Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, although I love them to death.
A/N: If you find anything odd in this story, that's just my own personal stupidity coming through. Don't fret about it.
Pippin sat by himself in the Green Dragon, sipping an ale, admiring all the fine young lads who walked in. Unfortunately, the only one who had taken an interest in him was a fat, flat-faced hobbit with buck teeth. Pippin had ditched him as soon as possible. He sighed to himself. It seemed that he would never have a man of his own at this rate. But then the door opened and a golden-haired, bright-eyed hobbit walked in. Pippin's heart skipped a beat.
"Now THAT is a hobbit I would like to 'know' better," he murmured to himself. To his surprise, the hobbit grabbed his ale from Rosie and sat down at Pippin's table.
"Well, hello there," The hobbit said. Pippin turned slightly red.
"Hello," he replied, trying not to stammer.
"I'm Merry Brandybuck. What's your name?"
"Er…" Pippin began, desperately trying to find his voice. "Pippin Took." Merry smiled.
"Nice to meet you, Pippin." He took a sip of his ale. "What's a fine lad like you doing in here by yourself?" Now Pippin blushed an unusual shade of mauve.
"I…I, uh…" he stuttered, interrupting himself by taking a gulp of ale. He cleared his throat. "I…don't know." Merry laughed, bells to Pippin's ears.
"Well, if you're not doing anything, how about going for a walk with me?"
"Um, sure," answered Pippin, finishing off his ale. Merry did the same. They stood up.
"Go on, now," said Merry lightly, patting Pippin's behind gently. A small "eeep!" escaped Pippin's lips. Merry didn't seem to notice. The two left the pub, Pippin very nervous and excited at the same time.
