Thorin lay on the makeshift bed, the tent barely blocking out the sounds from outside. The burning made it hard to breathe, the wound on his chest covered by blood-soaked bandages. But it was not the only pain the king was suffering from. He had been informed only minutes ago that his nephews were dead. He had seen them fall, and prayed they were strong enough to survive. But Aule had other plans for his sister’s sons, and they passed away on the battlefield not long after Thorin fell unconscious. The grief and guilt was overwhelming, threatening to choke him. And the Halfling…Mahal, what had he done? He’d almost killed Bilbo over a stone; a stone that now meant nothing to him as he now lay there dying. How many times had he told the hobbit how much he loved him, how nothing could ever compare to him? Then he threw all of it away because of a worthless addiction. He stifled a hysterical snort, not letting his emotions get the best of him yet. The king heard someone enter the tent, and glanced over to see none other than Bilbo standing next to him. At the horrified look on his beloved’s face the dam broke, tears streaming down Thorin’s face. “I’m so sorry Bilbo, I didn’t mean it, I’m sorry…” The hobbit sat next to him, stroking his face and wiping away the tears. One hand managed to find Bilbo’s cheek, stroking the unmarked skin. “My beautiful Halfling…you deserve so much better than I could ever give you.” He watched as Bilbo shook his head, denied every word. Before he could say anything else he coughed hard, blood splattering across his chest. Falling back against the pillows with a groan, his fingers weakly played with blond curls. “I am so grateful…that I could see you one last time.” Eventually even the smallest movement became too much, his hand now held by two smaller ones. “I love you…so much, Halfling. I would…spend the rest of my life, making up for…my transgressions.” He had to pause every few words to breathe, the tightness in his chest getting even worse. He leaned up slightly, and Bilbo seemed to get the hint because he found his lips pressed against the Halfling’s a second later. His body relaxed into the motion, the kiss soothing and familiar. His eyes slipped closed, and he let out a final breath against his beloved’s lips.