In Between

Disclaimer: *Sighs* , Oh here we go again- - I don't own LotR and if I did I would be the first creator to forbid disclaimers. Most everyone knows that I don't make any profit of my writings, and if you didn't - - Well, then you know it now.

Summary: The same night that the Ringwraiths attacked in Bree, Frodo and Pippin get separated from Strider, Merry and Sam. Lost in the frightening city; Frodo and Pippin are found by not so nice man.

Rate: R, for angst, violence, rape (non-graphical, since I suck at it)

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My dearly beloved reviewers! With a one quick note I like to say how blessed I am to have discovered LotR, which I didn't watch until last February.. Yeah, you read right, I thought LotR was something that I wouldn't really enjoy but after seeing it and re-discovering Elijah Wood's beauty I became hooked.. And also I like to say how happy you make me, discovering FFNet has practically changed my attitude. So, anyone still reading this ramble? Anyway I would love if you'd spent a minute after reading this through and review me. It would literally make my day, and I could really use it nowadays!

And just for the record I would really much like to receive some ideas, I know there is something itching in your mind, so please locate your ideas and send them to me!

Iawen Londea: Hi, I haven't seen you before. Welcome! It's always so nice to find a new name in the review-box, thank you for stopping by!

Aratlithiel: Oh, you came and read! Thank you! Yeah, I know the warning makes the story a bit obvious. But it's better to be safe than sorry, right?

Aelfigu: Well maybe it isn't as soon as one would intend but at least I'm continuing this.

Iorhael: If I would have a penny for every nice review you've left for me I would be rich! Thank you, dear! I'm also a bit surprised to be touching something about rape myself!

Endymion: Thanks a lot. I'm hoping this story will get a bit more special than the others out there, I don't know if it'll succeed, but I'll give it a try.

QTPie-2488: So, you'll stay tuned? As I've stated above I would really much like to receive some ideas, the writer's block has been really getting to me lately and at that times it's really great to have some ideas from others.

Pippin: Yeah, I know and I think it's time to give Pippin bit fame around here! I'm not really fond of the book-verse Pippin, but I think Billy Boyd has done a great job of capturing his character plus he's funny and charming! And if you're really in the search of a good story I suggest you read Ring Around the Merry by aelfigu. That one features a very confused and abused Pip. (I swear it' s better than I can describe)

Angel: Another name I don't recognize. Welcome!

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The bright light that streamed out from the other side of the door lit up the alley, the light danced upon the walls and in some way the two hobbits found comfort to be surrounded by light in that dark night, because in the dark night were dark things enduring, things that the two hobbits were trying their best to get away from.

"Ye're not children" The man stated with a matter of fact "What are ye, and what do ye want on my property?"

The fright prevented both of the hobbits to speak, both keeping their gaze on the way out of that alley, considering if it was safe to run or to answer the man's questions, though it didn't concern him what they were and what they were doing there. When another high-pitched shriek filled the air, the hobbits flung themselves back against the wall.

"What in the name was that?" The man muttered as he steadied his gaze out into the night without seeing anything that could answer his question he turned his attention back to the hobbits, "I ask ye once more; what are ye?"

Frodo found his courage to speak that time, "We are hobbits.." Frodo trailed off, knowing that the man would not find it a satisfying answer, "We're known as halflings in the men's world"

"Halfings, yes" The man scratched his chin, looking thoughtful "From the Shire, I would believe"

"Yes" Pippin piped in

"Those things out there, do they scare ye?" The man asked as he tried to eye the owner of the shrieks

"We have many reasons to be scared of them.." Frodo trailed off

"Well.." The man looked thoughtful again, "I suppose.."

Both Frodo and Pippin took their time to study that man's features. His hygiene wasn't something that someone neither would nor could congratulate. If he would grow the beard neatly that were now stubbles upon his chin, clean up and wear more venerable clothes, Frodo wouldn't be surprised to see that man amongst royal families.

