Jasmine Tea and Coffee Kisses, (Part I)
(This fic isn't actually adult. I just put the filter on in an attempt to reduce the spam comments that this post seems to attract)
Title: Jasmine Tea & Coffee Kisses
Part I: First Impressions
Pairings: Kíli/Bilbo, minor Gimli/Legolas
Word Count: 8354Disclaimer: If I owned the hobbit, I wouldn't have to write fanfic
Summary: Coffee Shop AU. Kili starts working in his uncle Thorin's café to earn some cash while he's in college. Bilbo owns the flower shop next door and comes in every day at the same time for tea and a muffin. Flirting and romance ensue.
The new barista was terribly distracting and Bilbo finally set down his clippers with a sigh, knowing that he wouldn't get any more work done before he found out who that was.
Normally he didn't mind the large glass panels in the wall between his florist shop and the coffee shop next door and in fact they had been rather good for business. Ever since Cafe Erebor moved in, Bilbo's sales had skyrocketed because nothing seemed to remind people that they needed love or forgiveness like staring at a bouquet of roses, coffee in their hands.
However, from the moment that he came into Baggin's Bouquets that Monday morning, Bilbo had been able to see the new employee walking around out of the corner of his eye and it was driving him crazy.
Although no sound crossed the wall between the shops, the young man was visibly bright and cheerful even when wiping down tables and Bilbo had always been too curious for his own good. So when the morning coffee rush was over, he finally he gave in and turned his sign around before ducking next door to meet the new arrival.
The bell rang with a gentle chime as he entered the cafe and Thorin looked up, giving him a nod when he saw who it was. When the florist had first met his new neighbor, the older man had terrified him, for he was not given much to talking or to smiles. However, Bilbo eventually learned that this gruff exterior hid a gentle heart and now he considered Thorin something of a friend. A silent, glowering, strangely attractive friend, but a friend nonetheless.
So Bilbo correctly interpreted the man's raised eyebrow as a question and shrugged in response, “It's been a slow morning so I thought I would get my tea early and meet your new hire while I'm at it.”
He didn't bother to order since Thorin knew his usual, instead sitting at a small corner table by the window where he could watch the street flow by. Now that all the early morning commuters had gone on their way, the coffee shop was nice and quiet with only a few other customers sitting hunched over their laptops in the back.
Bilbo lost track of time as he watched the pedestrians scurry past outside and so jumped slightly when a cheerful voice spoke by his elbow. “Your order, sir.”
When he turned to look, Thorin's new employee was standing there smiling down at him with the warmest brown eyes that he had ever seen. He was tall, at least a few inches taller than the florist but probably a few years younger judging by the irrepressible grin on his face. The new barista was also far too attractive in the same irritatingly oblivious way that Thorin had, and Bilbo blushed when he realized he was staring.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you,” the young man apologized, setting a plate and cup down on the table. “Uncle always used to say that I walk like a fox.”
“Um, what?” The florist stammered, somewhat confused by this seeming non sequitur and distracted by the truly astounding dimples in the other's cheeks.
“Thorin over there is my uncle and he says I need to walk louder to avoid startling customers, though considering how much I talk that's not usually a problem,” He explained, waving towards the older man behind the counter and giving Bilbo a wink. “Do you mind if I sit?”
“Um no, go ahead,” he replied in surprise, taking a sip of his tea while he regained his composure. “Though I hope you don't ask all your customers that.”
“Of course not,” the barista said, sliding into the chair across from Bilbo with a grin. “You're special.”
His voice was so sincere that the florist found himself blushing again and he hid his embarrassment behind another drink of tea. “Special?”
“Yup, you work next door right? Boggin's Bouquets? So obviously we should get to know each other since I'm sure I'll see a lot of you over the coming months.”
“Oh, um, yes that would be me. Though I need to get that sign repainted and it's actually Bilbo Baggins, at your service.” He replied, giving the other man a half bow from his seat and trying to ignore the way that Thorin was watching them from the corner of his eye.
“Killigan Prince at yours, but everyone calls me Kíli because Killigan is a stupid name and it takes too long to yell.” Thorin's nephew introduced himself with a bow of his own and Bilbo had to blink against the young man's blinding smile. “Although you might have me beaten there, even if it isn't Boggins, what were your parents thinking?”
The bluntness of the question caught the florist off guard and he faltered for a moment as he tried to think of a response. However, Kíli waited patiently for him to speak and eventually Bilbo managed to spit an answer out, snark overcoming his surprise. “Well, my father said they meant to name me Balbo after his grandfather, but the doctor couldn't read his handwriting. What's your excuse?”
“Oh I don't have one, my mother's just crazy like that, though at least she married out so we weren't stuck with Durin like the rest. But she named my brother Fílipek so I count myself lucky that I got the Irish phase. Actually the whole family's like that if you haven’t noticed.” Kíli retorted with another laugh, before leaning forward on the table and asking under his breath. “So tell me the truth, does uncle Thorin scare the crap out of you?”
“I, what? Why don't you ever ask any normal questions?” Bilbo asked in bemusement, the other's conspiratorial expression making him grin behind his hand.
However, the younger man just leaned back, his long limbs sprawling across his chair in a manner that the florist found disconcertingly attractive. “Where's the fun in that? I already know your name and where you work, and considering that Baggins is printed on the door I'm pretty sure you run the place. Besides, this question made you smile didn't it?”
“Well I suppose it did,” The florist had to admit, “But that's not the normal way people get to know each other. I don't even know why you're here.”
“Because I work here,” Kíli teased and the older man huffed in annoyance when he blushed again, “Oh you know what I meant.”
“Of course I do but normal is boring and I have to leave some mystery to keep you coming back, don't I? However, if you really must know, I'm in the masters program up at UH and uncle was kind enough to give me a job while I'm in school.”
“A job you should be doing,” Thorin called over as another customer walked through the door and his nephew hopped up at his request.
“Sorry Bilbo, duty calls. But I'll see you around and I expect you to answer my question next time.” Kíli said cheerfully, giving a little wave while he walked back to the register.
The florist nodded absently, watching the other leave as he tore his cranberry muffin in half and nibbled on the corner. He knew that he should get back to the shop soon but he wanted a moment to collect his thoughts first because no one had managed to fluster him so badly in years. Though if Bilbo was honest with himself, it may have more to do with the warmth of Kíli's smiles than the teasing and next time he was resolved to hold his own.
He finished his muffin and left his payment on the table, nodding to Thorin and his nephew on his way out of the door. If the florist was slightly distracted for the rest of the day then no one called him on it and if they had, he could always have blamed it on the last minute order of six dozen gardenias that filled up his afternoon.
---
On Tuesday Bilbo waited until his normal time before stepping out for tea and when he walked into Cafe Erebor he told himself he wasn't disappointed that Kíli wasn't there. Instead, one of Thorin's usual employees, a boisterous redhead called Bombur whom the florist thought was some manner of cousin was standing behind the counter mixing drinks.
However, when he went up to the counter to pay for his standard order he found himself asking, “Is Kíli not in today?”
“'Fraid not, had some registration stuff to deal with. But he should be back tomorrow and then he'll be working mornings Monday thru Friday and some weekends to fit around his classes,” Bombur told him cheerfully as he handed the florist his change. “Do you want me to pass a message on?”
“Oh no, that's all right,” Bilbo refused, embarrassed to think that Kíli would find out that he asked. “I was just curious.”
The florist quickly turned the conversation to more innocuous topics, chatting with Bombur about his day until his tea was ready. Then he took his mug and his muffin and walked over to his standard table to perform his daily ritual.
However, for the first time since he started coming to Cafe Erebor, Bilbo felt as though something was missing and after awhile he couldn't take it anymore. This is ridiculous, he told himself, frustrated with his own stupid thoughts. You had one conversation and you barely got a word in edgewise because you were too distracted by Kíli's truly ridiculous dimples. You cannot seriously be pining already.
Indeed he refused to believe that this was the problem, deciding instead that it had simply been too long since he had dated and so he was reading interest into what was only a friendly chat.
I'll come in next time and once I actually manage to have a proper conversation, I'm sure I'll see that our connection was nothing special. Kíli is just interesting, and playful and far too pretty for his own good and I only got flustered because I never actually go out. So it's really not a crush at all.
The more Bilbo told himself this the thinner the argument sounded even in his own mind so it was actually a relief when Thorin sat down across from him, although the relief was somewhat reduced by the older man's terrifying frown.
“Um, hello?” He squeaked in surprise for the other had never once sat down with him in all the weeks the florist had been having tea beneath his roof. They were friends yes, but not usually the kind that hung out or had deep discussions, more the sort that nodded from afar.
“You seemed to be getting along with my nephew yesterday.” Thorin said, staring at Bilbo intently and the florist flushed beneath his steady gaze.
“I...yes, we were. He seems like a nice lad.” He replied hesitantly, feeling as if the older man could read his indecent thoughts right off his face.
But Thorin just smiled fondly at his words and Bilbo could tell that he loved his nephew dearly. “That he is and he'll be your friend if you want him.”
