~ For @keeleyann00 who requested a part 2. Still based on this imagine from imaginexhobbit: Imagine finding out the person you have feelings for has been smitten with you since the start. ~

He knew he would lose you as soon as you would leave Lake Town. Everyone knew what lived in that mountain. It was the dwarves own choice to risk their lives for that horde of gold, and now the villager's had chosen their faith as well. But he wouldn't stand by and let you get hurt if it wasn't your own choice. After Thorin had convinced everyone that they should help the dwarves and let them go towards Erebor, Bard decided he would speak with you.

The townspeople had thrown you all a big party to celebrate the money that they would have when the dwarves succeeded in their quest. The Company was drinking heavily, accept for Bilbo and yourself of course, and they were starting to get a bit tipsy. You were standing against the wall, watching the Company enjoying themselves and for the first time in months you felt relaxed. At first Thorin and Dwalin had kept an eye on you but then they realized Bard wasn't even here. Every now and then one of the dwarves looked your way to make sure you were still there before continuing drinking their ale.

Bard could hear the laughter from outside and he hesitated a moment before he walked in. He put his hood on so no one would recognize him. He didn't want to alarm the dwarves. That way he wouldn't have a chance of talking to you. Carefully he opened the door and was greeted by warmth and drunken people. He walked in and tried to find you in the group of people. You noticed him from where you were standing. None of the dwarves were watching you at the moment so you moved back behind a large man. Bard spotted you moving and moved towards the wall. You were both paying attention to the people around you instead of on each other.

So when the two of you turn your heads you suddenly bump into each other. 'Ouh!' you say and rub the spot on your head. 'I'm sorry (y/n), I didn't see you coming' Bard apologized. You offered him a smile. 'I wasn't paying attention either. How are you doing?' you ask carefully. The last time you had seen him he had tried to stop Thorin from going to Erebor. His face hardened. 'That's why I want to talk to you' he said. You look behind you, the dwarves are still too busy with their ale. 'Make it quick. They will kill you if they see you talking to me again' you said and pulled him further away from the Company. You were standing close to the door now, the dwarves wouldn't be able to see you here.

'You do have an option' Bard starts. You frown. 'What do you mean?' 'I mean that you don't have to go into that mountain. This is not your quest, it's theirs. That dragon will kill them... I don't want to see you heading towards the same faith as them' he said determined. You put your finger on your lips, trying to tell him to be more silent. During the quest you found out that the dwarves had great hearing when they decided it could be useful to listen. And Bard was talking pretty loudly. He grabbed your hand and pulled it down. 'Don't tell me to stay silent when we are talking about your well being!' he semi-shouted. Some people turned their heads to look at the noise but decided it wasn't worth their attention.

'You have to talk more quietly or the dwarves will hear you' you hissed. He looked around him. The dwarves weren't close, but soon they would be looking for their lass. 'If you want to leave the Company and keep yourself safe... You are welcome to stay with me' Bard says, his eyes down at the floor. You don't speak. You just stare at him. Of course you knew he was in love with you, and you definitely felt something for him too, but this was a great offer. 'I can't ask that from you' you mutter. He shook his head. 'I offer you a home where you're safe, without a dragon and the possibility of danger.' You're considering his offer. Thorin had changed since he had seen Erebor in the distance.

His eyes weren't the same, neither did he care about his Company like he had done before. Something inside of him was changing. Maybe it wouldn't be a good idea to stay with the Company. On the other hand, you had signed a contract. It was your job to accompany Bilbo into the mountain. Together you would have to find the Arkenstone. People began to cheer and you both looked up to see what was going on. Fili and Kili climbed on top of a table while holding their mugs in their hands. 'Has anyone seen our lass?' they shouted, looking around, trying to find you. 'I will think about it' you told Bard and got away from him. You ran forwards and put your hand up in the air. 'I'm here!' you yelled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bard made his way back home. He was angry with the dwarves. They had no right to force this upon you. He had tried to keep you here but he was afraid that you would still leave him. He would try again tomorrow morning. The Company would leave in a small boat and he would try one more time to keep you here with him. He just had to get up on time. Greeting the guards near his house he walked inside. He closed the door behind him and his mouth dropped when he looked at the kitchen. Tilda was cooking there, preparing dinner, but she wasn't alone. You stood beside her, teaching her how to cut a potato in the right way.

You looked up when Bard didn't make a noise and smiled at him. 'Are you hungry yet? Dinner should be ready in a few minutes.' 'Da, (y/n) says that she will stay with us if you will still let her. She can stay right?' You smiled cheekily. Bard nodded, his eyes sparkling. 'She can stay for as long as she wants.'