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Thorin had been in the recently destroyed throne room when Dwalin had informed him that Bilbo was making his way back to his home, the quaint Shire.He had frozen in that moment, as Dwalin had finished his statement. Hesitating, unable to move or think. Only being able to listen to Dwalin’s voice echoing in his mind.Bilbo was going back to the ShireHe was leaving, and he hadn’t said goodbye. And Thorin couldn’t bring himself to move to do what Bilbo had not. He thought, that if he did, he couldn’t let Bilbo leave.He realised long ago that Bilbo had become someone of great import to him. He would consider himself quite attached and fond to the smallest member of their company though he wouldn’t admit it. Although Bilbo has been reluctant and wary at the beginning of their journey together Thorin had come to believe that in the end Bilbo had been glad for this adventure. Despite the trials and tribulations. Perhaps he had been wrong.He had grown close with the hobbit after their many shared nights under the stars huddling for warmth and hushed talks whilst keeping watch over a slowly dying campfire. He cherished the memory of those nights greatly.Bilbo had become one of the most important people to him out of his company. Closer than many of his kin. Something he refused to admit aloud but was very truthful about within himself.He didn’t know how he was supposed to watch Bilbo leave now, after everything.He wondered if this was easy for BilboWas him leaving an easy decision, in the beginning he seemed quite ready to turn around and run with his tail between his legs. But now were his steps as easy as they might have been back then? Or were they difficult and heavy? Each one cumbersome and tiring. He wasn’t to know…“Thorin?” Dwalin called after him.He was moving, his legs were carrying him out of the hall with much haste. He had hardly noticed he was moving until the great open hall that led to the entrance was bringing the sun across his face. He climbed the makeshift stairs along the broken wall that kept them mostly barred inside. The one he had used at first, to keep all others out. The one he had cast Bilbo from. He was yet to apologise for that.He scurried up the stairs onto the rampart, looking into the distance at the small brown figure in the distance.Bilbo.He stood, stomach pressed to the rampart. Trying to do whatever he could to keep himself close to the disappearing form that was BilboWithout a sound he was approached by Balin, his advisor, mentor and friend. He didn’t jump nor did he turn when Balin spoke“He wanted to say something. But yer really seemed to tie his tongue in the moment” Balin said calmlyThorin stayed silent, staring at Bilbo still.“Ye two have become quite the pair. Don’t you think?”In response Thorin only stared harder, thought harder about all his moments with Bilbo since they had met.He wanted to call Bilbo from the ramparts, send his bombing voice over the blood soaked field, bringing him back to Erebor even if for a moment. He didn’t like the idea of Bilbo going back to his lonely life in the Shire. He would no doubt have a changed reputation among his kin. But here he would be welcomed and hailed. Especially by Thorin’s sideBut that was thinking to far ahead and Thorin chastised himself“If you clutch the stone any harder you might crack it laddie”Thorin didn’t let go, but he looked quickly down at his white knuckles before deeming it unimportant and watching as Bilbo walked ever closer to the bridge between the forest of Erebor and the revived city of Dain. Now teeming with the remnants of the people of Lake TownBilbo was so close to leaving. Once he crossed that bridge that would be it.Thorin didn’t understand why that was the definitive marker but it was. Once that bridge was crossed, that was it.“Thorin-“ Balin said firmly “-go”Thorin looked at Balin now, the lines of his face creased into a smile as he watched Thorin amongst his grey hairThat was the last push Thorin needed to break through the metaphorical wall that was built against him.Like a madman Thorin swing his legs over the jagged rampart and fell from the wall. Quickly clutching a rope that was hanging, tied to an old piler that was still standing. The rope that Bilbo has used when Thorin had cast him out.He sprinted jumping over stone and Orc body yet to be cleared from the battle field. He ran, sprinting as fast as he could after Bilbo before he crossed the bridge. He couldn’t cross that bridge.His legs burned and his knees ached with the effort he had suddenly pushed them into but it wasn’t one he was unaccustomed to. Whatever it took he would reach BilboAnd then he did, Bilbo’s ears had pricked up. Had they always been able to do that? And he turn just as Thorin yelled before skidding to a stop“Bilbo wait!”Bilbo turned, walking stick in hand and his other hand was comfortably in his pocket now. His eyes were wide with surprise but not unhappy. Thorin sighed with reliefBut now that he was here, he didn’t know what he was supposed to say. How could he know, he had hardly noticed he was running until his feet hit the ground. He had made the move, with no plan.“I-“ he fell short again, his usual bombing voice was as quiet as ever with no words to speak. His heart and his head were clashing and failing to reach his mouth in the process“You can’t come back here” Kakhf that’s not what he meant to say at allBilbos brows creased and his small smile fell. No this is not how this was meant to go at all. He took a moment, breathed and unscrambled the knot that his head and heart had created“What I mean is, you won’t be able to come back. So stay, stay here in Erebor with us. With me” he put his heart on his sleeve proud and true, honest and emotional. Bilbo ought to know.In the momentary silence Thorin believed that he had made a mistake. Overstepped. Misread what their relationship had come to. But Bilbo smiled again, even brighter than before in the slowly setting sun light“I would be honoured. If you’ll have me of course.”“Bilbo-“ it’s now or never “-I would trade all the gold in Erebor to spend an Elven lifetime with you”