An accident in the workshops is a serious setback in the rebuilding of Erebor. But it comes even worse for Thorin: It seems that Bilbo has been near the scene of the accident, but has now slipped away ... And what had he been doing in the workshops anyway, being all secretive? Thorin doesn't know that it has something to do with the mithril shirt.
“So that’s your gardener’s name? Bilbo?”
“Bilbo Baggins, and he’s our gardener. Don’t give me that look, Thorin Durin! He’s been recommended to me by Gandalf –”
“Now that changes everything …”
“… and not only has he made great progress in the short time he’s here, but he’s also a very nice man and considerate enough to put some flowers in your room at your return although I warned him how … stubborn you can be.”
Thorin noticed the little pause very well. “You called me an idiot, didn’t you?”
Bilbo has always been suspicious about blind dates. This, however, seems to really promising: a nice evening in his favourite restaurant with a charming man. But when things start to get wrong, Bilbo wonders is this blind date was a good idea … And it’s not helpful at all that the waiter is that handsome!
At the same time, Thorin keeps telling himself that it isn't his way to pine after someone. But soon, he finds himself trying to explain to Bilbo why he messed up his date on purpose...