little gentleman

A few mornings later, when the people of Bag End were comfortably in the drawing-room as usual, Merry and Pippin dropped by early for a second breakfast.

Pippin, who loves to make a fuss, suddenly opened the window and shouted: "Here he is, Frodo! Eh? And that nasty Thorin!"

Bilbo was both surprised and secretly delighted, and he resented Pippin for calling Thorin "nasty," but he said nothing, and it would seem strange for him to defend Thorin at such a time.Bilbo feared that Thorin had heard something from Thranduil, and Thranduil certainly would not speak well of him.

In a short while, Aragorn and Thorin had knocked on the green gate of Bag End.

Sam went to open the door—he would never let two restless hobbits do that—and let the Kings in: "Good morning, Your Majesties."

"Sam, you always call so formal!" Aragorn said with a smile.

Bilbo went to the front to greet him, and he shook hands with the two kings in a courteous manner--a ceremony that had been simplified a lot since Aragorn and Frodo became engaged and became regular visitors to Bag End.

There was nothing unusual on Thorin's face, but when he looked at Bilbo, his eyes seemed to have a certain calmness and confidence.Bilbo couldn't help keeping his eyes on Thorin, too. He couldn't guess why Thorin was in Bag End at this moment. He was in such a hurry to come back from the city, and it didn't look like he was just here for a guest.

"Why didn't Boromir come with you?" Merry asked disappointedly.

Pippin asked the same question.

"Why don't you go and find him in the manor?" Aragorn said with a smile.

So Merry and Pippin were arguing to go to the Bank Manor, and Bilbo had to let them out, otherwise Bag End would be blown up by them.

Sam made up his own excuses and left, not wanting to disturb Aragorn and Frodo, and besides, Thorin would make him feel uncomfortable in the drawing room.

Only Bilbo and Frodo were left with the two guests, and after a short chat, Aragorn proposed to go for a walk in the fields, and the four of them went for a walk together.

Now is the best season for the Shire, the fields are lush green, and hobbit children are chasing and playing on the grass, making crisp laughter.Aragorn and Frodo walked in front, and Thorin and Bilbo kept a distance from them consciously or unconsciously, and fell behind. They walked side by side all the time, walking silently across the fields smelling of green grass and wild flowers.

Bilbo was the first to break the silence, and he said slowly and carefully, "Thorin, we parted so hastily that day, I thought I should thank you formally. Thank you very much."

Thorin glanced sideways at him. "If you want to thank me, do it for yourself. I like Frodo and respect him—but I do this for you."

Bilbo didn't expect Thorin to answer like this. Such sudden and straightforward words made him unable to answer for a while. He organized his thoughts, feeling both nervous and joyful.He secretly looked at Thorin timidly, only to find that the latter was also looking at him, and they both stopped at some point.

Thorin turned his body towards Bilbo, and Bilbo had to turn to face Thorin.

Sorin opened his mouth with determination: "You are a straightforward person, and I believe you will not play tricks on me. My feelings and my reputation are still the same as in Mirkwood, but if you still think the same , I won’t bother you with this matter anymore.”

Bilbo had never dared to imagine that he would get Thorin's confession for the second time. This sudden sense of happiness made him slightly dizzy, and his rosy face turned pale, but it was not because of sadness or fear, but because it was unbearable. Excessive agitation.

Thorin watched Bilbo closely, wondering what the sudden change in his petite companion's face meant.

Bilbo stammered: "My thinking... my thinking is different... a lot has changed... quite the opposite..."

Although Bilbo spoke incoherently, Thorin understood what he meant, and clearly realized what Bilbo's feelings were.Like Bilbo he was dumbfounded for a moment with excitement, and then he started walking again, and this time he offered Bilbo his arm to take.

"I didn't expect to be accepted by you. I just came back to you with a glimmer of hope." Sorin said slowly, "After being rejected by you last time, I never dared to expect to get your love again until A few days ago when Thranduil came to look for me, I felt that I had hope again."

"Oh! don't mention what happened last time!" cried Bilbo in shame. "I've said such insolent things to you!"

"Which one of your curse words is wrong?" Sorin said frankly, "I am arrogant and selfish, and I never consider other people's feelings. It is too disrespectful to propose to you with that attitude!"

Bilbo smiled. "I misunderstood you too. I was too self-righteous. Now I know that it is unfair to judge a person by first impression."

Thorin also raised the corner of his mouth slightly: "And I have learned how to respect others, especially those I love deeply."

Bilbo's face was hot, and he changed the topic because of embarrassment: "I didn't expect Thranduil's words to have no effect on you."

"It should be said that it was completely counterproductive." Thorin's tone became more relaxed.

"Yes, if I still hated you, I wouldn't hesitate to tell him." Bilbo laughed.

"I know you have always been straightforward, so your angry words to Thranduil will not be lies." Thorin said.

"Poor Thranduil!" Bilbo couldn't help sighing, and couldn't hide the smug smile on his face.

