((Fic war prompt)) Bilbo just learned of Thorin's death.
It was a Thursday afternoon, just like usual. Bilbo had just dismissed his summer students and was working on some papers when the phone rang.
Setting down his marking pen, he picked up the receiver. “Hello, Professor Baggins.” he said cheerfully.
“Bill? It’s Dorian.” came the stressed sounding voice of Bilbo’s second cousin. Dorian, or Dori as he was more commonly known was something of a fusspot, but Bilbo still enjoyed being around him. They shared a common interest in good tea, and even better wines. Dori always came and stayed with him and Thorin when it was time for the yearly wine festival.
“Dori!” Bilbo said happily. “How’s the dig going? Can I talk to Thorin?”
“Bilbo…something happened.” Dori said and the smile quickly faded from the professor’s face. Dori never called him Bilbo, always Bill like everyone else did.
“Did…did Thorin get hurt? Is he going to be okay?” Bilbo demanded, clutching the phone tighter in his hand.
“There’s no easy way to tell you this. Thorin had some words with one of the local muck mucks, Smaugano yesterday…”
“Not surprised.” Bilbo sighed. As much as he loved Thorin, his partner could be something of a hothead.
“So they paid us a little visit last night. Thorin…Thorin didn’t make it Bilbo. Neither did Kili and Fili.”
Heart hammering in his chest, Bilbo couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t speak. Everything had fallen away in an instant and it was only the sound of Dori calling his name anxiously that roused Bilbo from his stupor.
“I’m still here, Dori.” he said numbly.
“The others and I are packing up and we’re bringing them home. Thorin’s other cousin Dain is going to take care of the funeral arrangements and such, but he wants your input.”
“Yeah…” Bilbo said dazedly.
“We’ll be home in a few days, Bilbo. I…I’m sorry.”
Wishing Dori a safe journey, Bilbo hung up the phone as he stared at the picture of Thorin he had on his desk. “I told you not to go.” he said softly, addressing the picture. “But you couldn’t listen to me. YOU NEVER LISTENED TO ME!”
Knocking the picture off his desk and onto the floor, Bilbo buried his face in his hands and wept.
