership throughout their journey. Not only that, but there was also a kindness in the dwarf that could rarely be seen by others. It was a type of trait that was solely intended for Bilbo, and the hobbit was aware of this. It was easy to notice because he reciprocated those feelings.
The way in which they'd gaze at one another, standing side-by-side, gradually building trust in the other's decisions. It may appear to an outsider that this was nothing more than a friendly relationship, but Bilbo lived long enough to decipher between friendship and something more. It was rare for Bilbo to feel this way towards anybody. He's encountered gorgeous women in his youth and wasn't inclined to lay a finger on any of them. Could it really be true that he was the only one whose breath hitched when they locked eyes, or be the only one who'd want to relieve himself to his impure fantasies?
Bilbo hid his affection for Thorin to not disturb the dynamic of their group. Because of this, he felt guilty for his desire for him. Thoughts crossed his head often during their travels, and sometimes, Bilbo would be grateful for the treachery they faced because it distracted him from his hunger. He'd remind himself that there were more serious matters to prioritize. But his heart struggled to comply.
Thorin had descended quickly after the death of Smaug, but Bilbo swore he could spot a glimpse of who he used to be. Selfish as he was, Thorin still had moments of tenderness. That had to be a sign that he could be free of this curse. But the company's morale had sunk so low, all they could do was follow their leader into certain death. This couldn't be how their story ends, Bilbo thought, so he approached the King in the early morning to try and negotiate. It needed to be this early to ensure nobody would interrupt them.
The hobbit found Thorin sitting on his throne, surrounded by gold. He had been glaring at nothing, zoned into his altered mind. If he permitted himself to fall asleep, it could help take away the unsettling dark bags underneath his eyes. His clothing encompassed him so much that he was rarely visible except for his large hands gripping the arms of the chair, and his face that was frozen in a scowl. Bilbo was unafraid, for he knew there was still hope in the man that- against his better judgment- he developed feelings for.
The King lifted his head and saw Bilbo coming forward- nothing in hand. Still, he stood up and said, "You found it."
"I'm afraid not," Bilbo lied, having left the Arkenstone in his quarters in a secured spot. He usually kept it underneath his clothing, but this situation would be far too risky for that.
Thorin observed his bleak castle, "One of them has it. I'm certain..." The dwarf accused his loyal friends of stealing the Arkenstone, but the true thief was standing right in front of him. He could've never guessed it, for Bilbo solidified his trust long ago. He would give his life for the halfling if need be, but before that were to happen, he needed to reclaim what he deserved.
"It must weigh heavy on you to deal with such schemes," Bilbo said, "You've done so much for us, yet there may be a traitor."
"Yes. It is the cross one must bear who holds power among dwarves."
"I'd advise that you get some rest. Perhaps hold off from this battle, and find the Arkenstone, so that you are certain all your belongings are within these walls," To Bilbo's delight, Thorin let out a chuckle. It was so faint that a smile didn't accompany his laughter, but that was a crack in his brooding shell.
"You know not for the reality of war, don't you? It is not something that could be held off. I'm capable of accomplishing two things at once, and both will be in my favor."
"I believe you," the hobbit shifted in place, "It's just that with all this chaos, you deserve to be relaxed." The dwarf's eyebrows furrowed on the last word, as if it were said in a different language.
"Relaxed?"
"What sort of activities does a King engage in during these stressful times?" the lone conspirator stepped an inch closer to a pile of treasure that spanned across the grand hall, "I imagine sleep would do quite nicely, but I also tend to enjoy a nice cup of tea to calm my nerves." Thorin watched his hobbit friend leaning over the gold, like he expected something to pop out from the pile. Seeing him in that position awakened something positive in him.
He earned back his home, the crown, and soon enough the Arkenstone. Yet, it was Bilbo who made his soul feel light. Thorin couldn't articulate how his spirit was growing ever brighter the longer the hobbit stood around him, and the gold inches from his feet increased his joy.
"There are activities one does before he lays his head. Things that could only be done with a partner."
"Oh, and what would that be?"
"You are aware of what I'm referring to," Thorin's irate expression melted away with every step he took towards the halfling, "We do have needs after all."
"A need to get a nice bit of shut eye, I'll say!"
Thorin was humored by his facade of naivety, "You are always such a tease..."
Bilbo was surprised at the gentle hand that rested on his cheek. Thorin's thumb rubbed along the skin under his eye, skin that had burned brightly from his touch.
"I'm certain you know what I am thinking of because I suspect you feel the same way."
"It has been hard to hold back," the shorter one said, unable to resist leaning into Thorin's hand. This is the closest they've been since the aftermath of their fight with the Pale Orc. One hand gave him just as many butterflies as the firm embrace Thorin offered that day. "What do you think we should do about it?"
Neither man had enough courage to be direct with their thoughts; anticipating the other to finish it for them. Their eyes had locked, the longest and most invading exchange thus far, and unknowingly, the pair let out a soft shudder in unison.
"Bilbo!"
"Your hands are cold," the halfling turned towards Thorin's palm and kissed it, "I don't want to impose, but there's something I must confess," The light in Thorin's eyes illuminated, bringing forth a side to him that was recognizable. "You and I have shared many moments together, and I feel it is my responsibility to make sure you are happy during your reign. With that said...care to come to bed with me?"
The warrior's hand left Bilbo's cheek. There was a slight tremble in his body, like he was troubled over this proposition. On the contrary, he was holding himself back from pouncing on his petite companion.
There were female dwarves that could offer the King gratification. Now that he regained his throne, many would be interested in becoming his bride. Some would be grateful for the role of a concubine even. This was the normal path, and it should've made Thorin shove the hobbit away and forbid him from speaking about such crazed ideas. This could cost him the respect of the company, even though they made a bet early in their travels- unbeknownst to the pair- that Thorin and Bilbo would become intimate. It was clear from the beginning, yet they still doubted it themselves.
Thorin wasn't sure how to respond to Bilbo's proposal. If only he followed his heart, then the answer would be absolute.
"...You want me to leave here, and let others steal more from me?"
"I doubt anyone would be wandering at this hour, and it is only now that we have this opportunity- for me to take care of you."
"I need no one to care for me!" It felt like a dagger pierced his chest, scraping at his self-doubt. He was distraught thinking that Bilbo may be an accomplice, but Thorin tried drowning those thoughts viciously. In doing so, he developed a headache as he pondered two options: accept or reject Bilbo. He refused to part with his gold, but the effect that this halfling had on him was palpable. Thorin had two things he vowed to protect; it was now a matter of which one triumphed over the other.
"You do not know what you ask," the King said hotly, "But I will say this; consenting to lie with me is also your consent to never returning home." Bilbo's heart clenched over that statement. "If we are to have our way, then you will stay here and be mine from that point forward. This kingdom and treasure, all of that we share. I cannot toss you aside. I've already lost so many...." He paused, "If you wish to leave this place, then I suggest you reconsider."
