A/N: So, more of us had been thinking about it already – Bilbo has a friend, hobbit girl (in this case named Viola Whitfoot), who refuses to let Bilbo leave the Shire on his own in company of 13 strange dwarves and a wizard, no matter what they tell her. She's used to dealing with strangers, after all, after years working at the inn. Friends do not leave each other in time of need.

Will be posted in form of short (or maybe some longer) snippets.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, but hey, if only I had the ONE RING…

Leaving

Bilbo always knew that his friend Viola was a force to be considered when she put her heart into it. When he fainted at the mention of the quest, she had been there to catch him before he could hit the floor – for which he had been deeply grateful to her – and she also could give the stinkiest eyes when it came to the dwarves making fun of him afterwards.

"Well, if Bilbo decides to go, I will go with him," she said resolutely, glaring at Thorin who glared right back. Bilbo coughed. "That will not be necessary, Viola," he said, calling attention of everyone back to himself. "I'm sorry; gentlemen, but you got the wrong hobbit. I'm not going."

He ignored the disappointed sighs and looks, as the dwarves laid down to rest before they left tomorrow morning, walking Viola to her smial.

It sure didn't come as a surprise to her when he ran to her home next morning, stuttering about having to go with the dwarves. "I knew you would come around," she said, pulling a fully packed backpack from behind the doors. Before they left, she made him show her what exactly he packed in his haste, adding some more essentials into his pack, before leading him to the inn's stables. He couldn't help but wonder whether his friend knew him better than he knew himself, as they quickly rode on their own ponies after the dwarves who had several hours head start on them.

They sure surprised the company, when they caught up with them, even if there had been smirks about the hobbit burglar taking his mommy with him. Surprising himself, he levelled a glare at them. "All of you have friends and family with you on this journey," he said, "and Viola here is all that for me."

His friend gave him a small smile as she rode beside him, nodding to the dwarves who introduced themselves to her properly. They both knew this journey will be in all probability dangerous – the knowledge that he won't be facing all of it on his own still gave him comfort.