Sweet thought (bittersweet in relation to canon deaths, which we all ignore anyway)
The dwarves (and hobbit) get in the habit during their journey of mentally counting their companions, and so get very good at counting quickly to thirteen (fourteen counting themselves, fifteen if the blasted wizard is there). Likewise, when necessary, they all can quickly reel off all of their companions' names and check that they are all there.
Of course, this is practical with a large group, especially when they are on the move, making sure no one is left behind, or in danger, adjusting their actions on the fly.
But I imagine this becomes habit for them all even outside of such situations, as reassurance, or even just something to do with their mind to distract from stress.
For the stronger, older ones, this becomes a precaution, knowing all those under their care are seen, and thus, safe.
For anxious times, counting out and naming their companions might be a helpful reminder that they are surrounded by those who care for and protect them, whatever other strange things they are surrounded by.
I could even imagine someone, maybe Bilbo, not on guard but not able to sleep, counting dwarves instead of sheep to lull his mind to ease.
After the Battle:
Canon, sad ending: The remaining members of the Company have to stop themselves from reopening the raw wound of grief every time they gather together, or even when they think of themselves as a group. Because they still have the mental instinct to count off and name their friends. But now, they stop three shy of their old total, and there are three names no longer said. đ˘
Everybody Lives AU (most fanfiction's route): When the nightmares come from the things they've been through, the dwarves (and hobbit) still fight them off by listing their friends. They might not be right within sight anymore, but they think of each, and where they are now, and the adventures they survived together, one by one until calmer sleep comes. đ¤
(Joke, random addition: When bored on the road, the dwarves (and hobbit) compete to see who can say all fifteen names the fastest while still being intelligible. đ¤Ł)
Connecting this to another post of mine, specifically a story idea (post canon, Everybody Lives, Baggenshield) where Bilbo is captured by orcs and tortured.
(Vague and non descriptive allusion to torture and violence)