“You'd approve of that?” The florist asked in surprise, unsure why the other man was talking to him if not to warn him off.
“Of course I would. My nephew is old enough to make his own decisions, even if he does always assume the best of everyone, and he doesn't need me chasing his friends off. In fact you might be good for him because Kíli has always been a flighty one and he could stand to learn some responsibility from your example. That said, if you do hurt him somehow I promise I will make your life a living hell.”
There was the terrifying Thorin that he expected and Bilbo quickly nodded his agreement beneath the other's ferocious stare. See, there's one good reason right there to nip my crush in the bud, he told himself as the cafe's owner stood up and walked away to greet another customer.
Kíli sounds like he just flirts with everyone and even if he does like me I'm hardly the type for one night stands. In fact the florist was a serial monogamist, though he'd gone off dating for several years now after one too many unfaithful bastards broke his heart. So there was no point in risking either Thorin's wrath or his own sorrow by taking Kíli too seriously, and he resolved to just relax, have fun, and see how things played out.
With this decision made Bilbo found that he was finally able to appreciate his meal properly and he sent Bombur a smile on his way back out the door.
Baggin's Bouquets was unexpectedly crowded that afternoon so the florist was kept busy making flower arrangements while he took phone orders and reminded old Mr. Boffin yet again that his wife was deathly allergic to begonias. While Kíli crossed his mind occasionally over the hours, usually when someone brought in their coffee from Cafe Erebor, these were casual thoughts and Bilbo was sure that being nothing more than friends would be just fine.
At least he was sure until he walked into the coffee shop and saw Kíli standing there once more.
---
This second meeting actually occurred a week after the first because fate seemed to be conspiring to keep Bilbo from his tea at every turn.
First the florist was startled from sleep early on Wednesday by a shrilly ringing phone. When he answered it with a groan, the woman on the other end of the line declared that she had eloped to the islands and wouldn't be back for a month. Through his sleep-filled haze Bilbo recognized the voice of his flower delivery woman but she hung up before he could get a word out in reply.
Her news made him shoot up in panic for the florist did not own a car and without Maribelle he had no way to pick up his stock at all. While he might be okay that morning, his shop was running low on a number of popular flower types and the more delicate species needed to be bought fresh everyday.
In fact Bilbo had thought about hiring a second deliveryman for emergencies and holidays before but Baggin's Bouquets was such a small business that he had never been able to justify the expense. So he tumbled out of bed with cost analyses running through his mind, and the florist was all set to head into work until he saw the rain pouring down outside, decided that it was a sign and went back to sleep instead.
Once he finally did get up, the rest of the day was spent calling other drivers and flower sellers, trying to find someone who could pick up Maribelle's slack. However, it seemed that she had bailed on everyone and all the usual deliverymen were already booked by larger florists that could afford to keep them standing by.
Bilbo's frustration grew with every unsuccessful phone call and by the time he got his tenth rejection he was nearly growling into the speaker as he slammed it down in disgust. While business had been good lately, there were always bills to pay and the florist needed to stay open to keep himself in the black.
Crap, I think I have to call Gandalf after all. He thought in dismay, dreading the coming conversation. The old man was a friend of his parents who had been around as long as he could remember but did not seem to age and while Bilbo was sure that Gandalf could not be his real name, the florist had never learned another.
If anyone could find someone willing to deliver flowers last minute it was him, for the old man had contacts with all sorts of people and was a wizard at creating miracles. However, Gandalf was also a old busybody who was far too interested in the state of Bilbo's love life and firmly believed that he should get back out there to find romance once again.
I don't know why he's so keen on me dating again when he's the one who's had to comfort me after every broken heart. Oh my god, I need more friends...
The florist was momentarily distracted by the horrifying realization that his best friend might actually be an old man at least four times his age who had known his parents. While Bilbo did have other people whom he was glad to see, Gandalf was the only one whom he could call at any hour of the night in order to bitch about the latest jackass who had left him high and dry.
Okay fine, maybe I deserve the lecture since I apparently don't have a life. I'll listen to it this time but if he says I told you so I'm hanging up and perhaps Kíli will save me from ever having to hear those words again.
So Bilbo gathered his courage before dialing the old man's number and indeed the conversation went exactly as he thought. The old man was glad to hear from him, greeting him cheerfully before starting in on his life choices and it was nearly half an hour before the florist managed to turn the discussion toward the actual reason that he called.
However, when he finally did, Gandalf came through once again, saying that he knew a guy whose brother had a van and a desperate need for work, and was sure that the fellow would be happy to oblige.
“Nori's a nice man, just a little down on his luck, and his older brother asked me to keep an ear open for any such opportunities. I'll give him a call after I'm done with you and then let you know what he says, but he should be able to start this week. However, don't think this means that I've let you off the hook about starting to date people again. I know you love your flower shop but the world's out there, Bilbo, and you're going to miss it if you're not careful.”
The florist promised to think about Gandalf's words as he always did, although this time he actually meant it. While he certainly had no intention of throwing himself back into dating willy-nilly, the last few days had convinced Bilbo that it might be time to test the waters once again. Cautiously for sure, but once he had this crisis dealt with, he would dip a toe in and see what it was like.
Of course, even once the old man called back and said that Nori would meet him Friday, things were not so easy as all that.
---
Bilbo woke up at 2am on Thursday to find that the weather had only worsened, the winds of the storm shrieking like a banshee as they whipped around his house. At first the florist wasn't sure what had roused him, but then he heard the silence where there should be glugging and he tumbled out of bed with a vicious curse.
It's just one thing after another, isn't it? He thought in exasperation, throwing on some clothes and running to the basement. When he got there, the florist found the cellar flooding, four inches of water already on the ground as his sump pump spluttered uselessly in the corner. Bilbo slogged over to it swearing under his breath all the while and groaning when he got close enough to see exactly what was wrong.
Figures. It just figures. He thought, resigning himself to a long and uncomfortable night manually pumping out the flood. At least the damn thing wasn't broken entirely, but having to sit here working it by hand was not his idea of a good time.
Several hours later, the sun peeked over the horizon as the storm died down at last and Bilbo stood up with a sigh. Well that was fun. I better start calling around to get this fixed and maybe if I'm lucky I can still get into the shop today.
Unfortunately, luck was not with him and by the time his sump pump was back in working order there was no point in opening his doors, especially since most flower sales occurred in the morning anyway. So instead Bilbo went in early the next day to prepare for Nori's arrival, tossing out his wilted flowers and cleaning up the shop. He had just finished filling up the vases for those blooms that survived when he heard a knock on the door and he went to open it with a smile.
The florist did a double-take when he saw the man waiting in front of his shop for he had never seen such vertical hair nor such an interesting style. However, the man had a kind smile and Bilbo didn't care what he looked like as long as he could drive, so he shook the questions from his mind and greeted the other warmly.
“You would be Nori then? Or do you prefer Mr... I'm sorry, I'm afraid Gandalf never gave me a last name.”
“Just Nori is fine.” The other replied, shaking his hand firmly. “I understand you're looking for a deliveryman.”
“Yes, yes I am. Thank you so much for coming.” The florist pulled Nori inside to explain his new duties and within a few hours his shop was ready for business once again, shelves covered with flowers in full bloom. Bilbo made a few sales that morning and had just started hoping that he might actually manage to have his tea when the bell over the door jingled.
He looked up and then slumped down with a groan, resting his head despondently against the counter top. Seriously, could this week get any worse? Bilbo asked himself as the Sackville-Bagginses swaggered into his shop, gazing around themselves with disdain.
“Aren't you supposed to call before you bother me?” He asked his relatives, wondering what exactly he had done to deserve this imposition.
Lobelia just sneered, somehow able to look down her nose at him despite being the shortest of the bunch. “You don't answer our calls dear cousin as you well know. So Otho and I thought we'd treat you to lunch and give you a proper meal for once while we discuss our business.”
Bilbo had an unpleasant feeling about this because there was only one thing his relatives ever wanted from him and the Sackville-Bagginses attempting to be nice was never a good sign. But he had learned from experience that Lobelia did not take no for an answer and refusing would only make them stick around until he changed his mind.
So the florist sighed his agreement, closing his shop yet again and hoping desperately that he managed to get his business back to normal soon. All these disasters were cutting into his bottom line and he was never happy to see his greedy cousins for they wouldn't be satisfied until they had taken all he had.
As he followed them to their car, gawdy and ostentatious like everything they owned, Bilbo looked back at Cafe Erebor wistfully. He could see Thorin setting out fresh muffins in the display and he missed his morning routine desperately. Besides Kíli hadn't come in yet and the florist doubted his relatives would release him in time to see the young man before his shift was through.
One of these days, I am going to have my tea again. I swear.
The Sackville-Bagginses drove him into the city for lunch, parking outside of the most extravagant building the florist had ever seen. Lobelia ushered her cousin out of the car and through the doors, barely giving Bilbo enough time to read the cursive script painted on the window.
The Greenwood Hall? Isn't that the fancy new vegan restaurant that just opened up? The florist wondered as they walked inside and he looked around in awe. All the waiters were tall and blond and snooty, dressed in fine tailored green uniforms that looked like they might actually be silk. Bilbo tried not to gawk as their inhumanly attractive waiter led them to a table in the corner and he tried not to faint when he saw the prices on the menu.
