AN: This is an AU! Which means that some parts will differ from the movie plot line. I also use Bookverse in some places. If something does not go according to the movie, it is because I have changed it. As well, this fic is rated M for Self Injury. I hope you enjoy this, it certainly took my feels for a ride.

OOOOO

Bilbo sniffled and sobbed as quietly as he could. His face was buried in his arms and his knees were crushed to his chest, but his cries still sounded so loud to his own ears. He just hoped that he had managed to stumble far enough away from the company, he hoped they wouldn't hear his pathetic sniveling. Yavanna only knew how they would tease him if they ever saw him crying. They already said the worst things about him, if they saw him like this...it would be terrible.

They had been traveling for a two weeks now. The Shire was long behind them, and the wilderness was strange to Bilbo. But he had been trying his best to keep up with the company. He tried to be optimistic, even if he found himself talking about Bag End a lot. He tried to do what little he could, like gathering fire wood and helping Bombur cook. He tried to make himself less of a burden on the company. But apparently everything he did only made them hate him more. And they had no reservations about voicing their hatred.

Why just tonight they had taken delight in tearing him down. He had simply been trying to understand the Dwarves better. He asked a simple question about why Dwarves braided their hair. And suddenly they were all looking at him as though he were the spawn of an orc. When Thorin spoke, in that cold accusing voice, and told him that Dwarves did not share secrets of their society with outsiders, he had felt like someone had punched him in the stomach. Of course the Dwarves saw him as an outsider, he should have known that they would. So why did it hurt so much?

He had been ready to apologize and forget the incident, but then Fili and Kili and murmured something about prying Hobbits and how they thought they could ask any question they wanted. The rest of the company snickered and saw fit to join in with the two. And then the insults had started. Elf-Ear and Furry-Foot and Large-Belly among them. And while they were childish insults, they still stung when coupled with chortles about how a stupid Hobbit could never understand the ways of Dwarves. Bilbo would never be one of them.

Bilbo had bore all the name calling and glares and snickers for almost an hour before Bombur had produced dinner and they had called off the attack. For the moment. Bilbo had fled then. He wasn't hungry, and no one was paying him any attention, so he ran off into the woods surrounding them and didn't stop running until the boisterous laughs of the Dwarves faded into light noises in the distance. And then he had crumpled in on himself and started to cry. It was ridiculous really. He was an adult Hobbit and he shouldn't be crying! He hadn't cried since his mother died. But right now, he just couldn't stop.

"Hobbit." Bilbo jumped and looked up in horror to find Thorin Oakenshield standing in front of him, glaring down at him like one would look at a bug. Thorin glanced over him briefly before pulling something out of his pocket and tossing it at Bilbo's feet. "If you're going to run off by yourself to cry like a child, at least arm yourself." Thorin spoke coldly before turning and heading back towards the camp. Bilbo waited until he was out of view before collapsing into a fresh bout of tears. Great! As if Thorin didn't already have a low enough opinion of him. It just had to be the future King Under the Mountain who saw him in tears!

Bilbo picked up the knife and briefly admired the craftsmanship of it. He ran his thumb along the edge of the blade to test its sharpness, gasping when it cut through his skin with no resistance. He popped his thumb into his mouth, cringing at the bitter taste of blood. A rush of endorphins raced through his system in response to pain, and Bilbo sagged further into himself. As he stared at his thumb, he had a small realization. He wasn't crying anymore. In fact, he wasn't thinking of the Dwarves at all as he dealt with his small wound.

Long ago he had heard of a Hobbit lass who lost both her parents and three of her brothers after they went out on he river in a rickety boat. The lass was so upset that she started making cuts on her arms and legs as a way to cope with the loss. And while Bilbo hadn't lost anyone for a long time, he did certainly feel emotionally compromised. He pulled his left sleeve up to his elbow and looked at his pale skin.

He curiously dragged the knife over his arm, with just enough pressure to open skin and bring forth a thin line of blood. More endorphins rushed his system and he let out a sigh. He could certainly understand what that Hobbit lass had been trying to achieve by self injuring. In fact, he was already starting to feel better about what happened tonight. His mind brought up other incidents like the one tonight and he frowned again. He made another, deeper cut, next to the first and it was like relieving a heavy weight off his shoulders. Bilbo made two more cuts, each deeper than the last as he built up a slow tolerance. He stared at the blood lazily dribbling down his arm and instead of feeling disgusted, he felt...light.

Bilbo snapped out of it when a particularly loud cheer from the camp broke through his thoughts. He shook his head lightly and checked all his pockets for something to staunch the blood. All he found was the disgusting cloth Bofur had given him that first day, but it would have to do. He applied pressure to the four lines until they stopped bleeding, and then he pulled his sleeve down and stood from the ground. He stumbled back to camp with the cloth hidden back in his pocket, and the knife in his other pocket. The Dwarves didn't have to know about this. They never needed to know.

OOOOO

Rivendell was beautiful! It was ethereal and royal and comforting. Especially after facing three trolls and an orc pack. The Dwarves didn't see it that way though. In fact, Bilbo didn't think they saw it as anything but another troll cave. The only reason they were still there was because Lord Elrond had offered them food. But once again, Bilbo wasn't hungry.

He knew the company was mad at him again. For getting caught by the trolls, twice, as well as for the appalling lies he fed the trolls in order to buy them time. At least the Dwarves saw fit to realize that he was in fact only saying those things to save their lives, but that didn't make them any less angry with him. Their calls from earlier of 'traitor' and 'miserable Hobbit' still rang in his ears as he slipped away from the dinner tables and started walking throughout the halls.

The Elves he passed were kind, smiling at him and one even bowed shortly before walking on. They were nothing like the loud, easily offended Dwarves that he was traveling with. He had half a mind to just stay in Rivendell. He was sure he wouldn't be missed, though he couldn't imagine they would be happy about him breaking his contract. Bilbo shrugged and continued walking. He was looking for a private room, but anywhere quiet and empty would do. His blood itched beneath his skin, begging him to let it free.

He had started cutting himself regularly. At first it was just supposed to be when he felt bad. When the Dwarves made him feel low. But after the third incident, Bilbo knew he needed the relief of his knife more often if he was going to survive this journey. Every night he scampered off away from the company. If they noticed his nightly disappearance, none of them said anything. And he was always very careful, making sure no one followed him or could see him. Especially Thorin. The Dwarf King had a way of popping up out of no where.

Bilbo wandered into the gardens, quickly finding a small bench that was surrounded by hedges and secluded enough that he would not be disturbed. He looked around thoroughly before rolling up his right sleeve. His left arm was pretty savaged, and so he had moved to his right arm a few nights ago. It was more difficult for him, since he was right handed, but in the end he still got that rush of relief and a moment of peace where he didn't have to think of the Dwarves, or anything, beyond the knife and his blood.

He cut three lines eagerly, feeling the tension drain from his body after the initial tightening of his muscles. He made two more and sighed, a small smile settling on his lips. The now completely red rag, that he always kept nearby, pressed into the lines and absorbed the new crimson addition to its growing coat. He really needed to wash it before he left Rivendell. He'd have to be discreet about it though. After the bleeding stopped he rolled down his sleeve, stashed away his knife and rag, and stood to keep strolling.

He was just walking back into the halls from the garden when Elrond and Gandalf appeared at the end of the hallway, being followed by Thorin and Balin.

"Bilbo, lad! Come with us." Gandalf smiled warmly, putting his hand on Bilbo's shoulder to lead him along.

"G-Gandalf I d-don't think I'm w-welcome." Bilbo stuttered, trying not to see the glare Thorin sent him.

"Nonsense Bilbo, you're an important member of this company. You should be privy to this conversation." Gandalf insisted, squeezing his shoulder lightly. Lord Elrond looked down at Bilbo with eyes that Bilbo was afraid could see far too much. He was nervous around the Lord of the Homely Home, for more than one reason. Elrond was magnificent and very tall, but he also seemed to see right through Bilbo. More importantly, sometimes it felt like he could see right through his sleeves and to the cuts decorating most of his arms.

