Biased Emsiecat

Summary:

Being biased towards someone probably isn't a very good thing in practice, but it does go to show just how idiotically in love these two are XD

Chapter Text

Even before his opinion of elves had devolved into mistrust and dislike, Thorin had always found their ears unsettling. They were... odd, for lack of a better word, far too delicate and strangely shaped. They reminded him in passing of cats, or perhaps the bats, which populated the mines and caverns of Erebor. He often wondered just how well the immortal beings could hear. The notion that they could possibly listen in on topics they were not privy to with those ears unnerved him and only fed his distrust.

When he had seen hobbits for the first time, he had balked at their ears as well. Very much like an elf's in shape, Thorin had let the similarity justify his prejudice against them; they could not be trusted.

Bilbo was different though, Thorin reasoned. Their hobbit had proved himself time and again to be loyal and trustworthy.

He had noticed on occasion those ears twitching as Bilbo listened, probably unconsciously, to conversations happening around him. Yet, despite the proof that Bilbo was likely listening in on discussions he ought not to, Thorin could not find it within himself to berate the hobbit for it. Bilbo was one of their own, and if he overheard something that might prove useful to them, then it was all the better in his opinion.

Besides, Bilbo's ears were not really very elf like, now he thought on it. Whereas elves' ears were elongated and thin, hobbit ears were rounder, more substantial, and rather endearingly leaf shaped. No, not at all elf like, Thorin rationalised and let that conclusion ease his mind.

For as long as he could remember, Thorin had always disdained those who would choose not to fight when the opportunity presented itself. If one believed in something strongly enough, they should fight for it; be it a war of words or with a weapon.

Most dwarves shared his opinion, but men, elves, and of course, hobbits often took a different view. They would rather compromise in matters or else take a pacifist route simply to keep the peace... and what good was that when faced with an enemy or stubborn rival?

Bilbo was different though, of course. His desire for a peaceful life was born out of concern for others, that much was clear. The way Bilbo would describe peace to Thorin did not make the dwarf roll his eyes or snort in derision, but instead listen and understand the value of a quiet life.

Perhaps, Thorin mused, not fighting was in itself quite a brave thing.

Frivolous home comforts were something Thorin had done without for many a year. What use were trinkets and ornaments? Why bother paying extra for brightly coloured fabric for clothes? What use were treats and delicate fanciful dishes when stew and bread would suffice and nourish?

However, when Bilbo sat beside him near the campfire; eyes alight with joy and hands animated as he discussed every item he owned in Bag End and the stories behind them. When he explained at length every dish he longed to create and eat once they had the provisions, and how he missed the warm earthy tones of the garments that suited him so well; Thorin found he could not scorn the hobbit for it. Instead, the dwarf king found himself enjoying the discussion and imagining a comfortable life alongside his hobbit companion. Home comforts no longer seemed unattainable frivolities, but a hope for the future.

And so the biases continued without him even realising:

Beardless faces bothered him, but not Bilbo's. Ineptitude with weapons caused him despair, but Bilbo's lack of competence simply made him wish to teach. Thorin wasn't fond of sweet foods having not tasted them for so long; but when Bilbo shared with him some sweets he had brought along for the trip from his home, Thorin found himself craving more.

Thorin did not dwell on his biased thoughts too much, for he feared what he might realise if he did.

Bilbo had always found facial hair distasteful. When he saw it on men and dwarves he would scrunch up his nose once they could not see him and despair over how unhygienic it looked and what a pain it must be to keep from growing wild and unkempt.

Thorin's looked nice though, he mused one night a few weeks into their journey. The dwarf king kept his beard neatly clipped and never seemed to splash it with ale or drop food in it like some he had seen. It looked quite soft too... that long hair and the beard, and oddly attractive with the silver running through his dark mane, yes... quite acceptable indeed.

A quiet nature was something Bilbo had always found suspicious. Hobbits were gossipy and sociable by nature, and although Bilbo was not quite as loud and willing to attend to parties as some of his cousins, he did appreciate a good conversation. Thorin's reticent and stoic nature should bother him no end then. However, Bilbo found that it only added to the dwarf king's allure and air of mystery. His quiet presence in the group was grounding and oddly calming rather than irritating, and Bilbo found himself revaluating his estimation of a quiet companion.

Weapons and violence were something Bilbo abhorred. Why would you go hacking at something when you could sort out differences with calm words? On a dangerous quest though, talking ones way out of trouble was an option sorely lacking (saving perhaps an encounter with an odd cave dwelling creature and a dragon), and so Bilbo had started to respect the skill Thorin showed with his blade; his elegance on the battlefield almost comparable to a dance more than a violent fight for life.

And so the biases continued without Bilbo even realising:

Frugality where it was not needed made Bilbo's heart almost ache, but Thorin's reasonable explanations for a simple life made Bilbo reconsider his need for some material things. The idea of learning to play a musical instrument seemed like far too much trouble to bother with when one could easily just sing or write with as much creativity, but Thorin's fingers plucking harp strings set Bilbo's heart yearning to learn and to listen and to enjoy the sound. The idea of living in a cold mountain filled Bilbo with a claustrophobic kind of dread, but Thorin's soft and reverent tones when speaking of his old home only prompted Bilbo to stay as long as he could and enjoy the wonders of a new place.

Bilbo did not dwell on his biased thoughts too much, for he feared what he might realise if he did.