While talking, the two walked under a lush evergreen tree, which grew alone by the roadside and opened its canopy to provide shade for pedestrians resting here.

The two stopped under a tree, and Bilbo leaned against the tree to rest, and the sunlight fell through the gaps in the leaves, leaving patterns of light and shadow on his round face.Thorin looked down at the face that fascinated him, and suddenly leaned forward and kissed the hobbit's pale lips.

Bilbo hadn't realized what was going on when Thorin leaned closer, and when Thorin's lips pressed to his, and the dwarf's beard brushed his smooth face, he froze.The fresh air in the fields, the melodious birdsong in the branches, everything left him, and his heart was full, as if it would overflow at any time.The feeling of tension, panic and happiness made him unbearable. Now he understands that this is the so-called love.

At the end of the kiss, Bilbo almost slipped down the tree trunk, and Thorin put his hands under his armpits just in time to support the teetering hobbit: "Bilbo, what's the matter with you?"

Bilbo felt it was a total loss of face this time, and he almost fainted from a kiss!

When Bilbo was back to normal, the two of them walked back slowly along the way they had come. They walked very slowly, deliberately making this blissful solitude longer--perhaps they would have a lot of time alone in the future, but every time Different, every day is unique.

Thorin told Bilbo that he still had to go back to the Lonely Mountain to get all the affairs in order, and their marriage could only be put on the agenda after negotiating with the Senate, and then he could hold a wedding with Bilbo.Though Bilbo felt he would not wait another day, he understood Thorin's responsibilities as king.

After returning to Bag End, they found that Aragorn and Frodo had also returned, and Merry, Pippin and Sam were still outside.Aragorn and Thorin bid farewell to the host's house. Aragorn and Frodo's intimacy no longer needs to be hidden, but Thorin and Bilbo still have to pretend to be ordinary hosts and guests.

In the evening, when Bilbo told Frodo what had happened during the day, the young hobbit cried out in amazement: "Yes to Thorin's proposal? You must be joking, Bilbo!"

Bilbo laughed and said, "It's not going well even if you don't believe it!"

"Don't frighten me, Bilbo," said Frodo earnestly. "Have you not always hated that Dwarf before? You refused his marriage proposal last time."

"It's different now, and people's minds change! So it's no surprise that I'm in love with Thorin." Bilbo's tone was too casual for Frodo to believe.

"Be serious, Bilbo!" demanded Frodo displeased. "Do you really like Thorin? When did it begin?"

Bilbo said exaggeratedly: "It probably starts with the beautiful Rivendell. Someone said a few kind words for Thorin..."

Frodo had to ask his uncle to be more serious again, so Bilbo stopped joking and told Frodo seriously that he loved Thorin.

"I love him as much as you love Aragorn, I can't say when, but after he stood up for you, we had many adventures together, and then I realized that I loved him for a long time ’ said Bilbo.

"Oh! I'm relieved!" Frodo was heartily happy for Bilbo. "I believe Thorin proposed because he loves you, and since you love him as much, you will be very happy!"

"I am not likely to be as happy as you, Frodo," laughed Bilbo. "I am not so simple and kind as you are. You will be a lovely queen, and as long as Aragorn does not see you, you will be killed by the palace." bullied by all the servants here.”

"Bilbo!" Frodo pursed his lips reproachfully.

Bilbo hugged his nephew. "I'm so sorry you're married, but you'd be the happiest hobbit in the world."

"Thank you, Bilbo, and you too!" said Frodo, brimming with joy and longing.

When Frodo fell to sleep, Bilbo felt that he was not yet tired, and decided to go for a walk.Unconsciously, he walked to the tavern in the town again. He hadn't come to this kind of place for a long time, and he might not have the chance in the future—even if the king of the mountain loves him again, he won't let his partner hang out in the pub all day, right?Maybe today can be counted as his bachelor party. Of course, it would be great if he could have more of these parties before he gets married, preferably with three or five good friends, but there are no other people at the moment .

As always, the tavern was warm and noisy, with glasses being exchanged and exchanged, and Bilbo took a seat where there was no one else, and the tavernman served him immediately.

Someone recognized him and congratulated him enthusiastically: "Mr. Baggins, I heard that Frodo is going to get married, congratulations!"

"And he was the first hobbit to marry a man, and to a king, that's incredible!" shrieked a young man.

"To our Frodo! He is the best young man in the world!" An elderly hobbit raised his glass.

Bilbo thanked them all, and drank his glass of ale to himself.The news of Frodo's and Aragorn's engagement had already appeared in the newspapers, even the hobbits who didn't like to read newspapers had already gotten the news, and the whole Hobbiton was buzzing.But the marriage contract between Bilbo and Thorin is still kept secret, he can't get everyone's blessing, he can only rejoice silently in his heart.

A tall figure sat down across from him, and Bilbo saw the familiar red cloak and strange eyes in the pale face.

