I just realized that I've been forgetting the disclaimer all this time…whoops :P So…everyone belongs to Tolkien. Yeah. Except for Bred and Ned, they belong to me, but I stole their last names from names listed in FOTR, so those belong to Tolkien too. And thank you everyone for all the great reviews! T.H., Monkey, Mainecoon, Ashley, Snickers, Shadowfax, Thaelos, Lorraine, Melilot Millstone, thanks all of you! You rock! *passes out sugar packets*

Side by Side

~" 'It is no good trying to escape you. But I'm glad, Sam. I cannot tell you how glad.' " Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien ~

The bond between Frodo and Sam clearly grew before the eyes of all who paid any notice, and even some to those who didn't. Now Frodo spent his time waiting for Sam to finish working planning what they would do once they were free. Free time became play time, and the time Frodo (and later Sam, though it took him longer) thrived off of. Not that Sam tired of his work, but he cherished his time with Frodo.

As they grew, Merry and Pippin spent increasing hours traveling to and from Hobbiton to play with Sam and Frodo. Sometimes the four would meet halfway and cause havoc on any vegetable patches that had the misfortune to be spotted. It may be hard to imagine Sam holding party to any devastation of any sort of garden, but it was through Sam's urging that gardens raided by Frodo, Pippin, and Merry managed to survive reasonably unscathed, though maybe missing a carrot or few.

Despite all of this, Merry and Pippin weren't always there. Frodo wasn't always able to plan what might consume his and Sam's time. Sometimes, in fact most times, it's best to expect the unexpected.

***

Bredagar Hornblower and Ned Bracegirdle: a pair of oafs, large (for their age) in size but not in brain. They were blundering, but strong, mean spirited as well. To appease the vindictiveness of their natures, Bredagar and Ned (most commonly known as Bred and Ned, in that order) picked on any potential candidate unfortunate enough to be on their path.

'Twas a simple enough routine. Nothing seemingly important. With one exception. Now Frodo had his first chance to repay Sam for his friendship, get a message through Sam's blessedly thick hair and skull that he really did see him as a friend, and equal.

***

Sam's duties were not restricted specifically to Bag End. He had a gardening chore or two around Bagshot Row, though nothing that made his job overwhelming. Sam was tending to a group of small violets when Bred and Ned happened to walk by. "Look, Ned, it's the simpleton," Bred sneered.

"Playing with flowers as usual," Ned's dark brown eyes were malicious. "I thought flowers were a girl's business. Perhaps poor Samwise is confused." Now Bred and Ned addressed Sam, though previously their tones had been loud enough for him to hear.

"Ho, Sam!" Bred called, strutting with Ned to stand next to Sam, watching him work. "Aren't flowers for women?"

"My job's gardening," Sam said stubbornly. "That's what I'm doing. And I'm quite busy, so if you would excuse me," Sam finished his job with the violets, pushed past Bred and Ned, and made for the shed to find a spade. Snickering, Bred and Ned followed close behind.

***

Frodo dropped his book with a sigh. He quite enjoyed reading, but could only keep it up for a few hours before his legs cramped and he needed to do something else. Frodo stood, book in hand, and glanced around his favorite reading spot: a grassy, leafy grove tucked away in the outskirts of Hobbiton, filled with knee-high grass and curving trees with the perfect circular branches to nestle into for a good read. Frodo yawned, stretched, and decided to trot off to Bagshot Row and see if Sam was done his work, or at least near enough so that Frodo could persuade him to take a break for a snack.

The walk back to Hobbiton and Sam's home took longer than Frodo liked when he was impatient, but on most days the young hobbit was calm and thoroughly liked a stroll in scenic Shire weather, breathing in the clean air and basking in the warm sun. Today was one such day. Frodo made no hurry to return home, and his mood was happy and content as he approached the scene unfolding before him.

It was the movement of more than one figure—two not familiar like Sam's familiar, that first alerted Frodo to something out of the ordinary. Hobbits, disliking the unordinary, are quite perceptive of it. Frodo's senses in this matter were extremely keen, and he noticed from Sam's stiff movements as he dug holes to plant new flowers that he was uncomfortable. Sam was never anything but completely at ease when around a garden. That was when Frodo spotted Bred and Ned. It didn't take him long to figure out what their intentions were. Frodo tucked his book securely under one arm and jogged quickly to Sam.

***

"Doesn't the puppy-dog know how to think for himself?" Ned taunted as he crouched down on the ground and leaned into Sam's face.

"Of course not," Bred answered from behind Sam. "Without his mater's heel to hide behind, poor Sammy—"
"Enough!" steaming, Sam threw down his spade. He didn't like to get angry (though it happened often in spite of that) but when lazy, unproductive hobbits annoyed him to a point that he couldn't concentrate on his work, Sam had to draw the line. "Listen!" he snapped, whirling around on Bred and Ned, "you two OAFS need to—"

"Oooh, look, the little doggy's mad!" Bred chuckled. Sam stared up at the pair. He suddenly realized how large they were, and remembered that they were at least fire years older than him. Their sneering faces were hard and mean; Sam knew they would not back down or hesitate from a fight.

