Tumblr : okay-j-hannah
The Hobbit : Fic
Bilbo x Reader
Word Count: 1370
Warnings: Just the reiteration that I am a total hobbit girl 💖
***
She sat perched on the thickest branches, pondering silently at the commotion below her. Her tangled mass of curls were hidden beneath a pale traveling cloak as the wind nipped at her nose. She covered as much of her arms as she could, pulling her hood further down.
Beneath her lay the campsite made by the dwarves; the Company of Thorin Oakenshield. They were loud and rambunctious, listening to Bofur tell outrageous stories from the Blue Mountains. Fili and Kili were wrestling feet from the fire Gloin was trying to protect. Dwalin sparred with Nori near the trees, slamming his ironclad fists into the trunks.
Others, like Balin and Dori, watched from the sidelines with gruff retorts. Thorin was in deep discussion with Oin about supplies and maps. Even gentle Bombur was getting rowdy as he fought with Bifur about the remaining stew in the pot.
(Y/N) pulled her cloak tighter, resting against her tree and trying to tune out the noise as she kept watch. It was far too loud for her liking, even the Shire kept its rambunctious days to a minimum.
Perhaps she just avoided the Green Dragon when the lamplights were lit. But she missed her quiet garden and reading chair more than ever now. It was so tranquil there.
She sighed as a clay bowl of stew flew and broke against the woods.
"Pst." A voice came from the base of her tree, "(Y/N)."
Scrunching her brow, (Y/N) shuffled to the side and peered below. There among the roots was Bilbo. He seemed to be contemplating what to say next, apparently he didn't expect to get this far by the look of fear in his eyes.
He gestured towards her and then to himself a few times, blinking anxiously, "Do... um – hello."
She smiled at him but didn't reply.
"I uh..." he twiddled his fingers. "... couldn't help but notice that you haven't eaten yet."
Her smile remained, quaint and quiet. Her gaze was kind and warm as she listened to his ramblings.
Bilbo ferreted around in his coat pocket until he extracted a small bundle of cloth, "I may or may not have gotten ahold of better food from Beorn's."
(Y/N) snickered, pink cheeks reddening from something more than the cold wind. Bilbo seemed rather pleased in himself.
"Perhaps... perhaps I may join you?" he swallowed thickly, throat bobbing as he awaited her answer.
It took a moment or two, but she nodded towards a spot in front of her. Bilbo grinned with relief, returning the food to his pocket and mumbling silly things as he neared the trunk. He had climbed trees before and though was clumsy, made it to her side.
Straddling the branch, he attempted to catch his breath and pull the bundled cloth back into the light. He was all precious smiles as he revealed some meats and cheese, even a portion of a loaf of bread.
It made her eyes brighten and Bilbo was eager to catch that reaction. "I assume you are just as tired of watery stew as I am."
"I am impressed," she finally muttered, "You've become accustomed to your burglar title."
"Oh, Beorn wouldn't miss this," he smiled, "He was very generous."
(Y/N) relinquished her hold on her cloak, sitting more open towards him, "I am grateful." She accepted the half of the food Bilbo offered her.
They sat in silence, munching on the bread and cheese. (Y/N) gazed at the surrounding wild, observing the edge of Mirkwood just a days journey ahead. The sun was setting low, and the breeze was getting colder – her fingers were becoming numb.
All the while the sun set, (Y/N) counting butterflies and tuning out the raucous laughter of the dwarves antics, Bilbo was staring at her.
He would miss his mouth, sprinkling breadcrumbs down his front. But he continued to watch (Y/N)'s meek expression, admiring the orange horizons highlight on her skin.
"What do you think about all this time you're quiet?" he innocently questioned.
She sighed, moving her legs over the branch so she was no longer straddling it. Bilbo followed suit, still looking at her.
"If I cannot be where I wish..." she tapped her temple, "I travel there in here."
"And..." he smiled warmly, "Where are you traveling to now?"
Her shoulders seemed to relax as she mused, "I'm faced with a blazing hearth, my feet resting upon a pillow. I am surrounded by bookshelves and the crinkling of aged paper. It smells of supper – crisp fish and lemons. I've made an apple tart for dessert, and it sits beside me. The window is open, and I can see my flourishing marigolds on the sill."
Bilbo rested his chin on his hand, feeling himself sink into comfort just by imagining her words.
"Past the flowers I can see the setting sun, much like this. A splash of color as if someone splattered paint on the canvas of the horizon. And it is so beautiful. And quiet." She closed her eyes, "There are no monsters or orcs or dwarves or dragons. It is peaceful."
She turned her head and when she opened her gaze once more, she found Bilbo staring at her with a serene expression.
"I wouldn't mind being there too."
She giggled, waking him from his stupor, "It is how you get through the chilled nights. And the rowdiness of dwarves."
Bilbo nodded understandably, "That is why you retreat to the trees."
"Yes," she pulled at her cloak again, "Do not think it is because I wish to be away from you all. I'm rather fond of... the company."
Bilbo played with the fringe of his coat, noticing the chill as well, "We understand. During difficult times we all have our means of escape. Your travels are not judged." He tried to get her to look at him, "I... we are very fond of you too."
She smiled, "Now I have a question for you." He nodded, giving her his full attention. He treasured when they were able to hold conversation.
"What do you think about all the time you watch me?"
He choked on his own spit, clearing his throat and fumbling again. "I – me watch..." he pressed his lips together, humming slightly, "No, I'm – I'm not sure what you're talking about."
(Y/N) held in a laugh, "It's all right, Bilbo. Your observations are not judged." She was throwing back the same things he spoke to her. "I am merely curious."
Bilbo scrunched his face, ruffling his shaggy hair, "I... well," he wiggled his nose, "I believe your imaginings are meant to bring you comfort." His hands waved in the air as he tried to form his thoughts, "I suppose mine are meant to bring the same."
She nodded, staring down at her feet, blushing further. She waited for him to finish.
"You... you mean a great deal to me, (Y/N). My mind wanders when I take in your face." He sighed out a blissful smile, "I imagine myself sitting beside you in front of that hearth. We shared that crisp fish and lemon. I gifted you half those books on your bookshelf. And it was I that baked that apple tart for you."
She didn't look at him for fear of scaring him away. But she leaned closer to him, "I think I like where your mind wanders."
"R-Really?" he gave an endearing smile, goofy in the way he wriggled on the branch. "I'm glad."
They sat there as the sun fell behind the horizon, overtaking the skies in night. The chill was unavoidable now and Bilbo looked at (Y/N) with an anxious heart.
He gently rested a hand on her back, "Cold?"
It was almost as if she was waiting for him to speak first, for she responded to his touch instantly. She leaned into him, cuddling into his side and placing her head onto his collarbone.
Bilbo was most receptive, giving a breathy laugh at her immediate action. He wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tight against him. She could feel him resting his chin on her head.
And they sat there well into the night, many a dwarf spying on them as they took their turn on watch.
~~~