Disclaimer: Nothing's changed. I still (sniff) don't own (sniff sniff) any part of Lord of the Rings (waaahhaaaa!!!), other than this story. I haven't had a chance to go see Tolkien's family and offer $$$ for the adoption of the characters yet.

A/N: Sorry to all you impatient ones (I'm not insulting, I'm just like you!) that this took a while to put up. I'm trying to write a little everyday during my study. But I'm debating whether or not to split the third chapter into two chapters (don't worry it will be posted; I promise not to be the type that never finish a story). Again, this is going to be slightly slashy (this is the stuff us "Pervy Hobbit Slash Fanciers" are made of!). How slashy it will get depends on how much you want it to be, but please take note that I do not write graphic sex scenes. I'm really not comfortable with writing those and besides, c'mon people, these are Hobbits. Innocent, adorable, somewhat naive Hobbits; not horny humans.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed the first chapter, but I think I'm gonna be mean now. I'm thinking about posting the third chapter only if I get at least 10 reviews for this chapter. That's not too much to ask is it? For those of you that complimented my writing style, you'll be pleased to know that I'm already forming some ideas for new story. Maybe something featuring Legolas and Gimli (not slash) or maybe another Frodo and Sam story. What do you think? I'm open for suggestions. I've also decided to do a little response to the reviews. I'll post them at the beginning of each chapter.

IloveSam: Thanks for the review! I'm really glad you are enjoying the story so much. Don't worry, I think Sam will make Frodo feel quite loved, LOL.

Soul-child and Stone Raven: Wow, I liked your review. It made me feel all warm inside, LOL. I hope the rest of the story lives up to your prediction.

Cute2handle: I just love reviews like yours. I'm really glad you like the style of my writing, b/c I, personally, thought it was a bit all over the place (it's my first time, so I'm a bit self-conscious). Now for your question about the font: I'm typing this story under Microsoft Word and am using Times New Roman for my font style w/ size 12. However, I gotta save it under HTML in order to transfer it to FanFiction.net. I think that FanFiction's server just interprets the font differently and automatically puts it under their own font style (I didn't pick that font). Basically, I had nothing to do with the story's font style. I hope that helps you out. I'm looking forward to your later reviews.

Mainecoon: Your review confused me slightly. Not only was I curious when you said you thought you knew me, but what is sorrel? Thanks for the review! Glad you like the story.

Dedication: Dedicated to the four adorable Hobbits and sexy Elf that I have successfully (illegally) kidnapped. Also dedicated to all of those who are enjoying and reviewing this story. Lastly I dedicate this to myself, because I know no other life other than my obsession with Lord of the Rings. LOL.

On with the show!!!

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A Winter's Tale

ch. 2: Of Worries and Window Gazing

by: Kate

Sam Gamgee cast a nervous glance out the round window, for the tenth time in the last half-hour. His father, Hamfast, noticed.

"Sam, what in the Lady's name are you so antsy for? What's the matter with you? It's just a little snowstorm, not like ye've never seen one afore."

"It's not that, Pa," replied Sam, not taking his eyes off the view outside. "I'm just wonderin' how Mr. Frodo is doin', and alone in that big hole. Knowing him, and believe me, Pa, I do," Sam turned back to the Gaffer, "he probably has just the living room fire going. Probably isn't even havin' a decent supper, just some tea or whatever. I worry 'bout him. Not right for a Hobbit to be alone on a night like this."

The Gaffer sighed and returned to his pipe. Sam looked back out the window, pipe long since forgotten. Ever since Bilbo left, Sam began to worry about Frodo. Now that winter had begun, Frodo would be all alone. Sam would no longer need to go over to Bag End everyday. And because of the Shire's bitter winters, Pip and Merry would probably remain at one or the other's house. Because of the pair's special bond (they had never been separated for more than a week; both being miserable, without each other, the whole time) they would obviously spend the winter together; most likely at Merry's home in Buckland. Pip's family couldn't stand having the two troublemakers at their house all winter long, but Merry was the only child, so his parents didn't mind a "little noise."

  Sam's thoughts returned to Frodo. Although there were twelve years' age difference between the two, he and Frodo had always been close. For Sam; however, it went a little deeper. A few years ago, his idolization of Frodo had evolved into an all-out crush. He knew it was wrong, but he couldn't help himself. Frodo was just so fascinating and unlike any other Hobbit that Sam had ever known. He didn't think like other Hobbits. He didn't even look like other Hobbits, for that matter. He was thinner, with fairer, flawless skin. His hair was a much darker shade than any other Hobbit's. And his eyes…his eyes were so strange. Sam had never seen eyes like Frodo's. They were a light sky blue and as deep as an ocean. Whenever Frodo fixed Sam with his eerie, but tender gaze, Sam felt as though Frodo was penetrating his soul or his mind. From what he had heard about Elves, from Bilbo, Sam thought Frodo looked like one. Of course Sam had never shared these feelings or thoughts with Frodo. He would be disgusted and Sam would lose him.

He sighed. "Just ain't right."

"Oh Samwise! You still mopin'?" Sam's mother came in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a checkered dishtowel. "If you're so bothered, then why don't you go down there and bring Mr. Frodo back for supper? Tis almost ready. I know it's a bit nasty out, but Mr. Frodo's only a few minutes away, if you hurry."

"Well…" Sam looked apprehensive about going out into the blizzard.

"Go on, boy. I'll not have you frownin' for the rest of the night," the Gaffer had now joined the conversation. "You're a sturdy lad. You'll manage."

Sam's face split into a wide grin. "All right, I'll go fetch 'im." He went into the entryway and grabbed his think woolen coat off the hook and pulled it on. His mother helped him with his scarf.

"Now you be careful out there, y'here?" she said as she wound the scarf tightly around Sam's throat, nearly choking him in the process. "Straight there and straight back. No dawdlin'. Who knows how much worse this blizzard'll get." She kissed his cheek and smiled. "Off you go."

Sam opened the door and stepped outside into the swirling snow, quickly shutting it behind him. The bitter cold and wind took his breath away. He hesitated for a moment, but the thought of Frodo sitting alone in the large, cold house pushed aside Sam's doubts. He hurried, somewhat blindly, out the front gate and into the direction of Bag End.

 

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Well how am I doing so far? Sorry it took so long. More to come! Read and review please.