Bilbo was only half listening to the ensuing conversation. They were talking about the map Thorin had, and the hidden answer to opening the secret door, and at some point they started walking again. His attention was caught by the glowing runes that appeared on the map after Elrond placed it in a very special spot in the light of the moon. But then he returned to his own inner musing. If Elrond did know about his habit of self injury, would he tell anyone? Yavanna forbid, would he tell Gandalf? Or even worse, Thorin?

"There are some who would not deem it wise." Bilbo heard Lord Elrond telling Thorin, who could only glower at the Elf as he took the map back.

"Who do you mean?" Gandalf asked with a note of nervousness in his tone.

"You are not the only Guardian to watch over Middle Earth." Elrond replied cryptically and turned to walk away. "I would like to have a word with Master Baggins, if I may." He said over his shoulder before he could disappear. Bilbo felt his heart jump to his throat. So this was it. He did know. Gandalf, Thorin, and Balin stared at him for a long moment before he cleared his throat and held his head high. He followed after their host, his heart pounding heavily with every step. "You are Belladonna Took's son, are you not?" Elrond asked suddenly as they walked. Bilbo jumped a bit in surprise, but nodded.

"You knew my mother?" He asked nervously.

"Only for a short amount of time. When Gandalf brought her to Rivendell, it was a busy time for me. But the times I managed to sit and talk with her, I found to be very pleasant." He smiled lightly, as though he was remembering it.

"She spoke fondly of you as well. Of all of Rivendell." Bilbo told him, earning another small warm smile. Elrond led him through the halls and to a room filled with bottles and jars of various color and size filling every nook and cranny. He searched through them for a few moments before picking up a small, wooden, and circular jar and holding it out for Bilbo.

"Lord Elrond?" Bilbo asked anxiously, but took the container anyways.

"The ointment will stave off infection. I do not imagine they are very deep, but on a journey such as yours, any manner of dirt or disgusting substance could poison even the smallest wound." He said with a knowing look. Bilbo felt all the blood drain from his face. "Do not fear little one, it is not my place to tell anyone of your injuries. Though I cannot say I approve of such a tactic." He stated, quirking an eyebrow.

"I doubt anyone would approve. I imagine mother is rolling in her grave." Bilbo whispered, looking down at the circle in his hands. Elrond put his hand on Bilbo's shoulder and the Hobbit looked up at him.

"If this quest is causing you such pain that you must turn to this, why do you not return home?" He asked, honestly sounding curious.

"I can't go back, I have signed a contract." Bilbo sniffled.

"Surely there is some clause you could quote to break the contract." Elrond supposed. Bilbo shook his head.

"It is my honor as a Baggins that keeps me from breaking the contract. I intend to fulfill my duties, but I cannot bear this journey without my...method." Elrond sighed and nodded.

"I wish you luck Bilbo Baggins." He said honestly and bowed his head. Bilbo bowed at the waist and waited for Elrond to leave before he opened the wooden jar. The ointment was a creamy pink color and had the smell of roses to it. Bilbo couldn't help but smile at the generosity of their host. He replaced the lid and screwed it on tight before putting it in his pocket. He opened the door with a smile still on his lips, only for it to drop immediately when he saw Thorin just outside the door. He was frowning, and his arms were crossed across his chest. Nothing good ever came when he looked like this.

"What did he say to you?" Thorin demanded. Bilbo looked to his left and right only to find they were alone in the hallway. He debated running back into the room and shutting the door until Thorin went away, but he knew the Dwarf Prince would not be so easily ignored.

"He offered me advice regarding herbs. He assumed I was in the company as a healer." Bilbo lied calmly. He did have an extensive knowledge of herbs, so if Thorin put him to the test, he would be able to hold to his lie. But Thorin only quirked an eyebrow.

"That is all?" He asked suspiciously.

"He gave me lotion for when my feet ache." Bilbo patted the round jar in his pocket, and Thorin's eyes flickered to it briefly before returning to Bilbo's face.

