Short Affections (Thorin x Reader x Bilbo) Book 2 of 3

{3}

Chapter 3

You were awoken by someone tripping over your legs, and the sound of frantic whispers beside you.

When you stirred and opened your eyes, you were met with the sight of Bilbo holding his nose and spouting a stream of apologizes.

His face went even redder once he realize who he tripped over and embarrassed himself in front of.

You blinked a couple of times, completely forgetting where you were at the moment. But once you got your bearings, you shook your head and used the wall behind you to help you stand.

That hit you took was starting to become overbearing.

With a yawn, you stretched your arms above your head, unintentionally revealing your stomach to Bilbo, who stood there, his blush only deepening as he tried to forced himself to reluctantly look away.

Once you heard the satisfying pop of bones, you sighed and placed your hand on Bilbo's head when he had gotten back up. "Good morning Bilbo, hope I didn't cause your nose to much harm." You said, ruffling his hair before taking his shoulder and leading him out of the stables.

"Ah... no, my...my nose is quite fine, just bumped it a little is all." He sputtered out, almost as if trying to sound tougher then he actually was.

You gave a short laugh. "It didn't seem like it to me." You muttered as you were about to lead the both of you into the kitchen looking area in order to find some food, but came to a halt by Gandalf.

"Ah, Bilbo, [Y/n]. There you are." He acknowledged. "Now... this will require some delicate handling. We must tread very carefully." He turned to everyone, giving them a warning stare. "The last person to have startled him was torn to shreds."

Everyone looked uneasy, and the sound of Beorn chopping wood with an ax wasn't making anything better.

"I will go first and," He quickly turned back around before he could step outside into the light. "Uh, Bilbo?" He motioned him over. "You come with me."

Bilbo looked up at you, almost for reassurance seeing if you thought it was a good idea or not, but you just nodded towards the door, releasing your hold on his shoulder, which you forgot was there. "Is... is this a good idea?" He asked as soon as he began to reach the tall wizard.

"Yes. Now, the rest of you, you just wait here... and don't come out until I give the signal." He turned to you with a nod. "[Y/n], you will come out last, it might calm him to see someone who isn't a dwarf in the end."

You gave a nod, showing you understood what he was asking. "Makes since."

"Right, wait for the signal!" Bofur repeated.

"And no sudden moves or loud noises, and don't overcrowd him. And only come out in pairs. Right." He turned back around again. "No, actually, Bombur..." You glanced over to the obese dwarf who was munching on a carrot. "Um, you count as two so you should come out alone."

Bombur nodded with a hum, seeming to take it well.

"Remember, wait for the signal!" And with that, he led Bilbo outside to the awaiting Skin-Changer.

"The signal. Right..." Bofur turned his questioning look back at you, who was standing by him. "What signal would that be?"

You shrugged your shoulders in response, actually not knowing what it was. "No clue."

He looked a little panicked, but shrugged it off and began to look for anything that might be a signal of sorts.

What you didn't notice, was a certain dwarfish king creeping closer to your side, he stood there for a little bit before speaking up, finally grabbing your attention.

"Have you seen anything of late?" He asked, not actually knowing how to start a conversation with you.

It took you a few seconds of staring down at him to finally figure out what he meant. "I've seen many things, you're going to have to be more specific then that."

He sighed, leaning back on the wooden post that kept the building standing. "I meant, have you seen anything that might help us through this... what will happen?" He started to go quiet at the end, his voice becoming low grumbles.

You shrugged. Things were becoming much louder outside, indicating that it was almost time for Throin to step out. "Of course I've seen how this turns out... but that's something you'll have to figure out for yourself Thorin." You nodded off to the door, where Bofur surprisingly stood, waiting for Thorin to come with him.

"Good luck [Y/n]!" Bofur exclaimed as he dragged Thorin with him outside, where you could hear Beorn yelling and Gandalf trying to explain himself.

"Is that it? Are there anymore?" Beorn growled, seeming to calm down only an inch once he spotted Thorin.

"Ah... um, yes, we... we have one more..." Gandalf responded, going quieter near the end.

That was your cue... or at least you thought it was, but either way, you slowly made your way out into the sunlight.

But, to yours, and everyone's surprise, Beorn went silent, his anger seeming to seep away. He stared for a few moments, before dropping his ax, almost as if he had suddenly remembered something important. "You!"

It... it was almost as if he recognized you.

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