A/N: This is it, the final chapter! I hope you enjoy :D

THORIN

Thorin has never been so happy to be stalked in his entire life - not when his stalker is a curly-haired hobbit with a ready smile and eyes that are as green as the trees they stand amongst. When Bilbo explains his laughter, Thorin feels his lips stretch into an even wider smile and unconsciously he leans forward, closer to Bilbo, until they are touching.

He has never felt so happy. He thought he would always be alone - being Prince was solitary, being an exiled Prince was lonely. When Dís was married he saw her smiling face and thought how unobtainable it was for him; but now he has it. Found in the arms of a hobbit and a burglar, no less. He laughs at the irony that it was the burglar who stole his heart.

He gazes down into Bilbo's eyes, so light and happy, and feels guilt choke up his throat. He has to explain to him why he did what he did; that it wasn't to hurt him...

'Bilbo, I'm so sorry,' he whispers, and leans his head down until his forehead is pressed against Bilbo's, 'I didn't do it to hurt you. I -'

Bilbo puts a finger to his lips, cutting him off. He smiles up at Thorin.

'I know. I heard Balin talking to you at lunch. You don't have to explain.'

Thorin closes his eyes and just smiles, wrapping his arms around Bilbo and bringing him even closer. In his embrace is everything Thorin ever wants, ever needs, and he doesn't think he can ever let go.

He feels Bilbo's soft fingers stroke his cheek, and he catches them and kisses them ever so lightly. Bilbo laughs, and then freezes. He turns a stricken face to Thorin

'They're coming! The others!' he whispers. And now Thorin can hear them too, many pairs of heavy boots stomping around and cracking twigs as they walk. They are calling for them; evidently Thorin's 'walk' has been longer than he thought.

He looks back at Bilbo. 'I don't care,' he says, and so saying leans forward until his lips brush Bilbo's, then draws back. 'I love you, Bilbo Baggins,' he says, and Thorin swears he sees a tear glinting in Bilbo's eye before he hastily wipes it away.

'And I love you, Thorin,' he says, a wide grin on his face. Suddenly someone comes crashing through the undergrowth: Fili. Kili arrives not far behind. Then suddenly they are all there, and Thorin sees Balin at the back grinning like the dwarfling who's just received his first axe.

Thorin is still hugging Bilbo, and suddenly he feels a little awkward; but when he feels Bilbo begin to let go of him he immediately tightens his grip protectively, possessively, and the two of them stand there, embracing under the force of twelve dwarves' gaze.

'Bombur,' he calls. 'Make something special for dinner tonight.' With that, the others all hurry off back to their camp, delighted calls echoing through the forest.

When they have all gone, Thorin looks back at Bilbo, who looks a little dazed.

'I suppose we should join them eventually,' he murmurs.

'Mm,' Bilbo hums in agreement, 'but first...'

He closes the distance between them again and forgets everything except Thorin's lips on his, the feel of his soft beard and the intense happiness welling up inside him and threatening to bubble free.

'Hm,' Thorin says when they break apart and begin walking back to join the others, 'never thought I'd kiss someone beardless.'

He sees the look Bilbo shoots him and laughs.

'Even dwarf women have beards?' Bilbo asks. 'No. You're joking.'

'Maybe I am,' he agrees. 'But you're still the thief who succeeded in stealing my heart.'

Bilbo smiles. 'Bodes well for our Quest, then!'

FINIS

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it! I really can't thank you all enough for all your wonderful support - I really appreciate it and I'm so happy you've enjoyed it! I have another Thilbo Bagginshield story being written right now so watch this space... :D