“Don't worry cousin. We said that we'd treat you today; you look like you could use a proper meal for once,” Lobelia told him with false kindness, correctly interpreting the shocked expression on his face and Bilbo went back to his menu with a huff.
Because this is such a great meal. What is this vegan crap? Soybean spring rolls? Stone-cooked Lembas bread? They don't even have muffins.
A moment after he thought this, the florist was surprised to hear his sentiments echoed out loud as a young voice shouted across the room. “I don't want to cook this vegan crap, father. Gimli's been showing me how to use his barbecue and I think it has a lot of potential.”
Bilbo turned to look for the source of the commotion and saw a pair of men arguing in the corner, both as blond and skinny as the rest. One of them looked to be a teenager or not far from it and while the florist didn't recognize the older man, he heard Lobelia whisper behind him, “That's Thranduil, the head chef and owner. How scandalous, to be fighting in public like that. This restaurant is supposed to be high class.”
Owner or not, Thranduil looked like he was having a bad day, rubbing his forehead in irritation as he glared down at his young son. “We're a vegan restaurant, Legolas. This family has been vegan for generations and you want to throw all that away for what? To impress your common little friend?”
“He's not common, father and you know it.” The teen replied, crossing his arms across his chest and sticking his chin out stubbornly. “The Durins are fine people even if they're not as rich as us and Gimli's not just my friend, he's my boyfriend. We both got accepted to the culinary program at UH and we're going to open a restaurant together when we graduate. One that serves meat.”
The older man looked like he was going to pass out from shock at his son's defiance and he sank down into a chair as Legolas stalked out of the building. Bilbo quickly turned away before either of them could see him watching, though the sight of his own relatives did not improve his mood.
Their waiter must have come by while the florist was distracted because Otho was already drinking and Bilbo was briefly envious of the other man for some alcohol would make this visit slightly easier to swallow. But he needed his wits about him to deal with Lobelia so when their server returned he ordered water instead, along with the most expensive thing off the menu just to annoy her when the bill arrived.
That business dealt with, Bilbo leaned back in his chair and asked with a sigh. “So to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? The usual I suppose.”
“You make it sound so horrid cousin. I only want what's best for you and we both know that rattling around that enormous old house of yours isn't it. An apartment would fit you much better: cheaper, easier to clean, closer to your work and of course, that would leave Bag End for us. You know we deserve a place that fits our station.”
The words were different but it was the same argument as always, the same argument they had been giving him ever since his parents died. And as always Bilbo didn't want to hear it; Bag End belonged to him, it was his inheritance and the last thing he had of his family. While it was a large home for one person, the house was filled with memories and he would never let it fall into the hands of the Sackville-Bagginses, not when they wouldn't love it right.
Lobelia knew his feelings on the matter well because the first time she had brought it up was just after the funeral and Bilbo had rejected her quite harshly. However, despite being literally thrown out of his house on more than one occasion, the Sackville-Bagginses simply would not give up and every few months they would stop by to bother him again.
They had tried everything: guilt, money, reason and now they were apparently working toward bribery given the restaurant the group was sitting in. Of course, if they actually knew anything about their cousin, they would know that The Greenwood Hall was not the kind of place that would change his mind. So Bilbo picked at his fancy salad, nodding and smiling as Lobelia rambled on and Otho drank himself into a stupor.
Once lunch was over the pair would have to drive him back because his cousins would rather die than be overtly impolite, at least when other people were there to hear. So the florist hunkered down and endured their needling and to be honest it was a decent salad, if far too expensive for something made entirely of leaves.
But eventually Bilbo finished his extravagant dessert, ordered to make Lobelia's eyebrows twitch, and convinced his relatives to return him to Baggins' Bouquets. Watching them drive away, the florist sighed, wondering when they'd finally get the hint and leave him alone, or worse, what ridiculous attempt they would make on Bag End next.
He tried to push these worries from his mind as he turned to reopen his shop one more time and he told himself it was only natural to look at Cafe Erebor long enough to see that Kíli had indeed already left for class.
Well there's always next week, He thought to himself as he straightened the displays and helped the few customers who wandered in off the street. Bilbo wasn't very busy until the evening, unlike most days the Friday rush always showed up right before closing, and while he normally appreciated the break, today the silence gave him too much time to think.
The combination of Gandalf's scolding and his relatives' visit had the florist feeling pensive, wondering if they were all correct and he actually was wasting away from solitude. It was not something he normally thought about for he was generally content with his life, but he did have to admit that Bag End got lonely sometimes.
However, he would see Kíli again soon and the younger man seemed to emit joy like sunshine so if they did become friends Bilbo knew his life would probably change greatly and he was torn between anticipation and terror at the thought.
Even though he had decided to just go with the flow at their next meeting, the florist couldn't help but worry that he was getting his hopes up for nothing and he had misread the situation after all. What if Kíli changed his mind about wanting to be friends before they met again or had been less serious in his overtures than Thorin had implied? Maybe he was just that nice to everyone and had already forgotten about the shy man who worked next door in favor of his college life.
And yet, what if he was happy to see Bilbo? What if Kíli meant it all? While this might be the florist's chance to make a friend his own age, his life was comfortable in its familiarity and the thought of breaking out of that protective shell made his heart thunder in his chest.
But he could not deny the hope and he could not stop thinking about the possibilities, whether the two of them became casual acquaintances or friends or something, nothing more.
---
With these thoughts spinning round his brain, Bilbo worked himself into quite a state and the days passed by in a blur of nervous anticipation while he waited for the week to start again. Although when Monday finally came, his hopes had darkened to apprehension and his heart rose in his throat with every step he took toward Baggins' Bouquets that morning.
No expectations, the florist reminded himself firmly as he unlocked his door. Expect nothing and it'll be fine. Thorin seems to think that Kíli likes me and if that's true, being friends would be amazing enough without wishing for anything else. So I'm going to be fun, casual and friendly if it kills me, instead of getting all flustered like I did before.
It was a good pep talk and by the time he walked through the door of Cafe Erebor, Bilbo felt ready to take on anything. In fact, he was feeling so prepared that he walked up to the counter and met Kíli's eyes without fear, before discovering that all words had fled his mind at the warmth he saw within.
“Bilbo! You're back. I was starting to wonder if I had scared you off.” Kíli said, grinning at him brightly and the florist felt some of his doubts ease at the knowledge that the barista was glad to see him after all. However, he still couldn't find the words to greet him, too busy drinking in the sight of the other's features, and Bilbo flushed deeply as he realized that his attraction had definitely not died.
But when another long moment passed without the florist answering his greeting, the barista's smile dimmed and he drew back from the counter with a frown. “Mr. Baggins, are you all right? I- Did I do something wrong? I can be more formal if you prefer.” He asked, worry darkening his eyes, and at the sight of his distress, the florist felt his heart clench uncomfortably.
The last thing that Bilbo wanted was for Kíli to keep his distance but he didn't know how to say that without sounding like an idiot. So the florist kept silent, keeping his gaze fixed on the counter as he shook his head because he couldn't bear the thought of seeing laughter in the others eyes.
I can't believe I'm already screwing this up, he thought despairingly, but before he could sink too deep into recriminations, the barista reached out to gently touch his arm.
“Well in that case, did you want your usual or are you trying something new today?” Kíli asked softly and when Bilbo looked up in surprise, there was only kindness on the young man's face. Kindness and a bit of laughter, but the sort that invited the florist to join in, and it did not feel cruel when the other added with an impish smirk: “Though if you don't speak to me at all, it's going to be the coffee of my choice.”
This teasing threat finally broke through the florist's paralysis and he stuttered quickly in response, “No! N- no. Busy. I mean, you didn't do anything. I- I was just busy and my usual will be fine.”
“All right then, I'm glad to hear it.” The barista replied, regaining his earlier cheer as he rung up the other man's order. “But I believe you owe me an answer before I can give this tea to you.”
“A- An answer?” Bilbo muttered in bewilderment, pleased that Kíli didn't seem to mind his stumbling but still feeling quite out of his depth. “An answer to what?”
“To my question from last Monday, remember? The one I asked you about uncle Thorin? You promised me an answer on the next time that we met. Which would of course be now.”
“Oh did I?” The florist asked, rather dazed by the shine of the young man's smile. He could hear impatient mutters from the few customers in line behind him, which only scattered his thoughts more, and he fumbled with his money as he pulled his wallet out.
“Of course you did and I am shocked that I was so forgettable as that. But I will forgive you if you give me an answer now.” Kíli said with a dramatic sigh as he glared the mutterers into silence and with such a stalwart defender, the florist found his voice.
“I- In that case the word you're looking for is yes, but only in the beginning.” Bilbo replied, finally beginning to relax and remember that he did actually know how to have a conversation. It's just like talking to Thorin or a customer. A younger, more attractive version who changes subjects like the wind, but I can totally do this, the florist told himself, bolstered by the knowledge that the other really wouldn't judge him for his awkwardness.