"I'm awfully lonely, if ye don't mind me saying" That man's voice suddenly burst into their thoughts "I would really much like to share ye' company if ye're looking for a shelter for tonight"

Frodo really longed to run away, but his fear also forced him to say. Like trapped between an axe and wood, he couldn't find the strength to run.

When the cries from the Ringwraiths echoed in the thick air, Frodo found that he was looking at Pippin who stared petrified back, waiting for Frodo's decision whether to take that man upon his offer or to risk the danger of staying outside for the night.

"Tha-Thank you for your kindness" Frodo stuttered, "We'll keep each other company until we are urged to continue our way"

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Pippin savored on the food the man had brought to him, it wasn't something you'd get from your mother's kitchen, but at least it was food and Pippin was starving. While nipping at the last bite of the meat that the man had brought; he listened intensely as the man finished his story

"So, there I was with nothing but calluses in my own hands, all because of my bad luck. Can ye believe it?" The man chuckled

Pippin knew immediately that the half-heartily laugh Frodo had let out was nothing but fake. He couldn't understand why his dear cousin could be so uncomfortable, that man was really nice and couldn't be compared to the Ringwraiths and that damp evening.

The man propped his elbow upon the table and laid his chin into his palm, while staring intensely at Frodo, "So tell me.." The man trailed off

"Forgive all my manners. I haven't introduced myself yet" The man said "I'm Theodore"

"I'm Peregrin Took, known as Pippin by my friends" Pippin broke in, then he motioned to Frodo "And this.." He trailed off when he received that cold glance from Frodo

"Yes" Theodore urged

"No names had been necessary, since we're only gathering for a short while" Frodo said "But since you've already introduced yourself, I think it's appropriate that I should give you my name"

An amount of time passed before Frodo spoke again, "My name is Underhill" he added quietly

"Huff! Don't be so formal, little one" Theodore grinned, "Give me your first name"

"Frodo" Frodo said even quieter than before, he didn't like of giving stranger his real name since he was supposed not to, but all things considered the Ringwraiths only looked for a Baggins, no Frodo was involved.

"Frodo and Pippin" The man muttered, "What an unusual names"

Frodo would have responded with something witty if it weren't for the cries from the Ringwraiths that captured the culture of that city, the cries that petrified Frodo's ability to speak.

The evening revolted into a night and Frodo realized that no sounds had been heard from the black riders since their introduction.

Like having the same mind, Pippin insidiously moved himself closer to Frodo, "You think they're gone?" Pippin asked, without Theodore hearing

"Most likely" Frodo said without taking his eyes off Theodore who was speaking to someone who had just arrived

"We should then be heading off, right?" Pippin asked, "I'm getting worried of Merry and Sam"

"Oh, well. I guess you're right, Pip. After spending hours of eating that man's food and listen to his tales, I think it's time for us to return to our lives" A bitter tone was found in Frodo's voice and Pippin wondered why his cousin spoke in that way.

"I was just being friendly, Frodo" Pippin whispered back, "It's a small courtesy I thought you possessed too, of all people"

"Courtesy? Pippin, it's not that long since you were a child, in a matter of fact I think in many ways you still are, but don't you remember your mother forbidding you to talk to strangers" Frodo asked, that bitter tone still hadn't left his voice

Hurt by his words, Pippin slightly sank into his chair again. Frodo turned his full attention back to Theodore, wondering what was being said

When that man left, Frodo rose himself up, "Well, it's getting late. I think me and my friend should be heading off"

"Is that so?" The man asked as he approached

Like being shot with an arrow, Frodo stumbled back. He didn't like that man at all, "Y-Yes. We have friends out there"

"The streets of Bree can be very dangerous at nighttimes" Theodore stepped forward

"Please, they'll get worried" Frodo pleaded

Pippin stood up, not liking that side of Theodore he was revealing. When Theodore leapt forward, Frodo stumbled back before he would reach him, "Pippin run!"

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AN2: Is anyone sneaking around, without letting me know? Please, tell me what you're thinking! Anyone? And I swear it'll get better!