Soft.

He was laying on something soft. It was such a foreign feeling that at first Bilbo couldn't comprehend it.

Cool, was the next sensation he felt.

Cool, soft sheets. He was in a bed. He could barely remember the last time he'd been in a bed so comfortable. There was a slight breeze wafting over his exposed face, but it wasn't biting and cold, nor was it blisteringly hot, it was pleasant. He'd forgotten that wind could feel pleasant.

He ached. His muscles felt sore all over, but it wasn't from exhaustion, more stiffness from misuse.

'How long have I been laying here?'

Suddenly, he became aware of the weight. More specifically, the lack of one around his neck.

The Ring was gone.

All at once the memories came flooding back. Mordor, Mt. Doom, Gollum, the Ring falling…

He'd actually done it.

But where was he now? Everything after letting go of the Ring was a blur. With as much strength as he could muster Bilbo tried to open his eyes, never had the action been so challenging, it was if his eyelids were made of stone. Part of him was tempted just to let go and float back down into unconsciousness but he was a Durin, and Durins are stubborn.

As soon as his eyes cracked open he had to blink because of the brightness. As his eyes adjusted he saw he was in a bed in a strangely white room by a window. Outside looked peaceful, there was a bird sitting on a thin branch by his window. No battles, no fire, just a quiet breeze.

Then Bilbo realised there was something warm on his hand. With much more effort than he thought would be necessary he turned his head and saw a dark haired dwarf asleep against his bed, facing away from him.

"Thorin?"

The word came out as as a weak whisper but the figure heard it and stirred, turning and breaking out into a smile.

"Bili!"

"Kili?"

It was his brother, not Thorin, over the last year they really had grown to look alike. Bilbo hadn't noticed.

"You're finally awake!" Kili smiled, "We've been so worried, Fili woke up days ago. Elrond and his healers saved your life but it's been touch and go for almost a week now. Gandalf said-"

"Gandalf?" Bilbo coughed, sitting up only for Kili to leap to his side to support him in case his strength failed.

"But he's…"

Kili shook his head.

"Don't ask me how he did it, but Gandalf is very much still among the living, though he looks a little different now." Kili explained, "I'll go fetch him for you, Thorin and Fili too, they went to get something to eat."

The idea of being suddenly alone suddenly descended upon Bilbo and without thinking he silently snatched up Kili's hand to stop him from leaving. He wasn't sure why, maybe it was the fear that as soon as he was alone the voice of the Ring would come back even though he knew deep down it never would. He knew, the Ring was gone from this world but it still felt like it was a part of him. Weighing him down inside.

Kili didn't say anything. He just sat next to him and waited. Before long the room was filled with excited voices, Thorin's Fili's, Gandalf and all of Elrond's family. Bilbo smiled, truly smile, when he saw the wizard and his companions. He was glad to see Aragorn and Legolas were also alive and well. Soon the conversation turned to Aragorn's crowning at the City of Men and inevitably, the Durin's return to Erebor.

"It's been over a year since Erebor lost its king, I do hope Balin was alright advising Dis for a year." Thorin grinned as they packed their bags, "Lord knows she's even more stubborn than me."

"It'll be good to be back in the keep and training halls." Kili continued, "I can't wait to see Dwalin and show him how much I've improved with a sword."

If his family had noticed how quiet Bilbo had become since waking they didn't comment on it. He was glad, he didn't feel like talking really, about anything. The journey home was a pleasant one. They even stopped by Beorn's and stayed a few nights, leaving laden with honey for the mountain.

When they finally reached the huge gates there was a commotion to say the least, Bilbo was sure he saw Balin tear up a little when he saw them all alive. Dis gathered them all up in her strong arms and refused to let go for a good strong while but Bilbo didn't complain. It was so good to be home, truly home, and safe.

-oOo-

He was a fool to think that he could put the past behind him. Perhaps pretend that terrible year never happened and go on being a prince of Erebor but it was not to be. Only days after arriving home Bilbo took ill. The wound from the Mourgul blade swelling and filling with infection for no good reason. Gandalf came and stayed with them, gave him medicine to relieve the pain but it did little good.

"I warned you those wounds never heal." He sighed gravely, "This will not be the last time it pains you."

"But every year?" He whispered, feeling dejected.

"Look on the bright side," Fili tried weakly, "You will always know when it's coming and the sickness only lasts a few days."

"You could always cross the sea to Grey Havens." Gandalf offered.

"Like the Elves?" Thorin blanched.

"As Ringbearer, I am sure they would allow Bilbo passage." Gandalf explained, "And this wound would not pain him anymore, in fact, it may even fully heal. I plan to go myself, I've had enough of Middle Earth for this long lifetime."

"You're leaving?" Bilbo sighed, "But we just got you back."

"Not for a while yet, but perhaps you should consider it."

-oOo-

The thought did weigh on the Hobit's mind for some weeks. In his heart he knew what he wanted to do but there was that small part of him that disagreed. Gandalf was to set out in only a few weeks, he'd promised to come back and get Bilbo's answer then. He was only going to have one chance…

"Bili…?"

Bilbo sat up in bed to see both his brothers peering around his door in their nightclothes.

"Fili, Kili, what are you doing up so late?"

The two shuffled inside and sat down on the large matress looking nervous.

"Gandalf will be leaving for Grey Havens soon." Kili whispered, "We wanted to know,-"

"If you're going with him." Fili finished.

Bilbo twisted the sheets between his fingers.

"I thought about it." He acknowledged.

"You should go." Kili continued much to Bilbo's surprise, "You'll be healthier, happier there."

Bilbo looked at his brother with wide eyes, Fili reluctantly nodded.

"You want me to go?" Bilbo replied in a hushed voice.

The two elder brothers nodded. Bilbo sighed and rested up against the headboard where the other two joined him.

"I'm not going to." Bilbo whispered, "I belong here."

"But the wound-"

"Is manageable." Bilbo interrupted, "I belong here, with you and mother and father. Just like I always have."

There was a long pause after that.

"Do you remember when I ran away? Back in the Blue Mountains?" He spoke finally, "I dropped my wooden bead into the mineshaft."

"Mother raged after that." Fili laughed, "I thought we could never get in more trouble than that day."

"I dunno, that fight we got in when you returned from the Shire," Kili smiled, able to laugh about it now, "I've never had Uncle so angry with me."

"Remember the food Hamfast cooked for us? Lord, its been so long already, I wonder how he is…" Bilbo grinned.

They spent the night like that, curled together speaking of games and adventures past. Of the Blue Mountains and their childhood until sleep finally took them. Thorin found them the next morning, fast asleep with Bilbo in the middle, just like when they were young. Some things never really change.

Thank you all of you for following my stories these last few years :)

Sorry it took so long to get this fic finished but I've enjoyed the writing process. I'm sorry to say but this is my LAST EVER FANFIC. It's been great fun but I just dont have the time anymore. SO to all those who have read my stories over the years thank you. Maybe I'll come back to it one day but I doubt it will be any time in the near future.

Thank you.