“I'm glad to hear that; as you've probably noticed, my uncle is like a porcupine; spiky on the outside but with a gooey heart within and he could always use more friends to watch his back. But it's your turn now, so ask me a question and I will give you nothing but the truth.” The barista said, shooting him another blinding grin and before Bilbo could think better of it, he spoke his thoughts into the air.
“Are you always this happy?” He wondered with some incredulity, before ducking his head in embarrassment as he realized what he'd said. “That's not.. I mean I didn't... Crap.” So much for my skills at conversation.
But Kíli just laughed, eyes crinkling up with amusement and handed the florist his change. “I accept your question and I'll tell you the answer tomorrow, so try not to disappear on me again.”
“I didn't do it on purpose, you know. Life just... just got in my way.” Bilbo told him before taking his tea and fleeing to his table before any other ridiculous statements could come out of his mouth. The other man didn't seem offended by his hurried goodbye, giving him a little wave and a wink that made the florist stumble, and he settled into his standard position with a hopelessly dreamy sigh.
For once he found the view inside of the cafe far more entrancing than the people walking past the windows, for Kíli served the other customers and bustled around the counters with a surprising grace which was quite easy on the eyes.
And while Bilbo would never have admitted it to anyone, he was rather pleased to see that the barista didn't smile quite as widely at anyone else, and thus his joy at seeing the florist again was probably not an act. So as long as he could stop making a total fool of himself every time they met, perhaps this friends thing would work out after all, and perhaps that tiny spark of hope which still flickered within his chest would win the day.
However, when Bilbo found himself lingering long after he had finished his tea, hoping for one more smile or bit of conversation, he decided that he was being ridiculous again. Indeed he was about to get up, return to his shop and try to put the young man's dimples out of his mind, when someone slid into the empty chair across the table.
It was Thorin again and as the florist stared at him in surprise, the older man placed another cup of tea before him. “On the house for one of my best customers,” He said with a small smile. “You must have had a rough week to keep from visiting for so long. Normally I could set a watch by your visits if I were so inclined, and I know Kíli can be a bit overwhelming sometimes.”
“Um, well, thank you.” Bilbo told him, shifting awkwardly as he took a sip of his new drink. He had never been one to talk about his troubles, but it didn't seem right to sit here in silence either, so he wasn't sure what he should say. Particularly since Thorin's nephew was most definitely not a safe topic of conversation with the kind of thoughts that were running through his head. Not that his mouth got the memo because the next thing Bilbo knew, he was saying: “He must have been exhausting as a child.”
Thorin chuckled and the florist had to remind himself to breathe when the other's mirth lit up his face. Damn this gorgeous family, they're going to be the death of me. But while the older man was undeniably attractive, Bilbo's appreciation was primarily aesthetic as opposed to the kind of urges which Kíli inspired and he shook off his daze to listen intently when Thorin began to speak.
“Exhausting, yes, you could say that. Kíli and his brother used to run their mother ragged, and me also if I was around. Absolute hellions, the both of them.” He said, the harshness of his words belied by the affection in his voice.
“But for all the trouble that they caused, the lads were never malicious about it and they've mellowed somewhat as they've grown. Though Kíli still tends to forget that while he may be the unholy love child of the Energizer Bunny and a social butterfly, other people sometimes need to breathe before they speak, so don't be afraid to call him on it when he gets to be too much. He could use the practice and you'll have to learn to hold your own if you're going to be part of the family anyway; some of our relatives are just as bad as him. Or worse.”
This was more words than the florist had ever heard from the other in one sitting so it took him a moment to realize that it was more than the thought of Kíli being mellow in comparison to anyone which was making him feel faint.
Wait a minute... Did he say... “Part of the family?” Bilbo squeaked, feeling rather overwhelmed by this turn of conversation. Have I missed something somewhere? He wondered because last the florist had checked, he and Kíli were most definitely not even dating and it seemed a little early for statements like that.
However, Thorin didn't seem to think there was anything odd about his choice of phrase, answering the florist with a matter of fact shrug. “Of course. If you're going to be my nephew's... friend, then you're going to meet us all before too long. But don't worry about it now; if you can handle Kíli then you'll be fine and he won't throw you to the wolves without someone at your back.”
After dropping these bombs so casually, Erebor's owner left to deal with a new mass of customers and Bilbo sipped his tea slowly as he thought over the strange conversation which they just had. Yet while there were all kind of worrying implications buried in Thorin's words, the only one the florist chose to acknowledge at the moment was the other's tacit approval of whatever was going on.
This was enough for now since thoughts of Kíli's possibly terrifying relatives and desires past friendship could wait for another day. So the florist was feeling rather optimistic when he walked back to his shop, giving Thorin a nod and his nephew a wave on his way out the door.
These Durins may be forward and exhausting and far too attractive for Bilbo's peace of mind, but their unbridled joy and welcome was also strangely exhilarating and the florist had a feeling that if they chose to adopt him into their ranks, he would never feel alone again.
---
Over the next few weeks, Bilbo and Kíli continued their odd game of twenty questions and gradually the florist grew comfortable enough that he no longer stuttered when they spoke. While he still blushed far too often, the barista never called him on it and Bilbo began to look forward to their conversations a bit more every day.
If nothing else, he found the young man fascinating and while most of the florist's questions were more normal than the first one, he always wanted to hear what Kíli had to say. So Bilbo learned that the barista was getting his Masters in Management Practice- “because someone has to take over from uncle after all”- and he was indeed almost always filled with such happiness. He discovered that Kíli's favorite color was blue and his favorite dessert was pecan pie, but the young man hated all nuts by themselves.
Later on, the florist learned that Kíli was obsessed with archery and thinking of starting a club at UH since the school didn't have one and he had been captain of the team at ELU. “We even made it to Nationals a few times, though we always lost out to the guys from Mirkwood in the end,” he admitted and when Bilbo expressed an interest in watching him sometime, the barista lit up like a Christmas tree
Eventually the florist ventured into more personal questions and discovered that the other man had never known his father- “died before I was born you know” -but he thought the rest of his large extended family filled this space just fine. Kíli even happily admitted to being something of a mama's boy, saying that his mother was the best person that he knew, even if her choice of names left something to be desired.
In turn, the other man made his own inquiries and while he never once asked what the florist had expected, in his own way the barista slowly uncovered a picture of just who Bilbo Baggins was: sometimes shy, often snarky and fiercely protective of those few whom he considered friends.
First Kíli learned that the other man was only a few years older than him but had never been to college, instead taking over the family business when his parents died. However the florist had never resented this turn of fate because he loved his job and had an entire library of books on interesting topics that he read when he got bored. The following week, Kíli discovered that morning fog made the other smile while rainstorms made him frown, though Bilbo liked to watch the patterns lightning made across the sky.
Periodically, the younger man would give in and ask a more normal question, thus also finding out that the florist liked to cook but hated baking, enjoyed long walks and stargazing, and usually spent his evenings reading in his favorite chair. Finally, the barista asked Bilbo why he drank Jasmine tea every single morning and was told that despite his prime location, the florist disliked coffee of all kinds.
This last became something of a mission for Kíli because he refused to believe that the older man could really hate every type of coffee and he made it his goal to find a blend which the other would enjoy. So after this discussion, when Bilbo came in for his tea every morning, the barista would hand him a sample cup filled with some new exotic flavor for him to try. And every morning, Bilbo would drink this coffee and find great amusement in Kíli's disgruntled face when he said that it was not the one.
After the first week of this, all the regulars began to anticipate their interaction and would offer their own suggestions on the different blends they liked. Yet while the florist was normally wary of being the center of attention, everyone was so kind about it that this time he didn't really mind, and in truth, he began to look forward to hearing what opinions the peanut gallery would put forth each day.
So when Thorin pulled him aside and asked why he was continuing to go along with these attempts if he really hated coffee so very much, Bilbo just shrugged and told him, “It makes your nephew happy, doesn't it? And to be honest, now I'm kind of curious if he'll ever manage to find one that I like.”
Besides, it kept his mind off his own cowardly refusal to ask the younger man out, that strange line in their relationship which both of them kept shying from. Because even if the florist now considered Kíli his friend and they talked nearly every single day, the pair had yet to spend any time together outside of their respective shops. But while he would have liked to see more of the other man, what they had now was comfortable and safe and Bilbo just couldn't bring himself to change things and risk ruining it all.
Kíli had started dropping by Baggins' Bouquets to say farewell after his shifts and the younger man seemed to be facing a similar conundrum. Every few days, he would begin to ask a question only to pause mid word and after a week of this, Bilbo was dying to find out what the barista wanted to say.
True, it could be something innocuous, perhaps an invitation to hang out somewhere in the city that Kíli wasn't sure if he'd accept. However, the florist rather hoped that this nervousness meant something else, something better, even as he was surprised by the other man's uncharacteristic hesitance. Although Bilbo had to admit there was a difference between flirting and asking with intent, and he could hardly blame the younger man for being unwilling to cross the same line which flummoxed him.
Still, the florist was starting to wonder if they would ever make it out of this holding pattern or if they would just keep dancing around each other, cowards to the end.