"I would not trust the Elf. You should be rid of that lotion." He suggested. "We are leaving soon. I do hope you'll be ready." He sneered slightly as he said it, and then turned and walked away. Bilbo watched him go, a frown on his face, before turning in the opposite direction. He had thought he was fine for the evening, but his emotions were bubbling dangerously. Thorin was so insulting! He was a right git! If Bilbo was going to stand a chance of continuing on with this quest, he was going to need some more rags, and maybe a sharper blade.

OOOOO

Bilbo kept his eyes firmly on the ground of the cave they were staying in. Since leaving Rivendell, things had gone from bad to worse. The Misty Mountains were terrible, and terrifying. As if the thin paths and punishing cold wasn't enough, it had started raining a week into their walk, and it hadn't stopped even three days later. The already dangerous paths were made exceptionally hazardous when they were sopping wet, and Bilbo was surprised they still had all fourteen members of the company present!

And of course, that was not the limit to their perils. Then came the Thunder Battle of the Stone Giants, where Bilbo had seen his life flash before his eyes as he hung off the side of the mountain. He was sure he was dead when Thorin suddenly swung down and hoisted him back up into the Dwarves arms. The future king almost fell as well, but he was dragged back up onto the ledge before he could slip. However, the near death experience was nothing compared to the snarl he received from Thorin after one of the Dwarves said they were afraid he was lost.

"He's been lost ever since he left his home. He should never have come." Thorin had bitterly proclaimed before deciding they needed to find shelter for the night. No one had said anything to Bilbo, and he had kept to himself as well. He was feeling rather wretched. Not only because of what happened, and what Thorin said, but because he hadn't been able to slip off with his knife for days now. His blood felt like it was writhing beneath his skin, and he felt like he was going to burst out in tears. He was usually able to resist the tears, when he was regularly spilling his blood. But without his constant relief, he was feeling much like the cork in a bottle of boiling water. Eventually it would be too much pressure and his composer would shatter.

He decided he could wait no longer. He curled up under his blanket and, when he was sure the other Dwarves were asleep, he quietly yanked his trousers down to his knees and proceeded to cut into the skin of his legs. When he had run out of room on both his arms, he had turned to his legs. He found he liked it, because he could cut deeper and longer. Bilbo felt days of repressed emotions pouring out of him with his blood and he felt his body becoming light again. He made twelve cuts before he felt too spent to continue. He wrapped a strip of cloth around his leg, pulled up his trousers, and then laid down. The stone ground wasn't comfortable, but he was so exhausted now that he wasn't a roiling ball of hurt and indignation. He wouldn't have even noticed the glow of his sword if he hadn't been looking right at it.

"Thorin!" He called, shooting up with his sword in his hand. The Dwarf took one look at the glowing elvish sword and shouted for the company to get up. It was too late in the end. The floor dropped out from beneath them and sent them plummeting down a long shoot and into a waiting basket. Bilbo was just glad he fell on top of Bombur and not under him.

They had no time to recover from the long ride, as they were immediately swarmed by goblins. When Bilbo realized he wasn't being pulled or jostled by any of the creatures, he ducked down and amazingly, was passed over entirely. The goblins went off with their Dwarf prisoners, leaving the lone Hobbit behind. But before Bilbo could plan some kind of heroic rescue, a single goblin ambled along and spotted him. He managed to hold his own for a few moments before he and the goblin lost their balance and both went tumbling over the edge of the bridge and down into the dark abyss.

OOOOO

Bilbo woke up slowly to a red hot headache, and the desire to never move, ever, for the rest of his life. He was sore all over and he briefly wondered how he was even still alive. He was drawn from his musings by the sound of something to his left. He could hardly believe what he was seeing as he watched a terribly emaciated and just plain creepy looking creature slink out of the darkness. It approached the goblin that had fallen with Bilbo and started rejoicing in its find. When the goblin revealed that it was still alive, the little creature went murderous and started bashing its head with a rock. During that little disturbing show, Bilbo couldn't help but notice something small and shiny bouncing out of the creatures bit of clothes and clinking as it fell to the ground.

