~ Based on this imagine from imaginexhobbit: Imagine finding out the person you have feelings for has been smitten with you since the start. ~

You had first met him when you just got out of a barrel, feeling very sick, and when you looked up you noticed an arrow pointing directly at your face. Just a bit too close for your liking. You put your hands up in the air. 'Can't we talk about this?' you asked surprised. The rest of the Company had raised their weapons behind you but wouldn't take the chance of you getting hurt. Shortly after Balin was talking to the shipper man, trying to get him to take you all on his boat to the other side of the lake. The brown haired man looked at you numerous times while negotiating with the dwarf.

Dwalin and Nori noticed so they stood in front of you, shielding you from the man's eyes. No one was allowed to touch the only lady in their company. But your eyes were still glued on the man's features. You had never seen someone as handsome as him, and he had muscles too. Balin had to offer more money to convince the man to let them crossover with him. And he didn't agree until he had looked at you one more time. Dwalin huffed in front of you but you ignored it. You didn't mind to spend more time with this man.

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You had passed by the guards unnoticed numerous times, but you were also close to being caught, numerous times. When you finally entered Bard's house you finally felt safe enough to sigh, not afraid that anyone would hear it and arrest you. The dwarfs didn't look very pleased to say the least. You didn't really understand. Yes, the mountain was close and Durin's Day was tomorrow, but you still had time. And you were finally safe again. No one would come looking for you in Bard's house. They did watch his house but they didn't came in to look for anything.

Besides, his children were very polite. They offered to make you some tea and give you some bread while they didn't have much money. How couldn't the dwarfs like these humans? Thorin stood near the window, looking at the mountain which seemed to be in hands reach. But he knew he still had to beat the dragon inside it. Only now did you notice how tired he looked. Many years of suppressed irritation and blaming himself for things that weren't his fault were now clearly showing on his face. You stood up and wanted to walk to him, when Bard took a hold of your right hand.

The dwarfs noticed and came closer to you, in case you needed protection. 'What do you think you're doing?' Ori cried out. But Balin silenced him. 'You promised us weapons, where are they?' Thorin asked. Bard looked doubtful before he let go of your hand and came back with something wrapped in black leather. He threw it on the table and exposed the so called weapons. And again, the dwarfs were angry to learn these were their 'weapons'. Bard seemed hurt when the dwarfs weren't happy with what he had given them, knowing that these could be the difference between life and death in this town.

The dwarfs wanted to leave and get some real weapons, but Bard told Thorin he couldn't leave with the house being watched. The dwarfs were very angry at the moment and ignored Bard for the rest of the day. They sat in little groups, whispering to each other and shooting angry glares at the shipper man. You felt sorry for Bard so you sat down next to him. 'You know, they're not all bad. They just don't understand the word thank you until they've decided to like you' you explained. Bard laughed sarcastically and looked down at his hands. Without thinking you placed your hand on his and smiled at him. 'Thank you for taking us here.'

Bard smiled back at you, his eyes taking in every inch of your body. 'You know you look exactly like her?' he muttered. Slowly he raised his hand and cupped your cheek. You drew back a little, not sure who he meant with 'her'. 'Who are you talking about?' you asked. Bard smiled sadly and dropped his hand. 'My wife, she.... she passed away a few years ago...' 'I'm so sorry to hear that' you said, not sure what else to say. You sat next to each other for a while, letting the tension built up before Bard spoke again. 'You remind me of her.' Without realizing you turned your head towards him and leaned in a little closer to him.

'Your hair is the exact same color as her', you speak the same as her, you smell the same...' he said, his eyes filling with tears. Bard leaned in closer to you as well, his hand back to cupping your face. 'I also feel the same for you as I felt for her' he said before kissing your lips softly, hesitant. 'WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!' Thorin bellowed behind you. Before you could react he pulled Bard away from you and stood in front of you. He didn't have a sword or another weapon on him to threaten Bard with but his eyes shot daggers at him. 'We've given you our money to give us weapons and shelter, and then you take advantage of our woman!' he yelled.

Bard wasn't sure what to say and you knew that there was nothing he could say to cool Thorin down. The other dwarfs were now gathering around Bard as well. No one was allowed to touch their lass. 'You know, I didn't really mind...' you started but Dwalin silenced you by wrapping a comforting arm around you. 'You don't have to lie for him lass, we're all here to protect you from him.' You rolled your eyes and looked guilty at Bard. You should have known better. 'You're lucky we don't have real weapons to harm you with. We will leave this instant!' Thorin ordered. The Company muttered and shot some angry looks at Bard before obeying their orders.

'You can't leave!' Bard yelled but no one listened to him. How was he supposed to stop thirteen angry dwarfs from getting out of his house? Especially after he had touched their woman.