From the conversation between linguisticparadox and linddzz: “‘Hmmm! it smells like elves!’ thought Bilbo.” Wait. What. What exactly does an elf…smell like…. This raises so many questions! -Does Bilbo sniff around for elves like some weird hobbity bloodhound? -Do hobbits have extra sensitive senses of smell and do they use this to find mushrooms and truffles? (answer is obviously yes)-Nevermind what do elves smell like how does Bilbo KNOW what elves smell like-good thing he didn’t say this out loud. I can just imagine the looks the company would have given him if Bilbo sniffed the air and declared “it smells like elves!” in that cheerful hobbit way of his-hobbits are creepy So in this fic Bilbo DOES say it aloud, and Thorin's been dwelling on it like a broody dork ever since. Cue the (happy!) end of the Quest and Thorin simply HAS to know.
'Alone this Yuletide? Irritated with prying and nosey family members? I am an out of work blacksmith currently trying to make my way by any means necessary that does not involve my resorting to thievery (prisons are most uncomfortable, I've unfortunate first hand experience). However, if you would like me to be your strictly platonic companion for any social function, but have me pretend that we are in a serious courtship, so as to torment your family and ward off unwanted suitors then I am more than obliging...' After becoming increasingly irritated by overtures of romance from various Shire residents following the death of his mother four years ago, Bilbo is more than ready to resort to desperate measures. That is, up to and including pretending to be in a serious relationship with a certain surly blacksmith currently inhabiting the Bindbale Woods. It's a good idea after all; all they have to do is pretend to be in love over the Yuletide period and Bilbo's family and suitors will surely leave him alone after that. It's perfect! And nothing can possibly go wrong, right? Certainly nothing as preposterous as falling for one another for real...