Part II: Two Hearts Collide
Title: Jasmine Tea & Coffee Kisses
Part I: First Impressions
Pairings: Kíli/Bilbo, minor Gimli/Legolas
Word Count: 8354Disclaimer: If I owned the hobbit, I wouldn't have to write fanfic
Summary: Coffee Shop AU. Kili starts working in his uncle Thorin's café to earn some cash while he's in college. Bilbo owns the flower shop next door and comes in every day at the same time for tea and a muffin. Flirting and romance ensue.
The new barista was terribly distracting and Bilbo finally set down his clippers with a sigh, knowing that he wouldn't get any more work done before he found out who that was.
Normally he didn't mind the large glass panels in the wall between his florist shop and the coffee shop next door and in fact they had been rather good for business. Ever since Cafe Erebor moved in, Bilbo's sales had skyrocketed because nothing seemed to remind people that they needed love or forgiveness like staring at a bouquet of roses, coffee in their hands.
However, from the moment that he came into Baggin's Bouquets that Monday morning, Bilbo had been able to see the new employee walking around out of the corner of his eye and it was driving him crazy.
Although no sound crossed the wall between the shops, the young man was visibly bright and cheerful even when wiping down tables and Bilbo had always been too curious for his own good. So when the morning coffee rush was over, he finally he gave in and turned his sign around before ducking next door to meet the new arrival.
The bell rang with a gentle chime as he entered the cafe and Thorin looked up, giving him a nod when he saw who it was. When the florist had first met his new neighbor, the older man had terrified him, for he was not given much to talking or to smiles. However, Bilbo eventually learned that this gruff exterior hid a gentle heart and now he considered Thorin something of a friend. A silent, glowering, strangely attractive friend, but a friend nonetheless.
So Bilbo correctly interpreted the man's raised eyebrow as a question and shrugged in response, “It's been a slow morning so I thought I would get my tea early and meet your new hire while I'm at it.”
He didn't bother to order since Thorin knew his usual, instead sitting at a small corner table by the window where he could watch the street flow by. Now that all the early morning commuters had gone on their way, the coffee shop was nice and quiet with only a few other customers sitting hunched over their laptops in the back.
Bilbo lost track of time as he watched the pedestrians scurry past outside and so jumped slightly when a cheerful voice spoke by his elbow. “Your order, sir.”
When he turned to look, Thorin's new employee was standing there smiling down at him with the warmest brown eyes that he had ever seen. He was tall, at least a few inches taller than the florist but probably a few years younger judging by the irrepressible grin on his face. The new barista was also far too attractive in the same irritatingly oblivious way that Thorin had, and Bilbo blushed when he realized he was staring.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you,” the young man apologized, setting a plate and cup down on the table. “Uncle always used to say that I walk like a fox.”
“Um, what?” The florist stammered, somewhat confused by this seeming non sequitur and distracted by the truly astounding dimples in the other's cheeks.
“Thorin over there is my uncle and he says I need to walk louder to avoid startling customers, though considering how much I talk that's not usually a problem,” He explained, waving towards the older man behind the counter and giving Bilbo a wink. “Do you mind if I sit?”
“Um no, go ahead,” he replied in surprise, taking a sip of his tea while he regained his composure. “Though I hope you don't ask all your customers that.”
“Of course not,” the barista said, sliding into the chair across from Bilbo with a grin. “You're special.”
His voice was so sincere that the florist found himself blushing again and he hid his embarrassment behind another drink of tea. “Special?”
“Yup, you work next door right? Boggin's Bouquets? So obviously we should get to know each other since I'm sure I'll see a lot of you over the coming months.”
“Oh, um, yes that would be me. Though I need to get that sign repainted and it's actually Bilbo Baggins, at your service.” He replied, giving the other man a half bow from his seat and trying to ignore the way that Thorin was watching them from the corner of his eye.
“Killigan Prince at yours, but everyone calls me Kíli because Killigan is a stupid name and it takes too long to yell.” Thorin's nephew introduced himself with a bow of his own and Bilbo had to blink against the young man's blinding smile. “Although you might have me beaten there, even if it isn't Boggins, what were your parents thinking?”
The bluntness of the question caught the florist off guard and he faltered for a moment as he tried to think of a response. However, Kíli waited patiently for him to speak and eventually Bilbo managed to spit an answer out, snark overcoming his surprise. “Well, my father said they meant to name me Balbo after his grandfather, but the doctor couldn't read his handwriting. What's your excuse?”
“Oh I don't have one, my mother's just crazy like that, though at least she married out so we weren't stuck with Durin like the rest. But she named my brother Fílipek so I count myself lucky that I got the Irish phase. Actually the whole family's like that if you haven’t noticed.” Kíli retorted with another laugh, before leaning forward on the table and asking under his breath. “So tell me the truth, does uncle Thorin scare the crap out of you?”
“I, what? Why don't you ever ask any normal questions?” Bilbo asked in bemusement, the other's conspiratorial expression making him grin behind his hand.
However, the younger man just leaned back, his long limbs sprawling across his chair in a manner that the florist found disconcertingly attractive. “Where's the fun in that? I already know your name and where you work, and considering that Baggins is printed on the door I'm pretty sure you run the place. Besides, this question made you smile didn't it?”
“Well I suppose it did,” The florist had to admit, “But that's not the normal way people get to know each other. I don't even know why you're here.”
“Because I work here,” Kíli teased and the older man huffed in annoyance when he blushed again, “Oh you know what I meant.”
“Of course I do but normal is boring and I have to leave some mystery to keep you coming back, don't I? However, if you really must know, I'm in the masters program up at UH and uncle was kind enough to give me a job while I'm in school.”
“A job you should be doing,” Thorin called over as another customer walked through the door and his nephew hopped up at his request.
“Sorry Bilbo, duty calls. But I'll see you around and I expect you to answer my question next time.” Kíli said cheerfully, giving a little wave while he walked back to the register.
The florist nodded absently, watching the other leave as he tore his cranberry muffin in half and nibbled on the corner. He knew that he should get back to the shop soon but he wanted a moment to collect his thoughts first because no one had managed to fluster him so badly in years. Though if Bilbo was honest with himself, it may have more to do with the warmth of Kíli's smiles than the teasing and next time he was resolved to hold his own.
He finished his muffin and left his payment on the table, nodding to Thorin and his nephew on his way out of the door. If the florist was slightly distracted for the rest of the day then no one called him on it and if they had, he could always have blamed it on the last minute order of six dozen gardenias that filled up his afternoon.
---
On Tuesday Bilbo waited until his normal time before stepping out for tea and when he walked into Cafe Erebor he told himself he wasn't disappointed that Kíli wasn't there. Instead, one of Thorin's usual employees, a boisterous redhead called Bombur whom the florist thought was some manner of cousin was standing behind the counter mixing drinks.
However, when he went up to the counter to pay for his standard order he found himself asking, “Is Kíli not in today?”
“'Fraid not, had some registration stuff to deal with. But he should be back tomorrow and then he'll be working mornings Monday thru Friday and some weekends to fit around his classes,” Bombur told him cheerfully as he handed the florist his change. “Do you want me to pass a message on?”
“Oh no, that's all right,” Bilbo refused, embarrassed to think that Kíli would find out that he asked. “I was just curious.”
The florist quickly turned the conversation to more innocuous topics, chatting with Bombur about his day until his tea was ready. Then he took his mug and his muffin and walked over to his standard table to perform his daily ritual.
However, for the first time since he started coming to Cafe Erebor, Bilbo felt as though something was missing and after awhile he couldn't take it anymore. This is ridiculous, he told himself, frustrated with his own stupid thoughts. You had one conversation and you barely got a word in edgewise because you were too distracted by Kíli's truly ridiculous dimples. You cannot seriously be pining already.
Indeed he refused to believe that this was the problem, deciding instead that it had simply been too long since he had dated and so he was reading interest into what was only a friendly chat.
I'll come in next time and once I actually manage to have a proper conversation, I'm sure I'll see that our connection was nothing special. Kíli is just interesting, and playful and far too pretty for his own good and I only got flustered because I never actually go out. So it's really not a crush at all.
The more Bilbo told himself this the thinner the argument sounded even in his own mind so it was actually a relief when Thorin sat down across from him, although the relief was somewhat reduced by the older man's terrifying frown.
“Um, hello?” He squeaked in surprise for the other had never once sat down with him in all the weeks the florist had been having tea beneath his roof. They were friends yes, but not usually the kind that hung out or had deep discussions, more the sort that nodded from afar.
“You seemed to be getting along with my nephew yesterday.” Thorin said, staring at Bilbo intently and the florist flushed beneath his steady gaze.
“I...yes, we were. He seems like a nice lad.” He replied hesitantly, feeling as if the older man could read his indecent thoughts right off his face.
But Thorin just smiled fondly at his words and Bilbo could tell that he loved his nephew dearly. “That he is and he'll be your friend if you want him.”
“You'd approve of that?” The florist asked in surprise, unsure why the other man was talking to him if not to warn him off.