Bilbo waited until the thing had dragged the goblin far away to come out from his hiding place, amongst a bunch of giant mushrooms. He grabbed his sword and hesitantly approached the shiny thing the creature had lost. It was a ring! He picked it up, admired it briefly, and put it in his pocket for future examination. He then decided to go in the opposite direction of the creature. Better to avoid that all together.

Bilbo walked for the better part of twenty minutes before, by pure luck, he found himself at an exit from the mountain. Just in time too, because he could hear outraged screaming from behind him, that sounded like the creature from earlier. Bilbo could only imagine he had figured out he was missing his ring. Bilbo ran down the mountain side, hoping that the Dwarves were okay and out of the mountain. Sure enough, he caught sight of them ahead. But they sounded angry. At the last minute he hid himself behind the trunk of a tree and listened.

"Who knows where the Hobbit is? I told you I wasn't going to be responsible for his fate!" Thorin was yelling at Gandalf, even thought the wizard looked about a second from strangling the Dwarf.

"We should go back. Bilbo is virtually helpless. He probably needs our help." Fili proposed, and Bilbo felt more insulted than anything.

"He's delayed us enough. We cannot afford to go back for him." Thorin argued.

"But he's our Burglar! He's a member of the company!" Ori yelled, being shushed lightly by his brothers.

"That's enough! We continue on! If the Halfling is alive, he will catch up with us." Thorin barked, and no one looked like they wanted to argue with him. They all looked exhausted. Bilbo sniffled, accidentally loudly, and all their attentions focused in on the tree he was standing behind. Bilbo could feel their gazes, waiting for whoever was hiding to come forth, but he couldn't will himself to move. Thorin was so ready to abandon him. The entire company was so ready to leave him behind, just because Thorin said so. It was too much, and he knew he was going to cry.

He saw Gandalf out of the corner of his eyes, and heard the wizard sigh in relief. But when he tried to put his hand on Bilbo's shoulder, the Hobbit jerked away, into the line of sight of the Dwarves. Fili and Kili and Ori looked glad to see him, and the others at least had the decency to look ashamed that they had given him up so easily. But Thorin just stared at him. Bilbo puffed up his chest, tucked away the urge to cry, and boldly walked past Thorin and the company. They followed after him, after all that was the direction they were heading, and no one said anything. Well, he could hear light arguing, but it was too muffled and he was far too angry and hurt to listen to it. He just kept walking.

The howls split the awkward air like a hot knife through butter, and suddenly no one was thinking about how they had betrayed Bilbo. Instead all focus was on the pack of Wargs that were perusing them and forcing them up into the trees. They had to jump from tree to tree until they were all in the very last one, which appeared to be the next one to go if it weren't for Gandalf and his flaming pine cones. Over the orange flames, Bilbo could see the white Orc that was leading the pack. And he could hear Thorin's mutter of the name 'Azog' and he knew they were in trouble.

When the tree started falling, and Thorin charged Azog, Bilbo didn't know what to do. Fear for his life, or for Thorin's. The Dwarf had never given Bilbo any reason to like him. He'd never wanted his loyalty, or his presence. But for some reason, Bilbo couldn't sit idly by and watch as Thorin was used as a chew toy before being tossed to the side. And he certainly couldn't let some orc grunt cut off the future King's head.

He surprised more than just Azog when he threw himself onto the orc and proceeded to start stabbing it until it no longer moved. But the look on the white orcs face when Bilbo stood and pointed his sword at him was pretty priceless. The orc glared at him, but then took a deep breath and grinned.

"Blood." He purred and Bilbo's eyes widened. "You reek of it." Nothing more could be said, thankfully, when the other Dwarves, those who were able to, rushed on the orcs. Bilbo charged against a warg, but ended up getting pushed away and right into the face of the white warg. Azog hooked his metal hand into Bilbo's shirt and pulled him up so he was face to face with the scarred monster. Azog took another long whiff. "You smell so sweet. I will make you bleed more." He vowed, digging the sharp edge of his mace into Bilbo's side. Bilbo could feel the blade cutting through his jacket and shirt and then his skin. He hissed between his teeth and tried to push away from the blade, which only pressed hard enough to cut him.