"Smaug?" Bilbo couldn't believe he had met Smaug again.

Smaug glanced at Bilbo, and said, "You are engaged to Thorin." He was not asking a question, but stating a fact.

"How do you know?" Bilbo couldn't help asking, knowing that Smaug had amazing insight.

"Not only did I know, but I also played a part in it." Smaug snatched Bilbo's cup, took a sip and pushed it aside, "I like fruit wine!"

"You? What part have you played?" asked Bilbo suspiciously.

"Thranduil has a son who elopes habitually. He hired me to help him find him," said Smaug. Li just started off, he is a simple guy."

"Wait a minute, you told Gimli the news?" Bilbo interrupted.

"Indirectly, I can't go back to the Lonely Mountain in person, and rumors are better than informers." Smaug took the wine brought by the host, took a sip with satisfaction, and licked his lips.

"Then why don't you try to tell Thorin?" asked Bilbo.

"Because I know you will tell Thorin that your foolish nephew is involved, and of course you will be crying and screaming at your lover desperately," said Smaug. Out of respect for the king, he will find Thorin first, so that Thorin and Gimli will set off together, and the two dwarves who have been dazzled by blood will fight for their beloved."

Bilbo collected his thoughts: "I believe what you said, but what good does it do you, and what does it have to do with Thorin's proposal to me?"

Smaug looked at Bilbo with the eyes of an idiot: "I am employed by Thranduil, and I will not get paid until I get his son back, so one more brave fool has a better chance of winning--I I know that Aragorn will definitely do something for his friends, but whether Sorin can save Legolas is unknown, and your pleading has successfully deepened his thinking."

"You're such a stick!" exclaimed Bilbo, laughing.

"And you are a dishonest person," Smaug said suddenly, with a downcast face. "I helped you, but you actually failed to pay for the drinks!"

Bilbo remembered the last time he had played Smaug on the drink money, and the man was obviously still holding a grudge: "Well... I wasn't sure you were lying to me, you know."

"It doesn't matter, you paid the price anyway," Smaug said triumphantly, "Thrandull made a big fuss with you, and you were worried for days, lest he would say something in front of Thorin. Words against you."

"How do you know that?" Bilbo thought it was only between Thranduil and him, and only Thorin knew otherwise.

"Because I pushed Thranduil on purpose, he already looked down on hobbits, and knowing that his son's former fiancée was snatched away by a hobbit, of course he would be furious." Smaug said shamelessly , "I was the one who told Thranduil about the relationship between you and Thorin!"

"You bastard!" Bilbo sprang up, fists clenched, and struck Smaug's pale cheek, leaving a conspicuous bruise on his high cheekbone.

By the time Bilbo was about to throw his second punch, Smaug had jumped away, and he waved to the other drinkers in the shop: "Nothing! Nothing! We're having a drunken game!" Then he whispered to Bilbo, "You Crazy hobbit! Sit down and hear me out!"

Bilbo was still angry. He sat back in his chair reluctantly, and stared at Smaug like a judge. You will be more relieved after a meal!"

Smaug sat down too, and spoke too quickly: "Thorin has never been sure of your feelings for him, and you also doubt whether you still have Thorin's love. You are both afraid of being ridiculed by the other, especially Thorin. Lin. So you need some external interference, and Thranduil is the best candidate: the truth revealed by a person who completely opposes your union is the most credible, so Thorin will have confidence and propose to you .”

"So it is!" Bilbo, though very suspicious of Smaug's motives, believed in Smaug's reasoning, and believed in the part Smaug had played in his and Thorin's happiness.

"Decided not to beat me?" asked Smaug.

"I won't beat you, and I'll buy you a drink," said Bilbo, laughing.

"I figured you'd buy me a drink, after all, a stag party would be boring without a friend!" Smaug said dryly.

Bilbo asked for a refill, and asked the waiter to pour Smaug more fruit wine: "You can drink a few more glasses today." In order to show Smaug in return, he told Smaug: "You'd better watch out, Bud is Looking for you everywhere, he wants to break your leg."

"Hmph! That idiot can't find me!" Smaug said disdainfully, drinking Bilbo's wine contentedly. "I just cheated him out of money from some stinky fish, and he has been hunting me for so many years." !"

Bilbo didn't leave the tavern until midnight, and Smaug, who was so drunk, was left to fend for himself in a small inn. After all, it was Smaug's own fault. Who made him drink so much fruit wine?It cost all Bilbo's money!

It was very quiet in Bag End, and Bilbo, not wanting to wake Frodo, slipped into his bedroom and hid the wine-smelling clothes in the laundry hamper, which he would wash tomorrow before Frodo got up. of.

Looking at the moon hanging on the window lattice, Bilbo smiled reassuringly: Every day waiting for Thorin's return will be anxious and sweet, and the memories of these days will also become the seasoning of their future married life. The last days of The Happy Bachelor.