Newly Wedded Pride Emsiecat

Summary:

Another prompt from the lovely bagginshieldhappiness: Newlyweds AU where Thorin keeps going around referring to Bilbo as "my consort, Bilbo," and "my husband," in every other sentence, and everyone is all "Yes we know he's your husband." He's just so happy and proud though.

"- and my consort, Bilbo," Thorin finished off introductions with a wide smile aimed at his new husband and the hobbit felt himself return the fond look with one of his own.

It was remarkable how at ease and how happy Thorin seemed now that there was no life threatening quest, dragon to slay, or enemies at his gates to vanquish. The hard lines of his face and tendency towards darker brooding moods had been softened with the reclamation and beginnings of restoration to Erebor.

Now, having recently married Bilbo as well, Thorin seemed completely content and was far more apt to smile than frown these days... saving perhaps when in certain unavoidable trade negotiations with particular elves that shall remain nameless.

Bilbo honestly could not be happier, though an entirely different life from his old one back in the Shire was definitely taking some getting used to; he was for the most part as content as the dwarf king.

There was one small thing though...

At first, Bilbo had barely noticed it happening; he would attend meetings and council and court with his husband and be introduced to many a delegation from different realms in Middle Earth.

He would offer his own counsel where he thought it appropriate, and keep quiet and listen when topics he did not understand were discussed. Balin had assured him that with time he would gain more knowledge on how to help run a kingdom, and Bilbo had felt comforted by the elder dwarf claiming that even Durin himself had to learn such things.

The thing that bothered him though, was the introductions.

Whenever Thorin was announced, he had made it quite apparent that he did not care for lofty titles or grand entrances, and when the king himself introduced his court or advisors (Balin and most of the Company amongst them); it was with friendly civility and an undercurrent of deep respect.

With Bilbo though...

"My husband, Bilbo," Bilbo would nod politely to whomever he was being introduced to.

But even once the initial greeting were over...

"I believe my consort has a view on this matter..."

"Did you have something you wished to add, amrâlimê?"

"My husband would like to remind us that-"

Why was he forever affirming Bilbo's status?

At first, Bilbo had been concerned that perhaps it was because folk disapproved of him or did not take him seriously, and so Thorin's naturally protective streak was coming into play.

However, this idea was soon quashed when he realised he actually was very much respected, and that Thorin did this with everyone, not just newcomers.

"Good to see you again, Bard. My husband and I are pleased to have you in Erebor once more-"

"Your husband can speak for himself you know... and he is standing right here," Bilbo put in, voice very dry but eyes amused. He shared a quick look with Bard who seemed to be attempting to stifle his laughter.

Thorin floundered for a moment before trying to rectify the situation. "Apologies, ghivashel, I did not mean for it to sound as if-"

"Furthermore, I think Bard probably knows we are married... he was at the ceremony, Thorin."

Bard had the pleasure of seeing the King Under the Mountain look incredibly flustered and embarrassed by Bilbo's words, offering a short nod before quickly changing the subject.

"I'm sorry I said all that in front of Bard, dear; but I must admit I'm a little confused," Bilbo smiled over the top of his book once he was alone with Thorin that evening.

Thorin, who had remained quite quiet on 'the husband' matter for the rest of the day, looked up to catch Bilbo's eye questioningly.

"Why do you call me consort and husband so much? Most people we meet already know the fact now, yet you seem to say it all the same. I thought at first that maybe you were worried folk wouldn't take me seriously since I'm a hobbit, but-"

"Never," Thorin looked startled. "If people who meet you cannot see your worth and suitability straight away, then they are fools."

Bilbo ducked his head but could not help the teasing remark that fell from his lips. "Forgive me, but I seem to remember a dwarf who thought I was 'lost' and a burden when we first met..."

"I never said I wasn't one of the fools," Thorin supplied smoothly and a smile stole over his features as well.

Bilbo chuckled, marking his place in his book with a finger before closing it and giving Thorin his full attention. "Well, if that's not the reason, what is?"

Thorin looked a little awkward, almost fidgety in his seat, not unlike a certain younger dwarf prince when he was embarrassed or caught doing something he should not.

"I... I really enjoy saying it," Thorin looked sheepish and averted his gaze. "To have you as my husband and consort is something I did not dare to dream of for a very long time on our journey here, but it was a wish I held close to my heart all the same... Now that I am actually married to you, I find that I cannot keep from mentioning it; it makes me happy... you make me happy. You are simply amazing when dealing with any problem that is presented to you despite having never been trained for such affairs. I admire you as much as I love you, and just feel the need to speak to others about you. "

Bilbo abandoned the book altogether, uncaring that he lost his place, in order to rush over to Thorin's side and pepper his face with kisses. "That is the sweetest... the soppiest reason anyone could ever fathom. I'm sorry I ever questioned it, you needn't look embarrassed over it."

Thorin hummed happily at the attention he was given, pulling Bilbo down beside him. "Does that mean I get to continue?"

"Well, I'll admit now that I know why it will only make me all the more flustered, but yes... on one condition,"

"Anything."

"You let me do the same."