Azog inhaled deeply as blood started soaking into Bilbo's clothes, and he looked about ready to lick his lips. The mace dug harder and Bilbo cried out at the sharp pain. The white orc smiled cruelly and raised his mace from Bilbo's side and held it near his face. Just before he could press the sharp edge of the mace into Bilbo's cheek, an arrow lodged itself in Azog's stump and he flung his arm, and Bilbo, in outrage. Bilbo hit the ground and rolled a bit, finding himself near Thorin's unconscious body. He grabbed his bleeding side and grunted in pain as he crawled towards Thorin.

A growl made him roll onto his back to find Azog approaching him again. Bilbo could see the murderous intent in those milky blue eyes and his stomach felt like it was sinking down to his very feet. Cold realization crept into his heart...he was going to die. Azog was going to kill him. He would probably torture him first as well. However, before another morbid thought could enter his mind, a shrill scream distracted the both of them.

Giant eagles descended upon them, tossing the orcs and wargs off the side of the cliff, and picking up Dwarves left and right. An eagle firmly gripped Thorin in it's claws and flew off, the Dwarf Prince safe in its grasp. Azog roared in outrage and turned back to the Halfling before him. Bilbo was grabbed just before Azog could move forward and dropped on the back of an eagle. He could hear Azog's roar even as they flew off, leaving the white orc behind.

OOOOO

The sun was rising when the eagles set the company down on a tall, flat topped rock. Gandalf was instantly by Thorin, running his hand over the Dwarf's face and murmuring something. Bilbo didn't realize he was holding his breath until he sucked in a much needed gasp after Thorin opened his eyes.

"The Halfling?" Thorin asked Gandalf, and Bilbo felt his stomach knot up at the question. Was Thorin angry with him? Was he grateful to him? Was he concerned about Bilbo's health? Was he hoping that they'd left him behind?

"It's alright. Bilbo is here. He's quite safe." Gandalf told Thorin. Dwalin and Fili helped Thorin stand up, to a certain point. Then Thorin shook their hands off and stood by himself. He pointed his angry glare at Bilbo, and the Hobbit knew shouldn't have hoped for Thorin to be glad.

"You! What did you think you were doing?! You nearly got yourself killed!" Thorin spat, and Bilbo's already twisted stomach felt like it was turning to lead. "Did I not say that you would be a burden? That you would not survive in the wild? That you had no place amongst us." He growled, stalking closer with each word. The urge to cry that Bilbo had repressed earlier was rearing its head again. He didn't want to cry in front of Thorin, especially since the last time was still burned into his mind. He was about to start shedding tears when suddenly Thorin smiled. "I have never be so wrong in all my life." And then Bilbo was consumed in a warm hug, pressed firmly against the Dwarf's body as Thorin's arms wrapped around him.

His mind stopped for a moment before starting to race again, this time filled with confusion and uncertainty. But he hesitantly returned the hug none the less. The other Dwarves were cheering and laughing, some looking a little too relieved that Thorin was only acting mad. Thorin eventually released Bilbo and held him at arms length.

"I am sorry I doubted you." Thorin told him honestly. Bilbo swallowed the lump in his throat, the lump consisting of bitter words he wanted to reply, and shook his head.

"No, I would have doubted me too. I'm not a hero, nor a warrior. Not even a burglar." He tried to sound carefree, lighthearted even, but that couldn't be further from the truth. He was still very hurt. And one hug and one apology was not going to change much. But, for now, he wasn't going to ruin the moment. They had just survived yet another impossible situation, and they were all unharmed. Well, mostly. Bilbo couldn't imagine Thorin's warg bites felt to nice. And Bilbo could feel blood continuously dripping down his side from Azog's mace, and down his legs from reopened cuts. Thankfully his pants and coat were so dark with grime and dirt that the blood went unseen.