“Of course I would. My nephew is old enough to make his own decisions, even if he does always assume the best of everyone, and he doesn't need me chasing his friends off. In fact you might be good for him because Kíli has always been a flighty one and he could stand to learn some responsibility from your example. That said, if you do hurt him somehow I promise I will make your life a living hell.”
There was the terrifying Thorin that he expected and Bilbo quickly nodded his agreement beneath the other's ferocious stare. See, there's one good reason right there to nip my crush in the bud, he told himself as the cafe's owner stood up and walked away to greet another customer.
Kíli sounds like he just flirts with everyone and even if he does like me I'm hardly the type for one night stands. In fact the florist was a serial monogamist, though he'd gone off dating for several years now after one too many unfaithful bastards broke his heart. So there was no point in risking either Thorin's wrath or his own sorrow by taking Kíli too seriously, and he resolved to just relax, have fun, and see how things played out.
With this decision made Bilbo found that he was finally able to appreciate his meal properly and he sent Bombur a smile on his way back out the door.
Baggin's Bouquets was unexpectedly crowded that afternoon so the florist was kept busy making flower arrangements while he took phone orders and reminded old Mr. Boffin yet again that his wife was deathly allergic to begonias. While Kíli crossed his mind occasionally over the hours, usually when someone brought in their coffee from Cafe Erebor, these were casual thoughts and Bilbo was sure that being nothing more than friends would be just fine.
At least he was sure until he walked into the coffee shop and saw Kíli standing there once more.
---
This second meeting actually occurred a week after the first because fate seemed to be conspiring to keep Bilbo from his tea at every turn.
First the florist was startled from sleep early on Wednesday by a shrilly ringing phone. When he answered it with a groan, the woman on the other end of the line declared that she had eloped to the islands and wouldn't be back for a month. Through his sleep-filled haze Bilbo recognized the voice of his flower delivery woman but she hung up before he could get a word out in reply.
Her news made him shoot up in panic for the florist did not own a car and without Maribelle he had no way to pick up his stock at all. While he might be okay that morning, his shop was running low on a number of popular flower types and the more delicate species needed to be bought fresh everyday.
In fact Bilbo had thought about hiring a second deliveryman for emergencies and holidays before but Baggin's Bouquets was such a small business that he had never been able to justify the expense. So he tumbled out of bed with cost analyses running through his mind, and the florist was all set to head into work until he saw the rain pouring down outside, decided that it was a sign and went back to sleep instead.
Once he finally did get up, the rest of the day was spent calling other drivers and flower sellers, trying to find someone who could pick up Maribelle's slack. However, it seemed that she had bailed on everyone and all the usual deliverymen were already booked by larger florists that could afford to keep them standing by.
Bilbo's frustration grew with every unsuccessful phone call and by the time he got his tenth rejection he was nearly growling into the speaker as he slammed it down in disgust. While business had been good lately, there were always bills to pay and the florist needed to stay open to keep himself in the black.
Crap, I think I have to call Gandalf after all. He thought in dismay, dreading the coming conversation. The old man was a friend of his parents who had been around as long as he could remember but did not seem to age and while Bilbo was sure that Gandalf could not be his real name, the florist had never learned another.
If anyone could find someone willing to deliver flowers last minute it was him, for the old man had contacts with all sorts of people and was a wizard at creating miracles. However, Gandalf was also a old busybody who was far too interested in the state of Bilbo's love life and firmly believed that he should get back out there to find romance once again.
I don't know why he's so keen on me dating again when he's the one who's had to comfort me after every broken heart. Oh my god, I need more friends...
The florist was momentarily distracted by the horrifying realization that his best friend might actually be an old man at least four times his age who had known his parents. While Bilbo did have other people whom he was glad to see, Gandalf was the only one whom he could call at any hour of the night in order to bitch about the latest jackass who had left him high and dry.
Okay fine, maybe I deserve the lecture since I apparently don't have a life. I'll listen to it this time but if he says I told you so I'm hanging up and perhaps Kíli will save me from ever having to hear those words again.
So Bilbo gathered his courage before dialing the old man's number and indeed the conversation went exactly as he thought. The old man was glad to hear from him, greeting him cheerfully before starting in on his life choices and it was nearly half an hour before the florist managed to turn the discussion toward the actual reason that he called.
However, when he finally did, Gandalf came through once again, saying that he knew a guy whose brother had a van and a desperate need for work, and was sure that the fellow would be happy to oblige.
“Nori's a nice man, just a little down on his luck, and his older brother asked me to keep an ear open for any such opportunities. I'll give him a call after I'm done with you and then let you know what he says, but he should be able to start this week. However, don't think this means that I've let you off the hook about starting to date people again. I know you love your flower shop but the world's out there, Bilbo, and you're going to miss it if you're not careful.”
The florist promised to think about Gandalf's words as he always did, although this time he actually meant it. While he certainly had no intention of throwing himself back into dating willy-nilly, the last few days had convinced Bilbo that it might be time to test the waters once again. Cautiously for sure, but once he had this crisis dealt with, he would dip a toe in and see what it was like.
Of course, even once the old man called back and said that Nori would meet him Friday, things were not so easy as all that.
---
Bilbo woke up at 2am on Thursday to find that the weather had only worsened, the winds of the storm shrieking like a banshee as they whipped around his house. At first the florist wasn't sure what had roused him, but then he heard the silence where there should be glugging and he tumbled out of bed with a vicious curse.
It's just one thing after another, isn't it? He thought in exasperation, throwing on some clothes and running to the basement. When he got there, the florist found the cellar flooding, four inches of water already on the ground as his sump pump spluttered uselessly in the corner. Bilbo slogged over to it swearing under his breath all the while and groaning when he got close enough to see exactly what was wrong.
Figures. It just figures. He thought, resigning himself to a long and uncomfortable night manually pumping out the flood. At least the damn thing wasn't broken entirely, but having to sit here working it by hand was not his idea of a good time.
Several hours later, the sun peeked over the horizon as the storm died down at last and Bilbo stood up with a sigh. Well that was fun. I better start calling around to get this fixed and maybe if I'm lucky I can still get into the shop today.
Unfortunately, luck was not with him and by the time his sump pump was back in working order there was no point in opening his doors, especially since most flower sales occurred in the morning anyway. So instead Bilbo went in early the next day to prepare for Nori's arrival, tossing out his wilted flowers and cleaning up the shop. He had just finished filling up the vases for those blooms that survived when he heard a knock on the door and he went to open it with a smile.
The florist did a double-take when he saw the man waiting in front of his shop for he had never seen such vertical hair nor such an interesting style. However, the man had a kind smile and Bilbo didn't care what he looked like as long as he could drive, so he shook the questions from his mind and greeted the other warmly.
“You would be Nori then? Or do you prefer Mr... I'm sorry, I'm afraid Gandalf never gave me a last name.”
“Just Nori is fine.” The other replied, shaking his hand firmly. “I understand you're looking for a deliveryman.”
“Yes, yes I am. Thank you so much for coming.” The florist pulled Nori inside to explain his new duties and within a few hours his shop was ready for business once again, shelves covered with flowers in full bloom. Bilbo made a few sales that morning and had just started hoping that he might actually manage to have his tea when the bell over the door jingled.
He looked up and then slumped down with a groan, resting his head despondently against the counter top. Seriously, could this week get any worse? Bilbo asked himself as the Sackville-Bagginses swaggered into his shop, gazing around themselves with disdain.
“Aren't you supposed to call before you bother me?” He asked his relatives, wondering what exactly he had done to deserve this imposition.
Lobelia just sneered, somehow able to look down her nose at him despite being the shortest of the bunch. “You don't answer our calls dear cousin as you well know. So Otho and I thought we'd treat you to lunch and give you a proper meal for once while we discuss our business.”
Bilbo had an unpleasant feeling about this because there was only one thing his relatives ever wanted from him and the Sackville-Bagginses attempting to be nice was never a good sign. But he had learned from experience that Lobelia did not take no for an answer and refusing would only make them stick around until he changed his mind.
So the florist sighed his agreement, closing his shop yet again and hoping desperately that he managed to get his business back to normal soon. All these disasters were cutting into his bottom line and he was never happy to see his greedy cousins for they wouldn't be satisfied until they had taken all he had.
As he followed them to their car, gawdy and ostentatious like everything they owned, Bilbo looked back at Cafe Erebor wistfully. He could see Thorin setting out fresh muffins in the display and he missed his morning routine desperately. Besides Kíli hadn't come in yet and the florist doubted his relatives would release him in time to see the young man before his shift was through.
One of these days, I am going to have my tea again. I swear.
The Sackville-Bagginses drove him into the city for lunch, parking outside of the most extravagant building the florist had ever seen. Lobelia ushered her cousin out of the car and through the doors, barely giving Bilbo enough time to read the cursive script painted on the window.
The Greenwood Hall? Isn't that the fancy new vegan restaurant that just opened up? The florist wondered as they walked inside and he looked around in awe. All the waiters were tall and blond and snooty, dressed in fine tailored green uniforms that looked like they might actually be silk. Bilbo tried not to gawk as their inhumanly attractive waiter led them to a table in the corner and he tried not to faint when he saw the prices on the menu.
