Hobbits didn’t have such things as courting rituals – they were uncomplicated folk. They announced their affections with flowers or a cooked meal, a shared pipe or simply a kiss – and then there were meetings with both families and a date set for the wedding. Dwarves, as he kept discovering, were a completely different kettle of fish.
Bilbo Baggins has been plagued with dreams for some months, always filled with the same stranger: big hands, strong arms, dark hair. It seems a mystery until he figures that it is a Dwarf, though this only narrows down his search to every Dwarf in Erebor. When he overhears mention of a special party in the Mountain, he wishes briefly that he can attend. But that's ridiculous. He's a Hobbit, not a Dwarf. Turns out that's not a problem when magic is involved.
Thorin Oakenshield and Bilbo Baggins have been friends since they attended the same university some years ago. Bilbo decides one day to surprise Thorin by making the long flight over to spend the holidays with him. Unfortunately, Thorin's house is currently overrun with family who seem too interested in Thorin's (lack of) love life. Misunderstandings occur and suddenly Thorin and Bilbo are boyfriends - but not really. They've done crazier things before; surely pretending to be together will be a piece of cake. Right?