Bilbo stopped at Great Smials on his way home, and as he settled by the fire with his pipe he saw a curly head peek out from behind the chair opposite him.
"Well, come here, lad."
Paladin Took's family were also guests at Great Smials and it was the youngest child, Pippin, who came around the edge of the chair.
"You've been gone for a very long time," the small boy scolded, standing with hands on hips in such an imperious manner that Bilbo had to bite back a chuckle. If Ferumbras passed the Thainship to Paladin's line, there was no doubt the boy would slip right into the role someday.
"I've been away visiting the elves," Bilbo said, but unlike Merry's excited squeal at that news, Pippin just continued to scowl at him. "Whatever is the matter, lad?"
"You weren't here for your birthday," Pippin complained.
Bilbo blinked a few times, then chuckled. So that's what this was all about! "I seem to owe you a present then, don't I?" He patted his knee. "Well, come on up here then."
Pippin's round little face broke into a wide grin and he scrambled up to sit on Bilbo's lap. Bilbo patted the boy's head. "Are you sure you wouldn't want a different present this year?"
"No!" Pippin said, shaking his head and pouting.
"All right, lad." Bilbo took a puff of his pipe, thinking of an appropriate gift for his small cousin, then smiled. "Well, then. Once upon a time..."