"You! Leave him alone!" a voice suddenly cried from the road. It was Frodo. He marched to Sam's side and stood there, glowering, with his arms folded across his chest.

"Here's the puppy's master now," Ned growled. "Always coming to his pet's rescue, because the poor dumb beast can't do anything on his own." Frodo shook in fury, and he could feel Sam doing the same beside him. Frodo didn't know if he should stand up for Sam, or let him handle this. Frodo knew Sam could take care of it on his own, and he did not wish to wound his friend's pride or let him think that Bred or Ned's taunts held truth.

Frodo chanced a look at Sam. In the depths of his eyes, Frodo saw that Sam longed to shy away from this confrontation, but his temper had taken him too far. Frodo drew himself up to his full height. Drawing strength from Sam, and also from the memory of Bilbo's stories, Frodo looked Bred square in the eyes. "You know not what you speak," he said firmly.

"Oh?" Ned's eyebrows arched quizzically.

"Look, the master's standing up for his pet. How touching." Bred's lips curled rudely. "'Tis a pity that between them they've not an ounce of courage, and only half a wit."

"You're one to talk," Sam muttered beneath his breath.

"What's that?" Bred took a step forward and pushed Sam back. So strong was his force that Sam stumbled and nearly fell, had not Frodo reached out an arm and steadied him. He could just not abide to hear Bred and Ned insult Sam.

"That is enough!" Frodo's eyes began to blaze. "You know nothing, nothing at all!" He took advancing steps toward Bred and Ned, and despite themselves, they stepped back. The burning fury in Frodo's eyes unnerved them for than they would admit. "Sam is stronger and braver than you could ever hope to be!"

Sam stared at Frodo in awe. He cared for Frodo, but he never quite allowed himself to believe that Frodo felt the same. Somehow, he'd never been able to believe that they truly were best friends. Until now.

Frodo stopped his advance but continued his speech. "Sam has more in him than most hobbits in the Shire. Even he doesn't realize it. But he will amount to more than you ever will. He has an inner strength greater than anyone realizes, and a quiet determination, and," Frodo quieted some, but his voice was still firm. "I won't hear you insult him." The hobbit finished, and returned to his place beside Sam.

Bred and Ned stared at Frodo, then each other. For a moment, the stunned silence was accompanied only by the distant sounds of birds chirping and busy hobbits at work. The two bullies soon regained their composure and reestablished their lofty attitudes. "Pretty words," Ned scoffed, strutting forward. "But let's see you prove them."

Frodo gulped, and looked to Sam. Both were willing to defend themselves and each other, though they knew Bred and Ned had the physical advantage and would likely come out less damaged. Still, Frodo and Sam were prepared to fight, so long as it was side by side.

Just then, the Gaffer came walking down the lane from Bag End. He inspected the scene with a disapproving gaze. "What's this? Idle hobbits while there's work to be done? I won't have it!" He stomped up to Bred and Ned and waved them away. "Gone with you! We don't need you here if you're going to cause a disruption, back home!"

Bred and Ned stared challengingly back at the Gaffer, but the older hobbit's wizened glare could scare a wolf away from its prey. Grumbling, Bred and Ned shot a glower at Frodo and Sam, then trudged away down the path. The Gaffer removed his hands from his hips and wiped them on his smock. "I don't need to know what that was about." He pointed his finger at the both of them, "but you shouldn't let bullies like those two provoke you. The trouble isn't worth it. Now, Sam, back to work." A sudden sparkle appeared in his eyes. "if you finish early, there might be a special treat later. Mr. Frodo appears bored, he might be willing to lend you a hand if you asked." With a wink, the Gaffer disappeared inside his home.

Frodo sighed, and clapped Sam on the back. "C'mon, teach me how to garden."

Sam smiled, and handed Frodo a shovel. "I want to—"

"You don't have to," Frodo interrupted. "That's what friends do, stand up for each other. And we're best friends. I know you'd do the same for me in a heartbeat. You don't need to thank me." He saw Sam take another breath, and knew what he was about to say. Frodo answered before Sam had time to question. "And I meant every word I said. All of it is truth. You're much greater than you give yourself credit for, Sam. If—I know this would never happen—but if I ever went on an adventure, like Bilbo's, I'd want no one else by my side."

Sam studied the ground for a moment before looking up at Frodo, slowly grinning. "I'd want to be no where else."

Frodo smiled brightly and held out a hand for Sam to clasp. "Side by side."

Sam shook with Frodo and repeated, "side by side."