“Don't worry cousin. We said that we'd treat you today; you look like you could use a proper meal for once,” Lobelia told him with false kindness, correctly interpreting the shocked expression on his face and Bilbo went back to his menu with a huff.
Because this is such a great meal. What is this vegan crap? Soybean spring rolls? Stone-cooked Lembas bread? They don't even have muffins.
A moment after he thought this, the florist was surprised to hear his sentiments echoed out loud as a young voice shouted across the room. “I don't want to cook this vegan crap, father. Gimli's been showing me how to use his barbecue and I think it has a lot of potential.”
Bilbo turned to look for the source of the commotion and saw a pair of men arguing in the corner, both as blond and skinny as the rest. One of them looked to be a teenager or not far from it and while the florist didn't recognize the older man, he heard Lobelia whisper behind him, “That's Thranduil, the head chef and owner. How scandalous, to be fighting in public like that. This restaurant is supposed to be high class.”
Owner or not, Thranduil looked like he was having a bad day, rubbing his forehead in irritation as he glared down at his young son. “We're a vegan restaurant, Legolas. This family has been vegan for generations and you want to throw all that away for what? To impress your common little friend?”
“He's not common, father and you know it.” The teen replied, crossing his arms across his chest and sticking his chin out stubbornly. “The Durins are fine people even if they're not as rich as us and Gimli's not just my friend, he's my boyfriend. We both got accepted to the culinary program at UH and we're going to open a restaurant together when we graduate. One that serves meat.”
The older man looked like he was going to pass out from shock at his son's defiance and he sank down into a chair as Legolas stalked out of the building. Bilbo quickly turned away before either of them could see him watching, though the sight of his own relatives did not improve his mood.
Their waiter must have come by while the florist was distracted because Otho was already drinking and Bilbo was briefly envious of the other man for some alcohol would make this visit slightly easier to swallow. But he needed his wits about him to deal with Lobelia so when their server returned he ordered water instead, along with the most expensive thing off the menu just to annoy her when the bill arrived.
That business dealt with, Bilbo leaned back in his chair and asked with a sigh. “So to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? The usual I suppose.”
“You make it sound so horrid cousin. I only want what's best for you and we both know that rattling around that enormous old house of yours isn't it. An apartment would fit you much better: cheaper, easier to clean, closer to your work and of course, that would leave Bag End for us. You know we deserve a place that fits our station.”
The words were different but it was the same argument as always, the same argument they had been giving him ever since his parents died. And as always Bilbo didn't want to hear it; Bag End belonged to him, it was his inheritance and the last thing he had of his family. While it was a large home for one person, the house was filled with memories and he would never let it fall into the hands of the Sackville-Bagginses, not when they wouldn't love it right.
Lobelia knew his feelings on the matter well because the first time she had brought it up was just after the funeral and Bilbo had rejected her quite harshly. However, despite being literally thrown out of his house on more than one occasion, the Sackville-Bagginses simply would not give up and every few months they would stop by to bother him again.
They had tried everything: guilt, money, reason and now they were apparently working toward bribery given the restaurant the group was sitting in. Of course, if they actually knew anything about their cousin, they would know that The Greenwood Hall was not the kind of place that would change his mind. So Bilbo picked at his fancy salad, nodding and smiling as Lobelia rambled on and Otho drank himself into a stupor.
Once lunch was over the pair would have to drive him back because his cousins would rather die than be overtly impolite, at least when other people were there to hear. So the florist hunkered down and endured their needling and to be honest it was a decent salad, if far too expensive for something made entirely of leaves.
But eventually Bilbo finished his extravagant dessert, ordered to make Lobelia's eyebrows twitch, and convinced his relatives to return him to Baggins' Bouquets. Watching them drive away, the florist sighed, wondering when they'd finally get the hint and leave him alone, or worse, what ridiculous attempt they would make on Bag End next.
He tried to push these worries from his mind as he turned to reopen his shop one more time and he told himself it was only natural to look at Cafe Erebor long enough to see that Kíli had indeed already left for class.
Well there's always next week, He thought to himself as he straightened the displays and helped the few customers who wandered in off the street. Bilbo wasn't very busy until the evening, unlike most days the Friday rush always showed up right before closing, and while he normally appreciated the break, today the silence gave him too much time to think.
The combination of Gandalf's scolding and his relatives' visit had the florist feeling pensive, wondering if they were all correct and he actually was wasting away from solitude. It was not something he normally thought about for he was generally content with his life, but he did have to admit that Bag End got lonely sometimes.
However, he would see Kíli again soon and the younger man seemed to emit joy like sunshine so if they did become friends Bilbo knew his life would probably change greatly and he was torn between anticipation and terror at the thought.
Even though he had decided to just go with the flow at their next meeting, the florist couldn't help but worry that he was getting his hopes up for nothing and he had misread the situation after all. What if Kíli changed his mind about wanting to be friends before they met again or had been less serious in his overtures than Thorin had implied? Maybe he was just that nice to everyone and had already forgotten about the shy man who worked next door in favor of his college life.
And yet, what if he was happy to see Bilbo? What if Kíli meant it all? While this might be the florist's chance to make a friend his own age, his life was comfortable in its familiarity and the thought of breaking out of that protective shell made his heart thunder in his chest.
But he could not deny the hope and he could not stop thinking about the possibilities, whether the two of them became casual acquaintances or friends or something, nothing more.
---
With these thoughts spinning round his brain, Bilbo worked himself into quite a state and the days passed by in a blur of nervous anticipation while he waited for the week to start again. Although when Monday finally came, his hopes had darkened to apprehension and his heart rose in his throat with every step he took toward Baggins' Bouquets that morning.
No expectations, the florist reminded himself firmly as he unlocked his door. Expect nothing and it'll be fine. Thorin seems to think that Kíli likes me and if that's true, being friends would be amazing enough without wishing for anything else. So I'm going to be fun, casual and friendly if it kills me, instead of getting all flustered like I did before.
It was a good pep talk and by the time he walked through the door of Cafe Erebor, Bilbo felt ready to take on anything. In fact, he was feeling so prepared that he walked up to the counter and met Kíli's eyes without fear, before discovering that all words had fled his mind at the warmth he saw within.
“Bilbo! You're back. I was starting to wonder if I had scared you off.” Kíli said, grinning at him brightly and the florist felt some of his doubts ease at the knowledge that the barista was glad to see him after all. However, he still couldn't find the words to greet him, too busy drinking in the sight of the other's features, and Bilbo flushed deeply as he realized that his attraction had definitely not died.
But when another long moment passed without the florist answering his greeting, the barista's smile dimmed and he drew back from the counter with a frown. “Mr. Baggins, are you all right? I- Did I do something wrong? I can be more formal if you prefer.” He asked, worry darkening his eyes, and at the sight of his distress, the florist felt his heart clench uncomfortably.
The last thing that Bilbo wanted was for Kíli to keep his distance but he didn't know how to say that without sounding like an idiot. So the florist kept silent, keeping his gaze fixed on the counter as he shook his head because he couldn't bear the thought of seeing laughter in the others eyes.
I can't believe I'm already screwing this up, he thought despairingly, but before he could sink too deep into recriminations, the barista reached out to gently touch his arm.
“Well in that case, did you want your usual or are you trying something new today?” Kíli asked softly and when Bilbo looked up in surprise, there was only kindness on the young man's face. Kindness and a bit of laughter, but the sort that invited the florist to join in, and it did not feel cruel when the other added with an impish smirk: “Though if you don't speak to me at all, it's going to be the coffee of my choice.”
This teasing threat finally broke through the florist's paralysis and he stuttered quickly in response, “No! N- no. Busy. I mean, you didn't do anything. I- I was just busy and my usual will be fine.”
“All right then, I'm glad to hear it.” The barista replied, regaining his earlier cheer as he rung up the other man's order. “But I believe you owe me an answer before I can give this tea to you.”
“A- An answer?” Bilbo muttered in bewilderment, pleased that Kíli didn't seem to mind his stumbling but still feeling quite out of his depth. “An answer to what?”
“To my question from last Monday, remember? The one I asked you about uncle Thorin? You promised me an answer on the next time that we met. Which would of course be now.”
“Oh did I?” The florist asked, rather dazed by the shine of the young man's smile. He could hear impatient mutters from the few customers in line behind him, which only scattered his thoughts more, and he fumbled with his money as he pulled his wallet out.
“Of course you did and I am shocked that I was so forgettable as that. But I will forgive you if you give me an answer now.” Kíli said with a dramatic sigh as he glared the mutterers into silence and with such a stalwart defender, the florist found his voice.
“I- In that case the word you're looking for is yes, but only in the beginning.” Bilbo replied, finally beginning to relax and remember that he did actually know how to have a conversation. It's just like talking to Thorin or a customer. A younger, more attractive version who changes subjects like the wind, but I can totally do this, the florist told himself, bolstered by the knowledge that the other really wouldn't judge him for his awkwardness.