After they discovered that they could see Erebor in the distance, the company started walking down the Carrock, as Gandalf had called it. There were large steps, that were more like small ledges to the company, leading down the rock. Bilbo stayed near Gandalf, even once they reached the bottom. There they found a cave they could stay in and a river that they could use to bathe. Fili, Kili, and Nori were immediately heading off to the river while Oin checked on Thorin's wounds and the others set up camp with what few supplies had survived through the Misty Mountains and Azog's attack.

Bilbo helped with the firewood before disappearing into the foliage to find a part of the river that was more private. He had to wash his rags, and his cuts, and apply ointment to them. And his side needed attention. He wanted the smell of blood to go away. The way Azog reacted to his smell was just disturbing. He was about to take his jacket off when he heard rustling behind him. He quickly pulled the red coat back over his shoulder and spun around in surprise to see Thorin approaching him.

"T-Thorin." Bilbo couldn't really think of anything else to say. The Dwarf King looked him up and down before finishing his approach to the Hobbit.

"We need to talk." He told Bilbo, whose heart jumped up into his throat.

"A-About what?" Curse his stuttering!

"Blood." Thorin said simply. "He said you reeked of blood." Bilbo had hoped that Thorin hadn't heard that. He had hoped that Thorin was already unconscious when Azog started talking. Obviously not. "Are you injured?" Thorin asked, his eyes lingering on Bilbo's side and on the glistening wet patches of Bilbo's trousers. While the color of his blood couldn't be differentiated from the now dark fabric of Bilbo's trousers, the fresh wetness of it could. And there was no hiding the gash in his side.

"I-I'm fine." He said instantly, turning away from Thorin half way. "I'm perfectly able to dress my wounds myself." He added when Thorin just gave him an unimpressed look.

"What happened?" Thorin asked, his voice surprisingly gentle.

"Azog." Bilbo said simply, and Thorin's eyes narrowed.

"And your shirt." Thorin pointed to the three holes in the collar of Bilbo's shirt. A flash of Azog's metal claw and his terrible face flashed through Bilbo's mind and he shuddered. Thorin didn't miss it, and his mind connected the dots fairly quickly.

"I don't think he likes me very much." Bilbo murmured, fingering the torn cloth. He'd have to ask Dori if he could borrow his sewing kit. If the Dwarf still had it. Bilbo was surprised by Thorin's loud laugh. He looked at the Dwarf cautiously.

"You are a strange being Master Baggins." He said jovially before looking Bilbo over one more time and heading back off towards camp. Bilbo watched him go before frowning lightly. Why was Thorin acting so friendly all of the sudden? Did he really think everything between the two of them was fine just because of one hug?

The Hobbit shrugged the encounter off and moved on to washing himself and his clothes. He was continually looking around to make sure no one would see him, and when he was finally finished he quickly got dressed again. He was a bit cold, due to his wet clothes and the rapidly descending night, but the fire would be warm enough back in camp.

The Dwarves were all grouped together around the fire, whispering to each other quietly, when Bilbo returned from the river. And instantly, they dropped whatever they were whispering about and started talking about something completely random, mushrooms. Bilbo was nearly completely sure they had been talking about him before the mushrooms, but he was too exhausted to care what new insults they were discussing.

Bilbo found a flat rock that was close to the fire and curled up in a ball to go to sleep. He listened to the quiet bustle of the other Dwarves for a while, but soon enough all the other were following his example and falling asleep. Bilbo was almost unconscious when he felt something soft and warm being wrapped around him. His eyes opened in surprise just in time to watch Thorin walking away from him. Thorin was missing his thick fur coat, and Bilbo smiled slightly as he snuggled into the warmth it provided. He was still angry. He was still deeply hurt by everything the Dwarves had done and said to him on this journey. But he supposed it was nice that Thorin was trying.

OOOOO

AN: First chapter up! More to come, hopefully soon, but I do have a lot to do and I can't promise when that will be. Feel free to leave a comment or question.