Martin Freeman can do unspoken, anguished love so well. What he does with his face, his eyes – and the words he does not say but implies. It’s so subtle, and so intelligently done.
Yeah this was a lot
Ahhh that’s why I got the gay feels watching this scene!
When Thorin invites him to visit his grandmother’s garden, Bilbo readily agrees, jumping at the opportunity to spend time with Thorin and to satisfy his curiosity about Dwarves owning gardens. When they arrive he is both surprised and not.
What takes the place of the expected plants are crystals, which Thorin cares for, letting them grow and pruning when necessary. The black, glittering stones that make up the floor hold patterns of raked lines; he feels relieved that his feet do not disturb the work. A ‘river’ of gems called aquamarines cut across the garden and flow into an actual pond of water and Bilbo is utterly enchanted.
They sit on a bench beside the water. After some moments of talking about nothing, Thorin takes his hand.
“When it became clear that I was to inherit this garden, I knew I wanted to bring my One here someday. But the dragon came and…” He sighs a little and Bilbo squeezes his hand. There’s no longer as much raw pain in Thorin’s voice when he speaks about Smaug, helped perhaps by the fact that the dragon is dead and Erebor reclaimed, but it’s understandable that time is still difficult to discuss. “With all that happened, being on the road, Moria, trying to keep my people alive, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to fulfill that wish.”
He shifts so he’s facing Bilbo, able to cup his cheek. “I am fortunate to have found you, Bilbo. Looking back now, I realise that though I pushed the idea away I’ve wanted to be in love for so long. It was just that our paths never crossed.”
Bilbo leans into the contact, quiet for a moment. “I’ve never wanted to be in love.”
It takes the widening of blue eyes and the sharp intake of breath to realise exactly what he’d blurted out and he tightens his grip on Thorin’s hand, rushing to clarify.
“That is to say, I never… it’s never something I thought I wanted. I thought I was comfortable in my bachelor life, that I’d be content to be alone and I was. But then you knocked on my door and I’m so glad that I have you. I could have lived my life alone but I’m glad I don’t have to, now.”
To his relief Thorin’s expression softens and they both lean forward so their foreheads are touching. There is comfortable silence between them and Bilbo feels the question before it’s even asked, so much so that his “Yes” tumbles in just on the heels of Thorin’s, “Marry me?”
I loved the design of Bilbo’s bed. So I just had to draw it (with a few additions) It was also a great excuse to draw some more shire retirement au intimacy. Like I really needed an excuse though. Ahahaha. This one’s dedicated to @emsiecat and @pangur-pangur, you two always leave me such encouraging words when I need them most. Thank you!
serenbach86 