“I'm glad to hear that; as you've probably noticed, my uncle is like a porcupine; spiky on the outside but with a gooey heart within and he could always use more friends to watch his back. But it's your turn now, so ask me a question and I will give you nothing but the truth.” The barista said, shooting him another blinding grin and before Bilbo could think better of it, he spoke his thoughts into the air.
“Are you always this happy?” He wondered with some incredulity, before ducking his head in embarrassment as he realized what he'd said. “That's not.. I mean I didn't... Crap.” So much for my skills at conversation.
But Kíli just laughed, eyes crinkling up with amusement and handed the florist his change. “I accept your question and I'll tell you the answer tomorrow, so try not to disappear on me again.”
“I didn't do it on purpose, you know. Life just... just got in my way.” Bilbo told him before taking his tea and fleeing to his table before any other ridiculous statements could come out of his mouth. The other man didn't seem offended by his hurried goodbye, giving him a little wave and a wink that made the florist stumble, and he settled into his standard position with a hopelessly dreamy sigh.
For once he found the view inside of the cafe far more entrancing than the people walking past the windows, for Kíli served the other customers and bustled around the counters with a surprising grace which was quite easy on the eyes.
And while Bilbo would never have admitted it to anyone, he was rather pleased to see that the barista didn't smile quite as widely at anyone else, and thus his joy at seeing the florist again was probably not an act. So as long as he could stop making a total fool of himself every time they met, perhaps this friends thing would work out after all, and perhaps that tiny spark of hope which still flickered within his chest would win the day.
However, when Bilbo found himself lingering long after he had finished his tea, hoping for one more smile or bit of conversation, he decided that he was being ridiculous again. Indeed he was about to get up, return to his shop and try to put the young man's dimples out of his mind, when someone slid into the empty chair across the table.
It was Thorin again and as the florist stared at him in surprise, the older man placed another cup of tea before him. “On the house for one of my best customers,” He said with a small smile. “You must have had a rough week to keep from visiting for so long. Normally I could set a watch by your visits if I were so inclined, and I know Kíli can be a bit overwhelming sometimes.”
“Um, well, thank you.” Bilbo told him, shifting awkwardly as he took a sip of his new drink. He had never been one to talk about his troubles, but it didn't seem right to sit here in silence either, so he wasn't sure what he should say. Particularly since Thorin's nephew was most definitely not a safe topic of conversation with the kind of thoughts that were running through his head. Not that his mouth got the memo because the next thing Bilbo knew, he was saying: “He must have been exhausting as a child.”
Thorin chuckled and the florist had to remind himself to breathe when the other's mirth lit up his face. Damn this gorgeous family, they're going to be the death of me. But while the older man was undeniably attractive, Bilbo's appreciation was primarily aesthetic as opposed to the kind of urges which Kíli inspired and he shook off his daze to listen intently when Thorin began to speak.
“Exhausting, yes, you could say that. Kíli and his brother used to run their mother ragged, and me also if I was around. Absolute hellions, the both of them.” He said, the harshness of his words belied by the affection in his voice.
“But for all the trouble that they caused, the lads were never malicious about it and they've mellowed somewhat as they've grown. Though Kíli still tends to forget that while he may be the unholy love child of the Energizer Bunny and a social butterfly, other people sometimes need to breathe before they speak, so don't be afraid to call him on it when he gets to be too much. He could use the practice and you'll have to learn to hold your own if you're going to be part of the family anyway; some of our relatives are just as bad as him. Or worse.”
This was more words than the florist had ever heard from the other in one sitting so it took him a moment to realize that it was more than the thought of Kíli being mellow in comparison to anyone which was making him feel faint.
Wait a minute... Did he say... “Part of the family?” Bilbo squeaked, feeling rather overwhelmed by this turn of conversation. Have I missed something somewhere? He wondered because last the florist had checked, he and Kíli were most definitely not even dating and it seemed a little early for statements like that.
However, Thorin didn't seem to think there was anything odd about his choice of phrase, answering the florist with a matter of fact shrug. “Of course. If you're going to be my nephew's... friend, then you're going to meet us all before too long. But don't worry about it now; if you can handle Kíli then you'll be fine and he won't throw you to the wolves without someone at your back.”
After dropping these bombs so casually, Erebor's owner left to deal with a new mass of customers and Bilbo sipped his tea slowly as he thought over the strange conversation which they just had. Yet while there were all kind of worrying implications buried in Thorin's words, the only one the florist chose to acknowledge at the moment was the other's tacit approval of whatever was going on.
This was enough for now since thoughts of Kíli's possibly terrifying relatives and desires past friendship could wait for another day. So the florist was feeling rather optimistic when he walked back to his shop, giving Thorin a nod and his nephew a wave on his way out the door.
These Durins may be forward and exhausting and far too attractive for Bilbo's peace of mind, but their unbridled joy and welcome was also strangely exhilarating and the florist had a feeling that if they chose to adopt him into their ranks, he would never feel alone again.
---
Over the next few weeks, Bilbo and Kíli continued their odd game of twenty questions and gradually the florist grew comfortable enough that he no longer stuttered when they spoke. While he still blushed far too often, the barista never called him on it and Bilbo began to look forward to their conversations a bit more every day.
If nothing else, he found the young man fascinating and while most of the florist's questions were more normal than the first one, he always wanted to hear what Kíli had to say. So Bilbo learned that the barista was getting his Masters in Management Practice- “because someone has to take over from uncle after all”- and he was indeed almost always filled with such happiness. He discovered that Kíli's favorite color was blue and his favorite dessert was pecan pie, but the young man hated all nuts by themselves.
Later on, the florist learned that Kíli was obsessed with archery and thinking of starting a club at UH since the school didn't have one and he had been captain of the team at ELU. “We even made it to Nationals a few times, though we always lost out to the guys from Mirkwood in the end,” he admitted and when Bilbo expressed an interest in watching him sometime, the barista lit up like a Christmas tree
Eventually the florist ventured into more personal questions and discovered that the other man had never known his father- “died before I was born you know” -but he thought the rest of his large extended family filled this space just fine. Kíli even happily admitted to being something of a mama's boy, saying that his mother was the best person that he knew, even if her choice of names left something to be desired.
In turn, the other man made his own inquiries and while he never once asked what the florist had expected, in his own way the barista slowly uncovered a picture of just who Bilbo Baggins was: sometimes shy, often snarky and fiercely protective of those few whom he considered friends.
First Kíli learned that the other man was only a few years older than him but had never been to college, instead taking over the family business when his parents died. However the florist had never resented this turn of fate because he loved his job and had an entire library of books on interesting topics that he read when he got bored. The following week, Kíli discovered that morning fog made the other smile while rainstorms made him frown, though Bilbo liked to watch the patterns lightning made across the sky.
Periodically, the younger man would give in and ask a more normal question, thus also finding out that the florist liked to cook but hated baking, enjoyed long walks and stargazing, and usually spent his evenings reading in his favorite chair. Finally, the barista asked Bilbo why he drank Jasmine tea every single morning and was told that despite his prime location, the florist disliked coffee of all kinds.
This last became something of a mission for Kíli because he refused to believe that the older man could really hate every type of coffee and he made it his goal to find a blend which the other would enjoy. So after this discussion, when Bilbo came in for his tea every morning, the barista would hand him a sample cup filled with some new exotic flavor for him to try. And every morning, Bilbo would drink this coffee and find great amusement in Kíli's disgruntled face when he said that it was not the one.
After the first week of this, all the regulars began to anticipate their interaction and would offer their own suggestions on the different blends they liked. Yet while the florist was normally wary of being the center of attention, everyone was so kind about it that this time he didn't really mind, and in truth, he began to look forward to hearing what opinions the peanut gallery would put forth each day.
So when Thorin pulled him aside and asked why he was continuing to go along with these attempts if he really hated coffee so very much, Bilbo just shrugged and told him, “It makes your nephew happy, doesn't it? And to be honest, now I'm kind of curious if he'll ever manage to find one that I like.”
Besides, it kept his mind off his own cowardly refusal to ask the younger man out, that strange line in their relationship which both of them kept shying from. Because even if the florist now considered Kíli his friend and they talked nearly every single day, the pair had yet to spend any time together outside of their respective shops. But while he would have liked to see more of the other man, what they had now was comfortable and safe and Bilbo just couldn't bring himself to change things and risk ruining it all.
Kíli had started dropping by Baggins' Bouquets to say farewell after his shifts and the younger man seemed to be facing a similar conundrum. Every few days, he would begin to ask a question only to pause mid word and after a week of this, Bilbo was dying to find out what the barista wanted to say.
True, it could be something innocuous, perhaps an invitation to hang out somewhere in the city that Kíli wasn't sure if he'd accept. However, the florist rather hoped that this nervousness meant something else, something better, even as he was surprised by the other man's uncharacteristic hesitance. Although Bilbo had to admit there was a difference between flirting and asking with intent, and he could hardly blame the younger man for being unwilling to cross the same line which flummoxed him.
Still, the florist was starting to wonder if they would ever make it out of this holding pattern or if they would just keep dancing around each other, cowards to the end.
Part II: Two Hearts Collide