Aemilia Rose: Yes, cuteness abounds! There's just no escaping when it comes to hobbits :)

5 Years Later

The wind blew softly, cradling the kite in its steady gusts. The blue tail ribbons trailed gaily as the kite swooped in a smooth arc. The flaxen string pulled taunt as Sam carefully handled the kite from below. Beside him, Rosie giggled.

"What is it?" Sam looked over at his best friend.

"I was just remembering the first time we went kite-flying. You were so funny!" Rosie laughed, watching the kite tug upwards. A faint blush dulled Sam's cheeks and he turned back to his sport.

"You just had to bring that up."

"Oh, yes." Rosie folded her arms. "Let me see, the kite got snagged in a tree, yes, yes. Hmm, then Nibs told you to climb up and get it but you." She burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.

"You cried! Because you were scared!" She shrieked wildly. "And then."

"You got it for me." Sam groaned dismally. "Do you have to rub it in?" Rosie punched him lightly on the shoulder.

"Of course. You've grown so tall, strong and handsome." She batted her eyelids at him appealingly. "That there's nothing to tease you about anymore." Sam grumbled under his breath, reeling the kite in.

"Come and eat your tea!" Rosie sang sweetly, settling herself on the picnic mat. She patted the empty spot next to her invitingly and peeked inquisitively into the basket.

"What did your mamma prepare today? It smells heavenly!" Sam seated himself on the indicated spot, still miffed from her previous jibes. He reached in and took out a sandwich, waving it delicately under her nose.

"It's a chocolate and banana sandwich; don't you wish you could have one?" He drew the basket towards him.

"Looks like there's plenty here for me. 'Course I can't let the pork pie, ham, pound cake and apples go to waste, either." He drew a fruit out and rubbed it against his sleeve.

"Mmm."

"Oh, Sam." Rosie trilled.

"Hmm?"

"Isn't that tulip beautiful?" Sam's instincts went on full alert.

"Tulip? Where? Surely it's too early for tulips!" He looked around excitedly.

"Got it!" Rosie snatched the basket.

"Give that back!"

After a brief tussle, Sam made off with an armload of sandwiches and the porkpie, while Rosie crowed over the ham, apples and pound cake. As they polished off the final bites, Nick came pounding across the field.

"Sam! Rosie! The boys are going down to the river, want to come?"

* * *

Sam waded into the river, feet squelching in the muddy bottom. He retaliated as Jolly and Nibs splashed about, engaging in the water battle that was their common past time. On the bank, Rosie stood watching, hopping impatiently from one foot to the other.

"It's not fair!" she complained loudly. "Just because I have a new dress on!" Tom stuck out his tongue at her.

"Nyaah! Nyaah!"

Rosie pouted sulkily. Stooping, she picked up a smooth pebble and hurled it some distance from her brother. The other boys laughed as Tom was engulfed in the tiny tidal wave that emerged. Sam shook his head fondly. After five years of shared fun, he knew well enough how forceful his friend could be, and how wilful.

From her closely cropped curls to her sun-browned skin, Rosie was clearly of same make as her brothers. Not exactly a tomboy, yet tougher and more self-possessed than any other girl he knew. Yet when it mattered, she knew what to say and how to say it, never failing to press the right chords in his heart. Countless times had she comforted him, affirmed him, pulled him back up when he lacked the strength. The best friend he could ever have.

"Sam, you all right?" Rosie's worried voice pierced his quiet thoughts. He grinned up at her.

"Well, do I look all right?" So saying, he grabbed by the arm and with one hefty tug, he had her sprawling in the water.

"Sam! My dress! Ruuuined!" Indignant screams filled the air. Sam plugged up his ears nonchalantly.

"SAAAM! You're gonna pay!" He ducked, just in time.

:I'm just glad we're friends!: