Disclaimer: Frodo's not mine, Sam's not mine *sighs*. Heh. Nobody belongs to me. The idea does, though! *Proud of that*. Let's see…Hm. Das bout it!

Story will get better soon, I promise!

Sorry the first chapter is so short…it's a Prologue, really…

On with the Show!

The Affections of Samwise Gamgee

"Another ale, please," Sam pushed his empty mug forward and graciously accepted another full one. Frodo took a seat next to the gardener, taking in the slow way Sam sipped at the froth, his eyes intent.

"Since when do you drink, Sam?" Frodo faced him with a curious expression.

"Since now," Sam replied without batting an eye. "Could I get you a drink, Mr. Frodo?" Frodo simply nodded, turning away only as a mug of ale slid into his hands.

"So," Frodo raised his eyes to meet Sam's, but succeeded in looking at the side of his face. "Sam."

"Yes, sir?" Sam's face relaxed into a smile.

"How long has this been going on?" Frodo inclined his head toward the object of Sam's attention. "Rose Cotton."

Rose Cotton.

Immediately, Sam's insides fluttered and warmed. Lovely Rose Cotton, with her rich dark curls, dancing eyes, and sensual mouth. Sweet Rosie, with her kind heart, soft voice, and laugh as clear as a bell.

"She is like a sorceress, sir," Sam said as he gazed into the depths of his ale. "A spell is cast over me. I cannot function in her presence, and I have not even said hello. I go weak in the knees, and my heart flips over."

"You have stars in your eyes, Samwise Gamgee," Frodo tilted his head back and stared thoughtfully at the ceiling. "You truly fancy her."

"Aye." Sam nodded and inhaled deeply.

"So speak to her."

The suggestion seemed like the perfect solution. Sam would walk up, lean across the bar, compliment Rosie and smile. The conversation would be easy, without restriction. The night would wear on. Sam would charm the hobbit-lass, and he'd walk her home, bidding her farewell with a soft kiss on her perfect lips.

An uproar of laughter yanked Sam from his daydream. Frodo was standing, back rim rod straight, his hands clenched into fists at his side.

"You there, Ted Sandyman!" Frodo said firmly, his blue eyes dark with anger. "Take your laughter someplace else!"

"And leave the sorry scene of a daydreaming Gamgee?" Ted roared. "I always knew he was a softie!" Sam's face flamed. He had spoken aloud! And of his innermost feelings and desire. He didn't dare look at Rosie.

"You'd best be leaving now, Sandyman," Frodo's voice was steely.

"You would think so, Master Baggins," Ted chuckled. "But I've every right to take my ale here, just the same as you." He was right, but Frodo clenched his jaw.

"Come on, Sam," Frodo turned toward his friend. "Let's….Sam?" He looked around.

Sam was nowhere in sight.