When Bofur fell into the Enchanted River, Bifur and Bombur had to hold Bilbo back from jumping in himself. All it would have done was gotten him asleep too, and in the end they'd had to use rope to get him out; he barely was able to escape drowning. In the event, he lost his hat and his hair floated behind him.

Out of the water, he looked thin and pale, his dark braids coming apart. It was almost unreal. Everyone worked to revive him, but he was asleep and nothing would wake him up.

They could only hope that Ori's words on the tales of this place were true. Hopefully Bofur would wake up.

Days passed, and Bofur showed no sign of waking. Bilbo, Bifur, and Bombur carried him. Bilbo could barely focus. It was bad enough being hungry, cold, and tired in the darkness of Mirkwood, but he didn't have the ever optimistic dwarf with him.

Bifur and Bombur didn't fare much better. Bombur couldn't eat, and Bifur could only grunt angry Khuzdul when he wasn't crying.

Bilbo had to force himself to hope.

Seven days. By now he should have woken up, and it was estimated six days was when he should've awoken. Now, hope was running out. Bilbo considered waiting, but for once he couldn't be patient. It wasn't a very Baggins thing to worry about this, but by then he could care less.

When it was suggested to leave him behind, Bilbo was the only to defend him. Even his brothers had given up. He sounded half hysterical, barely able to get anything out. Years burned at the edges of his eyes and then they fell. Eventually, he couldn't do anything but cry.

It was him against the dwarves. Despite everything he'd done for them, they decided to leave Bofur. Bilbo was too weak to carry him all by himself, and even Bombur and Bifur had weakened.

So he leaned down and gave him one last kiss. It was the last time he would ever get one from Bofur, but he didn't enjoy it.

He loved it.

Bofur's eyes shot open, and a smirk formed. With a quick grasp on Bilbo's arm, he pulled him down onto the ground, wrapping one arm around his waist.

"What has you so affectionate today?" Bofur was wide awake and full of energy. For a moment, Bilbo was sure that he'd hallucinated. How could Bofur be awake, let alone acting like this?

But then again, this was Bofur. Who else would act like this after being asleep for a week?

Bilbo leaned in and returned the kiss. It was almost as good as the one before.

Almost.

Bofur was having the most wonderful dream. Erebor was reclaimed, the dragon was dead, and he had all the gold he could ever need. That wasn't the most important part though. No, it was the hobbit whose lips were pressed against his.

And then he opened his eyes. There wasn't gold everywhere, and the darkness was so deep that he knew he must still be in Mirkwood.

But he was kissing Bilbo, so things must still be a little okay. He joined in.